U.S. condemns violence against Armenian presidential candidate![]() February 2, 2013 - 11:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States condemns the violence against Armenian presidential candidate Paruyr Hayrikyan, who was wounded in Yerevan on Jan 31 night. “We understand that Paruyr Hayrikyan is in stable condition now after being shot by an unknown gunman and that the Armenian police have promised a full investigation,” U.S. State department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told a daily briefing. “We understand that there are some reports now that there may be some postponement of the elections which were scheduled to take place on February 18 under constitutional provisions if he’s unable to campaign. We obviously call on Armenians to settle this constitutionally in a way that ensures that these elections go forward in a way that is free and fair and protects the rights of all candidates,” she said. The foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bayramov, have arrived in Washington. The CSTO budget for the current year requires adjustments due to the refusal of Yerevan to pay their share of contributions. Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Partner news |