On 22 April, the Spokesperson of the EU High representative Federica Mogherini issued a statement on recent developments in Armenia, following public demonstrations that started in the capital Yerevan and other cities after the country’s elections.
“The right to exercise freedom of assembly in a peaceful manner and in accordance with the law is a universal and fundamental right of all,” said the EU.
“The European Union expects the Armenian authorities to fully respect this right and to apply the law in a fair and proportionate manner, in accordance with Armenia’s international obligations, including in particular under the European Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms,” the EU spokesperson added. “All those who have been detained while exercising their fundamental right of assembly in accordance with the law must be released immediately.”
The EU reiterated that it is of utmost importance that all parties involved show restraint and act responsibly. “An inclusive dialogue, as President Armen Sarkissian has called for, aimed at an immediate and peaceful resolution of the current situation is essential. It is therefore disappointing and worrying that today’s short meeting between Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan and MP Nikol Pashinyan did not prevent further escalation,” the statement concluded.