Clinton's meeting with Armenian NGOs was 'off the record'

President of Helsinki Association Michael Danielyan refused to comment on the meeting of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with the representatives of 25 Armenian NGOs in Gafeschian Museum, pointing to an agreement with the US embassy in Armenia.

“I cannot answer to your question as there is an agreement with the US embassy in Armenia not to disseminate that information,” said Danielyan.

Arthur Sakunts, Director of Helsinki civic association’s office in Vanadzor, too declinded commenting for the same reason. Instead he spoke about his personal view on Clinton’s publich speech.

“It is surprising for me that in her public speech US Secretary of State did not speak about political prisoners, did not refer to the circumstances of the ten deaths in during March 1 events, voting forgeries and the use of force against the rioter during the March 1 events. There were apperently worrisome issues that she should refer to,” explained Sakunts.

Clinton had raised during that meeting US concerns about an Armenian law that could limit pluralism on radio and television and was told that the government might change it in the autumn.

"I know many of you are concerned about the government's recent changes to the law on TV and radio and these are concerns that the United States, the OSCE and the European Union share. I raised this issue and was told that the government is open to amending the law this fall," she said.

"We will look forward to working with the Armenian government on this specific issue and more generally to strengthen protections for journalists."