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Press release - Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis on t

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  • Press release - Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis on t

    Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis on the
    declaration of the state of emergency in Yerevan

    Strasbourg, 2 March 2008, "I am very concerned about the latest
    developments in Yerevan and the declaration of the state of
    emergency. I am shocked to learn that at least 8 people have been
    killed, and I call on the authorities to investigate all these
    deaths and the allegations of excessive use of force. Obviously,
    the investigations should focus on finding the perpetrators of crimes
    and should not be used to harass political opponents.

    Both the authorities and the opposition should do everything they
    can to prevent any further violence.

    I hope that the state of emergency will be lifted very soon.

    Meanwhile, I call on the authorities to review the justification for
    the restrictions imposed - especially on media, political parties and
    non-governmental organisations. These restrictions are an obstacle
    to political dialogue, which is the only way to find a political
    solution to the present situation.

    The state of emergency suspends the application of several rights and
    freedoms protected by the European Convention on Human Rights. Under
    Article 15 of the Convention the Armenian Government must inform me
    of the measures which it has taken and the reasons therefor. I expect
    that they will do so without any delay."

    Press Release
    Council of Europe Press Division
    Ref: 147a08
    Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 25 60
    Fax:+33 (0)3 88 41 39 11
    [email protected]
    internet: www.coe.int/press
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