On March 12, Minister Oskanian met with Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights.

During the meeting, the two spoke of the presidential elections in Armenia and post-electoral developments.

Upon the guest’s request, Minister Oskanian briefed him on the March 1 events and the developments that followed them, as well as the human rights situation in Armenia under the state of emergency.

Minister Oskanian also said that he has been informed that mass media restrictions will be lifted shortly.

Mr. Hammarberg informed the Minister about the meetings he expects to have during the next few days with various government officials, opposition leaders as well as visits to penitentiaries and hospitals, in order to gain a realistic understanding of the ongoing processes.