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On 15-17 January 2009 special co-reporters of the Monitoring Committee of Council of Europe Georges Colombier and John Prescotte visited Armenia. They held meetings with representatives of the Armenian authorities only.

In aftermath of the visit they presented their conclusions on the implementation of the PACE Resolutions 1609 and 1620 related to the events of 1st and 2nd March 2008 at the monitoring committee session on 26 January 2009. As a result the monitoring committee preliminary conclusion as of 22 December 2008 was amended to exclude application of sanctions against Armenia.

We hereby declare that neither requirement of the PACE Resolutions 1609 and 1620 has been ever met by the authorities of Armenia:

• Neither case of 10 victims has been disclosed up to day; moreover the relatives of 3 persons killed as a result of special means used by the police, are represented as victims in the criminal case brought against seven prominent oppositional leaders (the so called “Case of 7”).

• Illegal court proceedings are still going on, in particular, the trial of Smbat Ayvazyan is held without the presence of the latter (in absentia)

• Cases of torture and ill-treatment against political prisoners are not investigated.

• Journalists carrying out media coverage of the court proceedings are still subjected to abuses.

• Citizens participating at public events are also being abused.

• Persons whose conviction is based solely on police evidence are still in jail.

• Persons who are witnesses in criminal cases against oppositional supporters are also criminally prosecuted.

• Pressure is exerted on political prisoners so they apply for amnesty. Those who were granted amnesty are mainly not members of the opposition.

• Pressure is exerted on persons having difference views. People are being fired, the businesses are being stopped.

• Legislative amendments have been specially brought in order to exclude the A1+ TV company to regain broadcast, even after the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights.

• National Radio and TV Station is still unavailable and closed for oppositional leaders.

The above-mentioned facts voice concerns that the authorities of Armenia do not fulfill the requirements of the PACE Resolutions 1606 and 1620. They do not show good will in order to carry out truely democratic reforms.

Against this background non-imposition of sanctions against the Republic of Armenia is considered as inactivity on part of the Council of Europe – a step back from the principles of democracy and human rights proclaimed by it.

We address to all those PACE deputies who do not accept democracy and human right as just words, not to commit themselves to the one-sided evaluation of John Prescott and Georges Colombier and to leave in force the Monitoring Committee document adopted on 22 December 2008, which envisaged to deprive the Armenian delegation of its right to vote.

Preservation of the Council of Europe image as a body upholding the principles of democracy and human rights depends on you.

Helsinki Association

Helsinki Citizens Assembly Vanadzor