Oppositionists in Armenia complained to Co-reporter of PACE about investigation of the events of March, 1, 2008

During a meeting between representatives of Armenian National Congress and Co-reporter of PACE John Prescott held on January, 16, the oppositionists complained of an inefficient investigation of the events of March, 1, 2008, in Armenia.

Earlier, the "Caucasian Knot" reported that on the eve of arrival of Co-reporter of PACE in Armenia relatives of the victims of mass disturbances in Yerevan on March, 1, 2008, expressed their dissatisfaction with the process of investigation of mass loss of people on that day. They declared their distrust towards both the investigation and co-reporters of PACE and demanded meeting with Prescott.

During his visit to Armenia John Prescott has already met with the management of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country and representatives of political parties, however there was no information about any plans of his meetings with the victims' relatives.

Meanwhile, Gagik Jangiryan, Head of the Committee of Armenian National Congress for legal issues, ex-Deputy Military prosecutor, informed John Prescott about dissatisfaction with the process of investigation of the events of March, 1, 2008.

He pointed out that "efficiency of investigation of the cases of murder and missile and bullet wounding of a number of persons is at a very low level".

During a meeting with Prescott representatives of "Nasledie" ("Heritage") party also stated inefficiency of investigation on the case of loss of ten persons as a result of the events of March, 1, 2008.

Beside the events of March, 1, representatives of Armenian National Congress and the parliamentary opposition, ARFD and "Nasledie" parties discussed the question of the forthcoming parliamentary election appointed on May, 2012, in Armenia with Prescott.

In particular, Coordinator of ANC Levon Zurabyan suggested John Prescott to render aid in organization of large-scale actions of international observers' missions.

Upon the results of the meeting with the Co-reporter of PACE, Armen Rustamyan, member of Armenian parliamentary delegation in PACE, representative of ARFD, declared that his suggestion of advisability of passing to 100 % proportional system and cancellation of the majoritarian one caused Prescott's displeasure.

According to the Deputy, John Prescott refused to explain his position concerning this suggestion. Rustamyan declared that the Co-reporter "should have specified the existing point of view and done his best in order to raise confidence in the election".