The only way to overcome the difficulties resulted from the resolution on the Activities of Democratic Institutes in Armenia adopted by the PACE, as well as the inner political situation is through open and constructive dialog between the political powers. For this purpose an independent investigation of the March 1 events should be launched and the people who have been “arrested openly because of artificial and political reasons” should be set free, as well as the recent amendment to the law on demonstrations and rallies should be canceled. Otherwise the Armenian delegates may not have a right to vote in the PACE in June. Co-reporter of the report John Prescott has informed the radio Liberty that the PACE delegates will visit Armenia one more time before the June session in order to find out whether there are any improvements in terms of the mentioned issues or no. “In fact, what we are asking arises from the agreement in the memorandum between Armenia and the EU dated 2007. We appreciate the concerns of the president in his inauguration speech, it was a step forward,” said John Prescott. Concerning the essence to develop dialog between the authorities and the government he said, “Everyone in the civic society should participate in that process, it will be the first step. You can’t always say no, no, no. I hope that it is possible to start an investigation, which will be acceptable for anyone and will include all the conditions resulted in suffering and assault. But know one good thing: we are not dictating anything to Armenia. We are just giving our opinion concerning what should be done if you want to continue your way through a more accountable and democratic path which you chose in 2001 by signing the document on joining the EU. Now the Armenian people and the political elite are to decide whether to go forward, recover trust toward the electoral system, and give Armenia an opportunity to continue its way through the chosen democratic path or no.”
