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BRITAIN CRITICAL OF ARMENIAN VOTE
United Press International UPI
Feb 22 2013
LONDON, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- The British government said Friday it was
lending its voice to the growing chorus expressing concern about the
outcome of Armenian presidential elections.
Supporters of former Foreign Minister Raffi Hovannisian rallied in his
support in Yerevan after preliminary totals showed incumbent President
Serzh Sargsyan won the majority of the vote in Monday's election.
Karin Woldseth, head of a European observer mission, said that while
there was clear evidence of a successful vote, public trust was eroded
because of alleged interference in favor of the incumbent.
British Minister for Europe David Lidington echoed those sentiments,
saying the campaign was free and open and most Armenians took advantage
of their right to vote.
"I welcome the International Election Observation Mission's preliminary
report which concluded that the elections were characterized by a
'respect for fundamental freedoms' but also noted deficiencies in
election administration and instances of political interference,"
he said in a statement.
Hovannisian met this week with Sargsyan, saying he'd discuss the
outcome of that meeting during weekend rallies.
The U.S. and European governments expressed concern about political
interference in statements this week.
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2013/02/22/Britain-critical-of-Armenian-vote/UPI-51181361556913/
From: Baghdasarian
United Press International UPI
Feb 22 2013
LONDON, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- The British government said Friday it was
lending its voice to the growing chorus expressing concern about the
outcome of Armenian presidential elections.
Supporters of former Foreign Minister Raffi Hovannisian rallied in his
support in Yerevan after preliminary totals showed incumbent President
Serzh Sargsyan won the majority of the vote in Monday's election.
Karin Woldseth, head of a European observer mission, said that while
there was clear evidence of a successful vote, public trust was eroded
because of alleged interference in favor of the incumbent.
British Minister for Europe David Lidington echoed those sentiments,
saying the campaign was free and open and most Armenians took advantage
of their right to vote.
"I welcome the International Election Observation Mission's preliminary
report which concluded that the elections were characterized by a
'respect for fundamental freedoms' but also noted deficiencies in
election administration and instances of political interference,"
he said in a statement.
Hovannisian met this week with Sargsyan, saying he'd discuss the
outcome of that meeting during weekend rallies.
The U.S. and European governments expressed concern about political
interference in statements this week.
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2013/02/22/Britain-critical-of-Armenian-vote/UPI-51181361556913/
From: Baghdasarian