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UN urges protesters, authorities in Armenia to launch dialogue and refrain from violence

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is concerned about reports of excessive use of force by police officers, including against journalists during the protests in Yerevan on June 23

Armenian protesters dance while waving a national flag during a protest rally against a hike in electricity prices in Yerevan, Armenia, Wednesday, June 24, 2015 Hrant Khachatryan/PAN Photo via AP

Armenian protesters dance while waving a national flag during a protest rally against a hike in electricity prices in Yerevan, Armenia, Wednesday, June 24, 2015

© Hrant Khachatryan/PAN Photo via AP

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GENEVA, June 25. /TASS/. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) welcomes the statement of the Armenian Foreign Ministry on the government’s commitment to "democracy, fundamental freedoms and protection of human rights" and calls on the protesters and the authorities to refrain from violence, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner Ravina Shamdasani said on Thursday.

"We encourage the Government to ensure that this commitment is translated in the way it responds to these protests, and we encourage all parties to engage in a constructive dialogue and to refrain from violence," she said.

According to Shamdasani, the OHCHR is concerned about reports of "excessive use of force by police officers, including against journalists" during the protests in Yerevan on June 23 and "calls on the authorities to investigate the incidents thoroughly and promptly."

"The Government must ensure that the policing of demonstrations strictly complies with international human rights norms and standards," she added.

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