WASHINGTON–The United States expressed concern about the "sharp escalation" of tensions in Armenia between the government and the opposition–through the following April 13 statement by US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher–made public on Wednesday:
"The United States is concerned about the current political situation in Armenia–particularly the sharp escalation in confrontation between the government and the opposition. We call on both sides to enter into a dialogue that will lessen tension and focus the political process on the challenges of continued political and economic reform. Physical assaults–raids on political party offices–and widespread arrests and detentions of opposition activists by the police do not contribute to creating an atmosphere conducive to political dialogue. We call on all sides to respect the role of peaceful assembly and to take all steps to prevent violence."