European Liberal Democrat and Reform Partyurges the Armenian authorities to release all political prisoners

The chairman of the Armenian National Congress Board Aram Manukyan is in Helsinki participating in a congress of the European liberal parties.

According to Aram Manukyan, the congress participants adopted a resolution demanding immediate release of Armenia’s political prisoners.

Below is the resolution adopted by the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party:

• having regard to Armenia’s membership of the Council of Europe,

• having regard on the situation in Armenia during and after the 2008 elections,

• having regard to all relevant resolutions by the Council of Europe on Armenia;

A. reaffirming that the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are basic values of the Council of Europe and are crucial for our stability and prosperity;

B. Reaffirming that keeping people in prison for political reasons and denying them the right to due process of law are contrary to the obligations of Council of Europe member states;

C. reaffirming that the existence of political prisoners in Armenia is an established fact reflected in numerous international documents, reports and statements;
the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party

1. Condemns the continuing detention of political prisoners by the Armenian authorities, despite numerous requests and demands;

2. Urges the Armenian authorities to release immediately all political prisoners and to bring to an end the practice of persecutions of political opponents.

Armenian News