US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Thomas O. Melia, who had visited Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, said at the hearings in Congress that Armenia should develop media pluralism.
According to ITAR-TASS, when assessing the situation in Azerbaijan, Melia expressed his concern over the fundamental freedoms and pointed out that the election administration in the republic does not meet the international standards. He also pointed out the detention of oppositionists and human rights activists. According to him, Washington urges Baku to resolve these problems and respect the religious freedoms.
As regards Georgia, he said that Tbilisi should focus on development of political pluralism, implementation of important electoral reforms, consolidation of the judiciary system and ensuring of the freedom of assembly.
