YEREVAN. – Zhoghovurd newspaper of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes: "We urge the Armenian authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms—in particular, by allowing all citizens to express their views peacefully, and for journalists to carry out their work without interference," the US embassy in RA said in response to a written inquiry by Zhoghovurd daily.

(…), in response to the questions, we have received a letter from the embassy, which we present below.

"Peaceful protests are one of the elements of an open political system. We fully support the exercising of the right to freedom of expression and the fundamental freedom of peaceful assembly. We urge all parties to maintain the peaceful course and respect the rule of law and democracy in Armenia.

We are aware that the [Armenian] government has launched investigations into the use of disproportionate force by some law enforcement officers. We welcome and encourage the government's efforts aimed at bringing to account those persons who have permitted such abuses."