Amnesty is a pious act
Leader of the "Hanrapetutyun" party Aram Sargsyan presumes that Serzh Sargsyan is unaware of his powers as president based on his statement today at Sardarapat.
"If it turns out that the society has the desire, I will immediately use my constitutional right," said Serzh Sargsyan.
Aram Sargsyan responded to "A1+"'s questions.
Aram Sargsyan: I don't think that Serzh Sargsyan will declare amnesty. All illegimate presidents who have not received the vote of the people are never aware of public opinion. Serzh Sargsyan's statement is a great example of that. He is completely unaware of the public opinion and that is why he is planning to address the public to get informed.
"A1+": What is the relationship between amnesty and addressing the public? Is that a necessity?
A. S.: Of course there isn't. The President of the Republic of Armenia has authorities constituted by law, yet amnesty is something that Serzh Sargsyan has to decide for himself because it is a political issue. If Serzh Sargsyan were a political figure, he had to realize that amnesty would make the PACE reconsider its evaluations on Armenia, mitigate the tense situation in the country and finally, declaring amnesty is a pious act, that is of course, if Serzh Sargsyan is a Christian.
"A1+": During its last public meeting yesterday, the ANC said that supporters will stay out on the streets until the CEC releases the results of the elections. Is that true?
A. S.: That is not the entire arsenal of our mechanisms for overseeing the elections. There are mechanisms that are presented to the proxies and observers during separate meetings. It is generally easier to keep track of the results of elections in Yerevan because it is not like any other region where the head decides what the results will be. Another important factor is that the ARF, the Orinats Yerkir and "Prosperous Armenia" are not backing Serzh Sargsyan. Each party has its own candidate and some parties are not even spending resources for their candidates. I assure you that people will take to the streets to solve a grave issue. I don't exclude that the police will not let people approach the polling stations, but on June 1 we will have a new Armenia regardless of whether the authorities try to solve issues through physical and psychological abuse. This time it is going to be much easier to keep the votes because our proxies are more determined and experienced.
"A1+": Mr. Sargsyan, what do you mean taking to the streets? Is this a new process?
A. S.: The opposition has not gone home since 2003. Even in the case of winning, which is very near and real, I would like the current authorities to remember where the streets are.
Interview by Victoria Abrahamyan
