tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4331396433182434044.post8312048259861125772..comments2023-09-24T12:47:57.051+01:00Comments on Unzipped: PACE: Extended deadline for Armenian authorities - January 2009artmikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207317653711435445noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4331396433182434044.post-66886673059525302402008-06-26T11:52:00.000+01:002008-06-26T11:52:00.000+01:00*UPDATE (26 June 2008): Final version of PACE reso...<STRONG>*UPDATE (26 June 2008)</STRONG>: <A HREF="http://assembly.coe.int/Main.asp?link=/Documents/AdoptedText/ta08/ERES1620.htm" REL="nofollow">Final version of PACE resolution</A> has been substantially toned down, under the influence of Armenian parliamentarians.<BR/><BR/>There are speculations that this is a result of some kind of behind the scenes deal between John Prescott, Council of Europe and Armenian authorities, to ensure Serj Sargsyan's administration compliance with the Resolution, while avoiding strongly worded open statements. The other possibility is that this is a consequence of John Prescott's continuing disastrous role as PACE rapporteur on the Armenian elections, in a new format. This guy should be kept away from anything related to democracy, human rights, as far as possible. If you doubt, ask anyone from the UK...<BR/><BR/>In a separate but related development, Raffi Hovhannisyan of the opposition Heritage party - the only opposition MP from Armenia in PACE - refused to participated in further PACE sessions until Armenia gets back into European track of development and comply with its obligations in terms of democracy and human rights. This move was strongly criticised by... yes, John Prescott.artmikahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11207317653711435445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4331396433182434044.post-18105294741848145242008-06-24T17:42:00.000+01:002008-06-24T17:42:00.000+01:00It does sound plausible, Onnik. I forgot re Azerba...It does sound plausible, Onnik. I forgot re Azerbaijani factor in terms of timing for presidential election. So, yes, it is possible that they did choose that time frame to maintain parity, which is getting on my nerve, to be honest (this constant parity game), but that's the reality...artmikahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11207317653711435445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4331396433182434044.post-8883176923987906662008-06-24T17:34:00.000+01:002008-06-24T17:34:00.000+01:00This was expected, and there is one main reason be...This was expected, and there is one main reason being given here among those who did anticipate it. <BR/><BR/>That is, CE usually assesses both Armenia and Azerbaijan together to maintain some parity in their criticism of them and so on. <BR/><BR/>So, some were expecting Armenia's case to instead be decided at the same time as Azerbaijan after it holds its presidential election in October.<BR/><BR/>I suppose some might also say that CE is rather toothless anyway, but the reason above sounds the most likely and plausible.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com