Armenia: 1 March Independent Inquiry

RFE/RL reports that Armenian Preisdent Serge Sargsyan has signed a decree on the formation of a fact-finding group to examine the circumstances surrounding the 1 March post-election clashes in central Yerevan which left at least 10 people dead. Assuming that the group is formed, the news sounds very promising as its members are equally balanced between pro-government and pro-opposition parties.

President Serzh Sarkisian paved the way on Thursday for the launch of an independent inquiry into the deadly post-election unrest in Yerevan, forming an investigative body in which Armenia’s main pro-government and opposition forces will have equal representation.

[…]

Under an executive order signed by Sarkisian, the opposition Armenian National Congress led by Levon Ter-Petrosian and the Zharangutyun party of Raffi Hovannisian will each name one members of the group. Two other members will be nominated by Armenia’s governing coalition loyal to the president. The remaining fifth member will represent the state human rights ombudsman, Armen Harutiunian.

Bloggers such as Unzipped had speculated that the recent decision by the first president, Levon Ter-Petrossian, to halt demonstrations and rallies might have been part of some deal between the opposition and government. Regardless, the blogger is encouraged by the decision.

This is the most important decision to come out from the presidential office in Armenia in the aftermath of 1 March events. First real step from the authorities to alleviate internal political crisis. First real step made by the Armenian authorities to meet Council of Europe demands, ahead of crucial visit of Commissioner for Human Rights Hammarberg towards the end of the year. First real step by the authorities following Ter-Petrosyan lead opposition announcement that they are calling off street protests in Yerevan. […]

Photo: Mourner, 1 March Vigil held on Sargsyan’s 9 April Inauguration, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia © Onnik Krikorian / Oneworld Multimedia 2008