Is Vano Siradeghyan returning to Armenia?
Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly (NA) Hovik Abrahamyan believes that amnesty will weaken political tension in the country.
The NA Speaker expressed the opinion on Monday when commenting on the president's amnesty proposal to announce amnesty on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Armenia's independence. However, he did not give other details, saying that the parliament will discuss the proposal in a special session on Wednesday.
"Wait a little and you will know the parliament's decision. I am not going to tell you anything," the NA Speaker told A1+.
To a journalist's observation that the opposition is going to start a sit-in demonstration if the authorities fail to release the political prisoners till May 31, Abrahamyan said, "Let them start a sit-in, if they want."
Asked whether the NA Speaker will join the protesters, Hovik Abrahamyan gave a negative answer.
"I welcome Serzh Sargsyan's decision and think that he has chosen the right moment for the amnesty. All over the world presidents normally take such humanitarian steps from time to time," said the NA Speaker, adding that the amnesty will be effected till September 21, 2011.
The opposition Armenian National Congress recently announced that the dialogue with the authorities is aimed at organization of preterm parliamentary and presidential elections.
Speaking of the possibility of early elections, Abrahamyan said, "All early elections, both parliamentary and presidential, have negative impact on a country's image. Only one year is left until the next parliamentary elections in Armenia, and I urge all political forces, particularly the opposition, to get prepared for the elections. Is the opposition is ready for early elections?"
Hovik Abrahamyan also commented on the statement of Armenia's second president Robert Kocharyan concerning the decrease of living standards.
"The country is advancing in a natural way. Kocharian's words did not refer to the NA Speaker but to living standards in general. Armenia's second president gave natural answers to questions addressed to him," he said.
Commenting on the alleged return of Vano Siradeghyan if the latter is amnestied, Abrahamyan said, "I do not possess any information."
Vano Siradeghyan, former Minister of Interior and close ally of Armenia's first President Levon Ter-Petrosyan, is charged with alleged involvement in five murder cases and is on the Interpol wanted list.
