Yesterday, activists staging an “End to the Regime” protest handed the following letter to the OSCE office in Yerevan, voicing their dissatisfaction with international election monitoring delegations that legitimize Armenia’s fraudulent elections.

“Honorary Ambassadors ...

The crisis in the Republic of Armenia and the ways to break through it is laid on the shoulders of the society. Therefore, we the citizens of the Republic of Armenia consider it our immediate duty to act in the interest of our state and our people. The Armenian public strives to rid itself from the pressure of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) that -being closely intertwined with the state itself- tramples the electoral rights of citizens. 

Under these circumstances, the international observation missions have inadvertently become the supporters of this party. We therefore appeal to you with the request to cease the literally inadequate presence of the international observation missions in Armenia.

We appeal to You to convey to the government of your state that the election observers delegated to Armenia should leave our country, since the Armenian authorities are not committed to keeping their national and international duties with respect to ensuring free and competitive elections. The mere fact of your presence and observations are used to ensure that their actions are in accord with international responsibilities. The withdrawal of the international observers will mean that the ruling party will no longer be able to allude to international observation’s activity as a fact of false external patronage tailored to justify its pressures on the society. It will also contribute to putting the social perceptions in your country on the right track.

Regardless of Your government’s decision on this matter, we are determined to retrieve the constitutional order in Armenia guaranteeing the conduct of free and fair elections.”