29.11.05

• The United States recognizes the substance of the provisions considered by the
  referendum as potentially strengthening democratic institutions in Armenia.



• We share the regret of the Council of Europe, whose observers called into
  serious question the voter turnout figures for the referendum reported by the
  Armenian government. *
• We also regret that the Government of Armenia chose not to invite observers from
  the OSCE´s Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, who could have
  given greater credibility to the results of the voting.
• We call on the Government of Armenia to investigate Council of Europe observer
  reports of serious abuses and fraud.
• It is clear that there is room for improvement in the voting process between now
  and the 2007-2008 parliamentary and presidential elections.
• We are working closely with the Government of Armenia, political parties, and
  with civil society to implement a package of democracy-building measures aimed
  at helping Armenia achieve free and fair elections in 2007-2008.

* Specifically, the Armenian Central Election Commission reported voter turnout
figures for the referendum.