Atmosphere of fear still exists
Member of the NA ad-hoc committee studying the events of March 1-2 Artsvik Minasyan says the events of 2008, particularly the 10 murders remain unrevealed due to the lack of political will.
"The events of March 1-2 were a painful period for our independent statehood. The events went to show once again that if a nation doesn't have the opportunity to establish power through defense and a democratic system, events like those of March 1-2 may repeat," Artsvik Minasyan told "A1+".
He recalled that one of the objectives of the NA ad-hoc committee studying the events of March 1-2 was to present suggestions for preventing the repetition of such events.
Mr. Minasyan says he is discontent with the ad-hoc committee's activities. "The committee's objectives were quite comprehensive, including the revelation of the circumstances for the 10 murders, presentation of suggestions and the establishment of unity and solidarity. Unfortunately, the first of the three objectives was not fulfilled and it was not only up to the committee."
Artsvik Minasyan regrets to mention that the committee also denied the ARF's proposal to establish a new monitoring committee that would include not only parliamentary forces, but forces out of parliament as well.
According to Minasyan, it would be much easier to reveal the 10 murders right after the events, if the parliamentary opposition participated in the committee's activities.
Isn't it possible to reveal at least the circumstances for the death of the victims caused by the "Cheryomukha 7" device, since it is clear who had the weapons, who opened fire and by whose command? In response, Artsvik Minasyan said:
"Of course, there is much to do and one of our demands is that the preliminary inquiry must continue with new interrogations in order to reveal and bring the people who organized and carried out the murders to justice. Unfortunately, there is currently a lack of political will from both sides. I don't believe there is any eyewitness who wasn't standing by the people who were killed on March 1, 2008."
Artsvik Minasyan says there is still an atmosphere of fear in the country in wake of the events of 2008. "Not only is there still an atmosphere of fear, but there is still no necessary ground for citizens to act more confidently and realize that they need to stand up for their rights."
According to Mr. Minasyan, the current state of the country goes to show that the people's electoral right is not protected and it is impossible to avoid convulsions as long as this fundamental right has not been reinstated.
Artsvik Minasyan calls on everyone to unite around the ARF's "Voting is power" initiative. "This is the one and only course that gives all layers of society the opportunity to unite in order to establish power of the people through democracy."
