On March 11 the MCC left the suspension of the funding for roads within the MCA-Armenia Compact in place. The initial suspension in June 2008 was motivated by unresolved problems with the human rights and civil liberties and the last decision not to lift suspension was due to insufficient progress in solution of these problems.
 
For more than a year the situation in Armenia can be best described as crisis. The social, political and human rights crisis brought about by the post-electoral developments and March 1 crackdown on demonstrators has been complimented with a deepening economic one.    
 
Despite the requests of the people and recommendations by local and international bodies on how to resolve the crisis, most of the societal problems have not been addressed in a full and open manner. Combined with economic challenges, they pose a real danger on both fronts, i.e. to offset the damage and return to democratic advancement and to mitigate threats posed by global economic crisis.
 
The need for democratic and just governance is clear and vivid in Armenia. It certainly is our demand as of Armenian citizens and representatives of civil society. It coincides with Armenia’s declared course of building a democracy and integrating into the European family, and with the commitments that the country has undertaken to that end.
 
In the meantime, not resolving the political crisis has started taking a heavy toll not only on the country’s image but also on the much needed economic assistance. Suspension of funding for roads within the MCA-Armenia Compact must be taken by the authorities as a call for real and consistent democratic reforms.  The issue of lifting the suspension is to be decided by the MCC in coming June and the decision is made conditional on progress in the very area of democracy and human rights.
 
Having seen the developments up to date and knowing the gravity of the situation, we are concerned with the willingness and proper attitude of the Armenian authorities to deliver the much needed result. Hereby we once again stress the urgent and necessary steps and deliverables to be able to claim true progress and win the trust of the people and the international community.

1. Release of all persons detained on seemingly artificial and politically motivated charges who did not personally commit any violent acts or serious offences
2. Conducting independent and credible investigation and prosecution of March 1 killings and violence
3. Revoking the Amendments to the RA Law on Conducting Meetings, Assemblies, Rallies and Demonstrations by taking into account the negative impact of one-year law implementation.
4. Revoking the amendments to the Law on TV and Radio (passed in September 2008) on digitalization of broadcast that put moratorium on tenders for new frequencies scheduled for 2009.
5. Changing the Law on TV and Radio in line and per requirements of numerous PACE resolutions to the effect of ensuring of the independence of broadcast.
6. Improve electoral legislation and practice and conduct free and fair elections of the Mayor of Yerevan in May 2009
7. Punish those responsible for electoral fraud and political corruption

 
Signatories
 
Arena of Education NGO
“Asparez” Journalists’ Club
Collaboration for Democracy
Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression
Helsinki Citizens Assembly Vanadzor Branch
Menq Plus NGO
Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation-Armenia
Transparency International Anti-corruption Center
Experimental Cultural Center NGO
Biosofia NGO
Shirak Center of political culture
Yerevan Press Club
Khoran Ard NGO
“Selen Journalists’ ” NGO
Achilles NGO
“Democracy, prosperity, security” (“Dempros”) NGO