OSCE: amnesty to open new chapter in dialogue with opposition in Armenia May 28, 2011 - 15:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - 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.” 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 | Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia. Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar. ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event. Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. |