Karen Avagyan: Americans say the same thing as Republicans in Armenia (video)
Republican lawmaker Sukias Avetisyan says the US Embassy in Armenia ‘gave a wrong assessment’ to the results of the December 6 constitutional referendum in Armenia. The Embassy said in particular that individuals who directly interfered in the integrity of the December 6 electoral process can face problems in participating in Embassy programs or activities. “The relevant authorities are conducting an investigation and if the investigation reveals that these people have been implicated in electoral fraud, they will be punished under Armenian legislation,” Sukias Avetisyan said. “It is not serious to deprive these people of visas or threaten them with personal sanctions,” the lawmaker added. “It is wonderful,” says Republican Karen Avagyan. “Americans say the same thing as the Republicans in Armenia, i.e. to investigate credible allegations related to the referendum. “It is great that their statement coincides with our desires.” The lawmaker says the investigation is to be carried out by Armenian investigators. It is up to Americas to decide on their future steps. “Who is to determine the so-called election forgers?” However, he advises Americans not to hurry with their conclusions, our law enforcement agencies have not said their final word, and no one's guilt is proven yet. “There is the so-called presumption of innocence,” he added. Gagik Melikyan, Secretary of the Republican Party faction, has seen ‘good lines’ in the statement. “They [Americans] welcome the public commitment of Armenian government officials to fully report and investigate credible allegations,” he said. Anyway, he admits that the Embassy made a harsh statement. “Generally, it can be viewed as part of the policy adopted by the United States in recent years not only towards Armenia but other countries as well. I observe certain changes in their assessments. In recent years, they have been implementing similar policies in different countries,” he said. “Do you mean the countries that are members of the Eurasian Economic Union?” “Yes, I think so,” said the Republican lawmaker. Gagik Melikyan is not worried about the statement so much. "We shall not have a problem with the Americans, anyway,” he said.
