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SOCIOLOGIST CALLS ON U.S. AMBASSADOR TO APOLOGIZE
PanARMENIAN.Net
April 4, 2012 - 14:17 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Head of Sociometer sociological center Aharon
Adibekyan slammed the statement of U.S. ambassador to Armenia John
Heffern urging the latter to apologize to the Armenian people for
his words referring to the elections.
Earlier Heffern declared that a survey by National Democratic
Institute (NDI) indicated that only 12% of Armenian citizens believe
the parliamentary voting will be held fairly, and voiced surprise
as to how people with such attitude to elections can participate in
the voting.
Adibekyan cited Sociometer's survey showing that only 29.9 per cent
of respondents believe the elections will see serious violations
affecting the outcome, while another 27.3% think there will be minor
violations that will have no influence on the elections.
Meanwhile, 40% of those 70% who will definitely vote say there will
be grave breaches.
According to the sociologist, only 10.6% of respondents were ready to
"sell" their votes.
Adibekyan reminded the U.S. diplomat that it was the democratic U.S.
that faced the Watergate case and scandal during 2010 presidential
race between George W. Bush and Albert Gore.
"Mr. Heffern has nothing to worry about; the elections will take place
because the people know why they go for voting and what they expect.
Meanwhile, we expect Mr. Heffern to apologize for insulting the
Armenian people, or punish those who misinformed him," Adibekyan
declared.
The sociologist also voiced discontent over the work of his foreign
colleagues in Armenia, particularly the Gallup Institute and NDI.
"I feel hurt for the Armenian people. I've always argued with my
customers. People come to Armenia considering it to be some African
country, and introduce their own methodology," he stated.
From: A. Papazian
PanARMENIAN.Net
April 4, 2012 - 14:17 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Head of Sociometer sociological center Aharon
Adibekyan slammed the statement of U.S. ambassador to Armenia John
Heffern urging the latter to apologize to the Armenian people for
his words referring to the elections.
Earlier Heffern declared that a survey by National Democratic
Institute (NDI) indicated that only 12% of Armenian citizens believe
the parliamentary voting will be held fairly, and voiced surprise
as to how people with such attitude to elections can participate in
the voting.
Adibekyan cited Sociometer's survey showing that only 29.9 per cent
of respondents believe the elections will see serious violations
affecting the outcome, while another 27.3% think there will be minor
violations that will have no influence on the elections.
Meanwhile, 40% of those 70% who will definitely vote say there will
be grave breaches.
According to the sociologist, only 10.6% of respondents were ready to
"sell" their votes.
Adibekyan reminded the U.S. diplomat that it was the democratic U.S.
that faced the Watergate case and scandal during 2010 presidential
race between George W. Bush and Albert Gore.
"Mr. Heffern has nothing to worry about; the elections will take place
because the people know why they go for voting and what they expect.
Meanwhile, we expect Mr. Heffern to apologize for insulting the
Armenian people, or punish those who misinformed him," Adibekyan
declared.
The sociologist also voiced discontent over the work of his foreign
colleagues in Armenia, particularly the Gallup Institute and NDI.
"I feel hurt for the Armenian people. I've always argued with my
customers. People come to Armenia considering it to be some African
country, and introduce their own methodology," he stated.
From: A. Papazian