11:53, 4 March 2008

Council of Europe demands from Armenian authorities to investigate the disorders in Yerevan

The Council of Europe is highly concerned with mass disorders in Armenia and calls on the authorities to investigate the deaths of people at night on March 2. This is the topic of the statement made by Terry Davis, Secretary General of Council of Europe.

"I'm highly concerned with the latest developments in Yerevan and introduction of the state of emergency. I'm shocked by the news about 8 casualties and I call the authorities to investigate all the death cases and legitimacy of application of force by law enforcement bodies. It is obvious that the investigation should target the search of criminals, not the prosecution of political opponents," Mr Davis' statement runs.

"I hope that the state of emergency will be soon lifted. In the meantime, I call the authorities to reconsider the grounds for introduced restrictions, especially in the sphere of mass media, political parties and NGOs. These restrictions are hurdles on the road to political dialogue - the only way out of the situation," Terry Davis is sure.