Did HAK push Serzh Sargsyan to philanthropy?
The Armenian authorities are expected to announce the ninth amnesty in the history of independent Armenia. The National Assembly will consider Serzh Sargsyan's amnesty proposal in a special session on May 25.
"I praise the President's decision and believe that it will defuse the political tension in the country. Amnesty will address two important issues -political and social. Our compatriots are imprisoned on different charges. Amnesty will help mitigate their sentences and release those who are convicted on minor charges, thus solving a vital social issue," said Heghine Bisharyan, the head of Orinats Yerkir Party (OYK).
Freelance MP Victor Dallakyan hopes that amnesty will cover all political prisoners who appeared behind the bars after the tragic events of March 1, 2008.
Republican Party Spokesman Edward Sharmazanov considers amnesty to be a manifestation of humanism by President Serzh Sargsyan.
Asked whether Serzh Sargsyan was pushed to declare amnesty, the Republican Spokesman said, "It is the Armenian National Congress (HAK) that spreads such rumours. It is natural that the opposition ascribes the authorities' deeds to itself. The authorities seek to implement continuous democratic reforms and I am sure that we shall reach consolidation. We are trying to ensure healthy competition in the country."
Head of ARF-Dashnaktsutyun faction Artyusha Shahbazyan also welcomes the President's proposal though he notes some obscurity in the relations between the leadership and opposition.
"I wonder whether there was an early agreement between the authorities and HAK which allowed the opposition to believe in the release of its supporters before June. Or did HAK rely on predictions? I think that only HAK and Serzh Sargsyan can answer these questions," he said.
