The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis, commended the decision by the authorities of Armenia to release through an amnesty the remaining imprisoned participants of March 2008 demonstrations following the presidential election.

“I sincerely welcome this decision which will open a new chapter in dialogue with the opposition, and congratulate the country’s authorities on this step,” Ažubalis said.

“Successive OSCE Chairpersons, as well as our international partners, have relentlessly urged Armenian authorities to release these prisoners as a political goodwill gesture,” he said, adding that he had raised the issue with the President and Foreign Minister of Armenia during his visit to the country in March this year.

“Freedom of assembly and expression are key commitments all OSCE participating States have undertaken and this is our hope that the authorities will continue upholding these commitments at all times, and that upcoming parliamentary elections will take place in accordance with international standards. The OSCE, its institutions and OSCE Office in Yerevan stand ready to assist the country in ensuring this.”