From: Justin Burke (JBurke@sorosny.org)
Date: Fri Apr 04 2003 - 08:43:12 EST
Armenian CEC pledges to reduce violations in parliamentary poll
Text of report by Armenian Public TV on 2 April
[Presenter] The Armenian Central Electoral Commission [CEC] has begun
preparations for the forthcoming parliamentary elections and has pledged
to reduce violations.
[Correspondent] Having discussed the report on the Armenian presidential
elections, the PACE summit [the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of
Europe] expressed the hope that Armenia would take into consideration
irregularities and violations committed earlier and that there would be
no violations during the forthcoming parliamentary elections.
[CEC Chairman Artak Sagradyan, captioned] The Armenian presidential
elections are deemed valid. The elections were held in line with the
democratic standards of a country living through the transitional stage.
I cannot say that the elections were truly democratic or ideal.
Naturally you cannot yet expect that from us as the government of
Armenia is only making its first steps on the path of democracy.
[Correspondent] After the presidential elections, the CEC studied not
only the irregularities but also the observers missions'
recommendations. The chairman of the CEC expressed the hope that there
would be no violations during the forthcoming parliamentary elections.
[Artak Sagradyan] The CEC has made a few changes according to the
requirements of the electoral code in organizing the parliamentary
elections. We hope there will be no make any mistakes in the
parliamentary elections.
[Correspondent] The CEC held negotiations with international
organizations more than a year ago on providing the electoral system
with technical equipment. The necessary equipment has already been sent
to 56 polling stations.
Source: Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan, in Armenian 1600 gmt 2
Apr 03
BBC Mon TCU 030403 gc/lg
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