A group of ambassadors accredited in Armenia have issued a statement ahead of snap parliamentary elections in the country on Sunday, June 20, urging all participants "to ensure that the high overall standard set in the previous elections of 2018 is met or exceeded."
"Towards this end, we have continued to provide technical support to the Central Electoral Commission and other relevant entities to help promote a credible election process that is undertaken in a transparent and professional manner," the statement said.
"We encourage all parties to contribute to a respectful and peaceful environment conducive to the free expression of voters’ rights throughout this important step for the future of the country. We remain committed partners in support of peace and prosperity for all in Armenia."
Statement made on behalf of the following (in alphabetical order):
Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin, Delegation of the European Union to Armenia
Ambassador John Gallagher, Embassy of the United Kingdom in Armenia
Ambassador Lynne Tracy, Embassy of the United States of America in Armenia
Ambassador Masanori Fukushima, Embassy of Japan in Armenia
Ambassador Dr. Michael Banzhaf, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Armenia
Ambassador Nico Schermers, Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in Armenia
Ambassador Patrik Svensson, Embassy of Sweden in Armenia
Mr. Shombi Sharp, Resident Coordinator, United Nations in Armenia
Ambassador Stefano Lazzarotto, Embassy of Switzerland in Armenia
Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on March 18 that Armenia will hold snap parliamentary elections on June 20. The PM came under fire after signing a statement with the Russian and Azerbaijani Presidents to end the war in Nagorno-Karabakh almost 45 days after the start of the military hostilities. Under the deal, the Armenian side was forced to return all the seven regions surrounding Karabakh, having lost a part of Karabakh itself in hostilities.