Won’t ARF give Serzh Sargsyan a new chance?
Armenian Revolutionary Federation -Dashnaktsutyun MP Armen Rustamyan does not exclude a rebellion in Armenia. The party came to the conclusion after receiving numerous complaints from Armenian regions.
"We are hopeful that the authorities also receive similar complaints," Mr. Rustamyan told a press conference on June 7.
The ARF held its 15th Supreme meeting today where it highlighted the importance of power change. "We want to change power through elections. Changes through tremours are pregnant with disastrous consequences," said Mr. Rustamyan.
In reply to A1+ whether the party would nominate its candidate in the next election, the ARF representative said, "Surely, did you expect us to support someone else?"
Rustamyan also refuted the rumours that the ARF seeks Robert Kocharyan's return to politics. "It is upon Kocharyan to decide his further steps. He is free to do whatever he wants."
"Being a Coalition party, we were unable to fulfill our aims and left our programs unfinished during Kocahryan's tenure of office," added Mr. Rustamyan.
Asked why the ARF does not demand Serzh Sargsyan's resignation if the party is dissatisfied with his policy, Rustamyan said, ""You are right. How long can we give the president new chances? It is enough. We have closed an eye to many things giving him new chances. They need not try ARF's patience and prudence."
"The ARF gave a mild assessment to the clashes of March 1, 2008. The authorities should know that the main reason for the uprising was the rigged presidential elections," said Rustamyan.
"The ten victims could have been averted if the opposition had had the rally near the Matenadaran and not by the Statue of Miasnikyan. I am sure that the opposition needed the victims. I think both sides [opposition and authorities] are to blame for the clashes," he added.
