Eduard Sharmazanov: Why should Levon Zurabyan persuade me? Maybe it is quite the opposite? (video)
The authorities are ready to meet representatives of all strata of society to discuss the draft Electoral Code, be it in 4+4+4 or some other format, Vice-Chairman of the Armenian National Assembly, Eduard Sharmazanov, told media today. “It does not matter what format of talks is proposed - 4+4+4, 9+1 or 3+2. We are not limited to formal or informal formats. The important thing for us is the result and content of discussions,” he stressed. Eduard Sharmazanov says it would be most effective if all proposals were submitted in a single package. “As you see there are NGOs and parliamentary factions that are not represented in the format proposed by lawmaker Levon Zurabyan and naturally we cannot neglect their opinion,” Sharmazanov added. He says the discussions over the new Electoral Code are not formal although they have not accepted most of the opposition’s proposals. “The aim of the negotiations is to find the best option. I do not agree with the opinion that the government does not review its position. As for the voter lists I must say that unlike the opposition forces, it is not a matter of principal for us. Even the opposition does not have a complete proposal to present us. Anyway, we are ready to hear and discuss all proposals. Consensus, consolidation and ultimatum are different things and do not think that the opposition is trying to persuade us, maybe it is just the other way around? Why should Levon Zurabyan try to persuade me?” Sharmazanov said. The Republican official says the authorities have proposed a logical compromise to the opposition in connection with voter lists, but the opposition refused to accept it. “If the opposition wants to see all their proposals met and implemented, they should become power: there is no other option.”
