The European Union is deeply concerned about the situation in the Republic of Armenia
after the presidential elections. The EU condemns the acts of violence committed during
the events of 1 March, which resulted in the loss of life and numerous injuries.
The EU calls upon the Armenian authorities to release any citizens detained for exercising
their right to peaceful assembly and to lift the state of emergency, which imposes
restrictions on media freedom, the freedom to assembly, and on political parties.
The EU recommends Armenia to conduct an independent investigation of the events of 1
March and what led to them.
The EU urges all political forces to refrain from unlawful acts and reengage in political
dialogue as it is the only way forward. The constructive dialogue between authorities and
the opposition is very important for the consolidation of peace and stability in the country.
The Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential
candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia, and the EFTA
countries Iceland and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as
Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.
* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the
Stabilisation and Association Process.