Epress.am News from Armenia
Armenia's National Assembly today rejected the proposal to establish an ad-hoc commission to investigate the events of March 1, 2008. Sixty-six MPs voted against the proposal; 46, in favor; and 1 abstained.
The draft law was supported by the four non-ruling parties: Armenian National Congress, Prosperous Armenia Party, Armenian Revolutionary Federation, and the Heritage Party.
Recall that mass protests against alleged electoral fraud, organized by supporters of unsuccessful presidential candidate Levon Ter-Petrossian, followed the presidential election of Feb. 19, 2008, in Armenia. On Mar. 1, 2008, national police and military forces, called in to disperse the crowds, used "excessive force and violence" which left 10 people dead, many wounded, and resulted in the arrests of hundreds of opposition members. No one has been identified or held accountable for these crimes.
Before the vote, Prosperous Armenia Party secretary Naira Zohrabyan said all those who would like to see the circumstances of the deaths of the 10 victims disclosed should vote for the proposal.
Head of the Republican Party of Armenia faction Galust Sahakyan, in turn, said the ruling coalition will vote against the proposal because the experience of similar previous commissions has shown the format is not effective. He said the ruling majority is against "creating a political show" with the commission.
Head of the Armenian National Congress faction Levon Zurabyan said the previous commission has no relation to this issue. According to him, this commission was to study what attempts law enforcement bodies made to obstruct justice. He said that those voting against establishing the commission take the responsibility for the obstruction of justice and spilled blood.