Edward Sharmazarov :''Opposition has taken a civilised path''
I expect the opposition to hold a rally on March 1as the right to assemblies is set down in the RoA Constitution and in the law on assemblies. I don't share the belief that Armenia needs a society backing the authorities. A country lacking a mighty opposition cannot have a mighty leadership," says Republican MP Edward Sharmazanov.
The opposition cannot make its voice audible in the Armenian parliament, therefore it should be availed a chance to hold rallies.
The Law on Assemblies hasn't be amended for a year, but the City Hall has rejected the notifications of the Armenian National Congress (HAK) to hold demonstrations.
"This is not the first time the HAK has been rejected. But we came to see that despite the rejections, the rallies were held," observed Sharmazanov.
Does it mean that the authorities conciliated with the idea that the opposition will hold rallies anyway? "It is my personal opinion. The authorities and opposition should do their best to avoid further clashes. If people have something to say, they will attend the rally. I think the venue doesn't matter- be it near the Matenadaran or somewhere else. "
The Republican MP declined to comment on the March 1 deadly clashes. "This is a legal issue, and I call on the authorities and the opposition not to speculate the tragic events of March 1. Rather, we had better learn a lesson from the events.
Generally, Sharmazanov thinks the tension has abated after the March 1 events. "The consequences of the tragic events are not fully eliminated, but I do think that all negative feelings have mitigated. The authorities at the head of Serzh Sargsyan do their best to eliminate the consequences and to carry out campaign pledges. Beisdes, the extraparliamentary opposition has taken a civilised path," added Sharmazanov. He meant the opposition's decision to run for Yerevan Mayor.
