OSCE Chairperson in Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Azubalis commended the amnesty in Armenia under which the imprisoned participants of May 1, 2008 demonstration were released.

“I sincerely welcome this decision which will open a new chapter in dialogue with the opposition, and congratulate the country’s authorities on this step,” Azubalis said.

According to Azubalis, OSCE has relentlessly urged Armenian authorities to release these prisoners as a political goodwill gesture. He added that he had raised the issue with the President and Foreign Minister of Armenia during his visit to the country in March this year.

“Freedom of assembly and expression are key commitments all OSCE participating States have undertaken and this is our hope that the authorities will continue upholding these commitments at all times, and that upcoming parliamentary elections will take place in accordance with international standards. The OSCE, its institutions and OSCE Office in Yerevan stand ready to assist the country in ensuring this,” said Azubalis.

Parliamentary elections in Armenia are scheduled for April 2012. Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s decision to hold an amnesty on the occasion of 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence was approved by Armenian Parliament. Editor in chief of Armenian Times newspaper Nikol Pashinyan and former MP Sasun Mikaelyan convicted in connection with the March 1 events will be released. Overall the amnesty will affect 496 convicts.