Head of OSCE Office welcomes release of some Armenian opposition members

YEREVAN, 4 June 2004 - The Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, today welcomed the release from custody of two members of the opposition Republic party, Aramazd Zakaryan and Jora Sapeyan, and the withdrawal of charges against them. He also welcomed the news that a board member of the Republic party, Suren Surenyants, has been released from custody, although he must not leave the country pending investigation.

"We believe this step will facilitate political dialogue between the opposition and the ruling coalition and will contribute to stability in the country," Ambassador Pryakhin said in an interview with Radio Liberty.

"At the same time, we note with concern that not all cases of those detained in connection with the recent demonstrations were reviewed."

With regard to a recent decision of the Yerevan Mayor's Office to prohibit rallies by opposition parties on 4 June, Ambassador Pryakhin said:

"We regret that the right of people to free assembly and expression of their political views was restricted. We urge the authorities to apply the new law on Conduct of Public Gatherings, Rallies, Demonstrations and Marches in a proportionate and justified manner and make efforts to further improve this essential piece of legislation."

He stressed that the OSCE Office will continue to closely monitor the political developments in Armenia and to support the country in the process of democratization. He emphasized in particular the need for electoral and constitutional reform.