LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Armenia: Independence
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On May 31, 2006, Armenia ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). In April the government established a group to monitor certain detention facilities (temporary holding cells and pre-trial detention cells), although its independence is questionable as the majority of members are police appointees. NGOs report that torture and ill-treatment in police custody, prisons, psychiatric institutions, and the military remain widespread.
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Armenia's new parliament, to be elected on May 12, will be the first to make use of constitutional amendments introduced in 2005 to balance presidential and parliamentary powers. Analysts... and opposition members question whether or not the parliament, Armenia's fourth since independence, will manage to serve as an effective counter-balance to President Robert Kocharian.
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Threats to media freedom in Armenia continued in 2006, as more journalists faced harassment and attacks, and broadcast media lack pluralism and remain largely pro-government. Torture and ill-treatment remain serious problems in places of detention and the military. Human rights defenders did not report harassment in 2006, but the ombudsperson was dismissed in January apparently for criticizing the government, a move that raises questions about the government’s commitment to the independence of that institution.
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Armenia subsequently had three major artistic periods, which coincided with periods of independence or semi-independence. These periods occurred from the 5th century to 7th century, during the 9th and 10th centuries, and from the 12th century to the 14th century.
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