In the aftermath of the post-election violence in Armenia, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg is starting on Wednesday 12 March a three-day visit in Yerevan to meet with the highest national authorities in order to favour an effective protection of fundamental human rights.
During his visit, the Commissioner will meet, among others, President Robert Kocharyan, Prime Minister and President-elect Serghz Sargsyan, former President and candidate Levon Ter-Petrossyan, Parliament Speaker Tigran Torosyan, the Chairman of the Constitutional Court, the Human Rights Defender Mr Armen Harutyunyan, as well as representatives of international organisations, diplomats and representatives of civil society.
Commissioner Hammarberg will also visit prisons, police stations and hospitals to meet people affected by the events.
"I am concerned about the human rights situation in Armenia and the consequences of the declaration of the state of emergency" said Mr Hammarberg. "It is urgent to restore a situation where the activities of the media, political parties and non-governmental organisations are not hindered".