EU Delegation head VS Armenian authoritiesControversy in quotations During a conference titled “Electoral Developments in Armenia: Lessons Learned and Steps Ahead” held in Yerevan on June 15, 2017, the head of the European Union Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Switalski, announced that the recent parliamentary elections “were not perfect.” June 17, 2017 PanARMENIAN.Net - The reaction of the Armenian authorities was rather tough. PAN presents this ‘conflict’ in quotations.
Piotr Switalski, EU Delegation head We are aware of cases of vote buying, threats and voting guidance. There was even a photograph of doctors at a medical institution voting in place of patients. They may be minor phenomena but they have an impact. I appreciate the work of the CEC but it needs to enjoy a great deal of public trust. The elections were generally fair inside the polling stations. But they also demonstrated that the Electoral Code needs to undergo further improvement.
Tigran Mukuchyan, head of the Armenian Central Election Committee When presenting viewpoints, honesty and sincerity are important. There is no need to dramatize and point out the failures that made only 1% of the general vote. This is an exaggerated reaction. No one says we mustn’t criticize and lay finger on flaws, but these elections were definitely a step forward.
Davit Harutyunian, Minister of Justice I believe it was an attempt to meddle with our domestic affairs, which is inadmissible. As regards the electoral system, I think that experts of the relevant field but not ambassadors should express viewpoints on the issue.
Eduard Sharmazanov, Republican Party spokesman, National Assembly deputy speaker I think that instead of speaking out about home policy issues, Piotr Switalski had better point out the positive trends, the course of reforms and the progress registered in the Armenian electoral system that contributed to the development of democracy. I will offer no more comments. Kristine Kyurklyan / PanARMENIAN.Net Most popular in the section Who is who in the web of so many Sargsyans Split of opposition votes There will be no ideal solution Everything you need to know More articles in this section Main arguments of Armenia’s first President Next Karabakh proposals will be even worse Bizarre election promises Church taxation and restoration of monasteries in Western Armenia From concessions to reunion Karabakh issue in election campaign | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Azerbaijan must respect human rights, Scholz tells Aliyev German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for greater respect for human rights in Azerbaijan. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. |