Protest Rally In Washington, DC

Over 10,000 Signed Petitions Presented To State Department

Paul Wohlers, U.S. State Department Director of the Office
of Caucus affairs and Regional conflicts,
Christian Wright, State Department Armenia desk officer
and Dr Harry Sarafian

Tuesday March 11, 2008 – Today, a delegation headed by Dr. Harry Sarafian, representing the Coalition for a Democratic Armenia and Sevak Khatchadorian, of the Armenian Council of America met with Paul Wohlers, U.S. State Department Director of the Office of Caucus affairs and Regional conflicts, and Christian Wright, State Department Armenia desk officer.

The primary topic of discussion was the Armenian-American community’s concern with the ongoing political crisis in Armenia, following the presidential elections in Armenia and the ensuing violence and the political persecution of peaceful protesters exercising their constitutional rights to demonstrate against the fraudulent presidential elections.
Both sides agreed that the democratic process, rule of law, and freedom of speech must be respected in Armenia. The Armenian American delegation urged the State department to remain steadfast and pursue the matter with the Armenian authorities until tangible and specific results are achieved.

Mr. Sarafian handed the State department officials a petition signed by more than ten thousand Armenian Americans urging the United States to demand the following from the government of Armenia:
1. Immediately lift the state of emergency and restore the constitutional rights of the citizens.
2. Remove the army and allow citizens their freedom of movement, freedom of expression, and freedom to assemble.
3. Cease the political witch hunt and release all political prisoners.
4. Annul the results of the illegitimate presidential election and call for new and transparent democratic elections.
The representatives of the State Department stated that they valued the opinion of the Armenian American community, and informed that since the events of March 1st, they have been inundated by messages and telephone calls from Armenian Americans expressing their concern regarding the current situation.

The meeting with the State Department was preceded by Armenian-Americans from across the United States converging onto Washington D.C. on Monday to protest in front of the Embassy of Armenia against the Armenian government’s blatant disregard to human rights and freedom of expression. Prior to the State Department meeting, the delegation visited several members of the US Congress to convey to them the concerns of the Armenian community regarding the current situation in Armenia.