OUT OF HALLS INTO THE STREET
Support A1+!The opposition Hanrapetutyun (Republic) party held today its congress in the open air near the Matenadaran depository of old manuscripts in central Yerevan after it has been denied premises in the government's sitting halls.
The congress that was attended by major opposition leaders. Contrary to Hanrapetutyun party chairman Aram Sargsyan New Times party leader Aram Sargsyan welcomed the initiative. Justice bloc head Stepan Demirchain in his turn noted it is pleasant to work in such conditions, which transform into a good tradition. Political secretary of the Socialist Armenia union Ashot Manucharyan stated that Hanrapetutyun party via struggle has gained the right of holding a congress at the street.
The congress was a new phenomenon in the political life. The counting board, deputies with their mandates and representatives of the Armenian National Movement, National Unity and National Democratic Party as well as newly formed National Renaissance party attended the congress.
The composition of the political council of Hanrapetutyun party was renewed during today’s congress. After 6 members with Albert Bazeyan at the head left the party the council numbered 5 people. Today ex-Interior Minister Suren Abrahamyan, ANM board member Rafik Mkrtchyan, son of former chief of RA prison administration Sevak Saghatelyan, chairman of youth wing of Hanrapetutyun party Vahan Babayan and lawyer Hovik Arsenyan joined the council.
The congress participants adopted a joint statement, which says, in part, that the incumbent has neither desire nor the possibility to hold fair election. The party called upon the nation to vote down the constitutional amendments. “November 27 will become the day of collapse of the ruling administration and the victory of democracy”, the statement runs.
