WALTER SCHWIMMER WARNS ARMENIA
Having expressed his resolute protest against use of force by policemen against demonstrators demanding the resignation of president Robert Kocharyan, mass arrests including parliament members and journalists Secretary General said “If media were free we would get more detailed information on the situation”
Secretary general mentioned the PACE Administrative Code regarding the violence and arrests and urged not to make way for such actions.
COE Secretary General and member-states condemned actions against democracy in Armenia. Walter Schwimmer said that in democratic conditions people might freely gather and express their ideas even criticizing the government and president. Having urged the Armenian leadership to observe European Convention on Human Rights Mr. Schwimmer stated that Armenia missed the precious time to implement reforms.
In conclusion, secretary general urged all the political forces to give up violence and begin dialogue to realize democratic reforms.
