As delivered by DCM Gary Robbins to the Permanent Council,
Vienna, February 7, 2013
The United States condemns the shooting of Armenian presidential candidate Paruyr Hayrikyan on January 31. We are pleased to learn, however, that he is responding well to treatment and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.
The government of Armenia also has condemned the attack and promised a full investigation.
Mr. Hayrikyan had the possibility to ask for a fifteen day postponement of the election, which he declined to pursue. We will follow the details of the case as it develops, and we encourage Armenia to continue to build an electoral environment conducive to peaceful, transparent, fair, and democratic elections which meet international standards.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
