By Victoria Vardanyan

YEREVAN, August 27– US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton responded to the letter from the representatives of Armenian member organizations of the South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders on July 5 during her visit in the capital of Armenia.

In her response letter Secretary Clinton said, “I thank you for your letter in which you share with me your concerns about the fact that Armenia needs to implement reforms in the sphere of democracy and human rights.

“Fortunately, in Armenia there is an active civil society that is ready to take part in resolving these issues and work towards improving the political atmosphere for the Armenians, regardless of political affiliation, profession or circumstances,” said Clinton.

However, she stressed that the United States continue to express a willingness to work with the government and the Armenian people to strengthen common goals in the region, in particular, the establishment of peace, stability, democracy and economic prosperity.

She also welcomed the fact that the organizations consider it important to protect freedom of speech, democracy and human rights by the state, which contribute to regional peace and security.

In this context, Secretary Clinton noted that the values which formed the basis of statehood of the US — an open and active democracy, respect for human rights, freedom of the press and free society — is also very important for the future of the Republic of Armenia.

“We are defending these values, and will continue to raise their voices in defence of these values in Armenia and throughout the world,” she said.

Yerevan Report

Photo credit: Photolur