We are shocked and alarmed by the arrest of Alexander Arzumanian, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, and leader of the Civil Disobedience Movement.

This development validates our deepest concerns for the measure of lawlessness, impunity and arbitrariness inArmenia-- phenomena that, despite having existed in our society for decades, have taken unprecedented proportions since 1998, and are now threatening to undermine the values and the course ofArmenia's independence.

We call upon the President of the Republic, and the Prime Minister to demonstrate adherence to the principles of the Constitution of Armenia, and heed the voice of morality and reason, by reverting from a path that leads to the establishment of a medieval dictatorship inArmenia.

We urge an immediate end to repressions and intimidation of the opposition and the citizenry, and call for a return to norms of conduct befitting a civilized society.

We also express our admiration for Alexander Arzumanian and his family, for their restraint and civil courage at this difficult time.

Armen KHARAZIAN
Former Head of Political Military Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Armenia 
Former Deputy Chief of Mission, Armenian Embassy to the United States

Arsen GASPARYAN 
Former Spokesperson 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Armenia

Arman GRIGORYAN 
Visiting Professor of Government, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA 
Former Foreign Service Officer, Armenia

Hasmik HARUTIUNIAN 
Former Foreign Service Officer,Armenia

And dozens of other former career officers of the Armenian government service

May 9, 2007