OSCE Chairman calls for dialogue and co-operation following Armenian elections

YEREVAN, 26 February 2008 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva, called today on all sides in Armenia to engage in dialogue to resolve the tension that surfaced following the 19 February presidential election.

In meetings with Armenian officials in Yerevan, the Chairman said the OSCE was ready to continue helping the country as it attempts to consolidate its democracy and address the existing shortcomings. The Organization observed the presidential election, and a core team remains in the country to observe post-election procedures, including the complaints resolution process.

"We are glad to support Armenia as it further improves election procedures and legislation. Concrete recommendations on how to do this will be included in the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights' comprehensive, final report from the 19 February elections," he said.

"I urge you to view the report as a roadmap to democratic progress."

The Minister noted the demonstrations held by the opposition for several days following the election. "I trust that the authorities will continue to respect the right of citizens to assemble freely and ensure that public gatherings can take place without hindrance," he said.

Though such demonstrations are part of any vibrant democracy, political progress can only come through negotiations that involve all sides, the Chairman said.

"Dialogue and co-operation are the hallmarks of the OSCE, and I call on you to use these effective tools to resolve the challenges facing Armenia," he said.

He also called on Armenian leaders to show courage and statesmanship in the political negotiations that aim to create progress in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement, noting that the OSCE would support the results of the negotiations reached between the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"A peace agreement would be a milestone, but in addition, the populations on both sides must be prepared for peace through promotion of friendly and normal contacts across community lines," he said. "The OSCE is ready to assist both sides in these efforts."

The Minister's agenda included meetings with officials including outgoing President Robert Kocharian, outgoing Prime Minister and President-elect Serge Sargsyan, Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan, Ombudsman Armen Harutiunian and representatives of political parties. He was set to meet Bako Sahakyan, the leader of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Chairman and his delegation, which includes OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Goran Lennmarker, will visit Georgia on Wednesday and Azerbaijan on Thursday.