Artificial democracy is more dangerous than no democracy at allJune 9, 2009 - 21:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "Civiliatas" foundation has today organized a discussion devoted to electoral rights in Armenia. The meeting was attended by representatives of political forces and civil society organizations. In his opening speech, foundation chair, ex-Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan stressed the serious need for raising public awareness of the causes that prevent conducting free elections in Armenia".Oskanyan distinguished three basic principles creating more problems for the country and preventing citizens from exercising their right to vote freely. "First, it is necessary to have a developed electoral institution, contributing to the country's prosperity." The second requirement, according to ex-Foreign Minister, is developed democracy. "Artificial democracy is more dangerous than no democracy at all," he stressed. As a third requirement for free and fair elections, Osakanyan pointed out the need for mutual responsibility between authorities and opposition. "Authorities are required to be more patient and undertake steps towards organizing free elections in Armenia," Foundation Chairman said at the end of the meeting. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Concept to complete Yerevan Cascade discussed at city hall A conceptual proposal to complete the Cascade complex in downtown Yerevan has been presented by Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Pashinyan visits flood-hit region Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Saturday, June 8 visited the disaster area in the Lori province. €3.5 mln EU grant to support justice reforms in Armenia The European Union has paid €3.5 mln grant to Armenia within a €11mln program on Support to Justice Reforms. Yerevan reacts to Baku’s proposal to see Minsk Group abolition Alen Simonyan has declared that Armenia is taking steps aimed at concluding a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. |