“Hungry people organize a revolution”
Armenian National Congress (HAK) member, economist Vahagn Khachatryan says the fact that the International Food Policy Research Institute has placed Armenia in the list of countries "with an average malnutrition level" in the 2010 Global Hunger Index should make the authorities come to their senses.
"A nation that is hungry has only one way of struggling, and that is a revolution characterized by Vladimir Ilyich Lenin. A nation hat is not hungry solves its issues in a civilized manner, that is, elections. As a HAK member, I call on the authorities not to let the people solve their issues through a revolution and hold snap elections that will be free and fair," Mr. Khachatryan told "A1+".
Mr. Khachatryan is certain that no Armenian citizen doubts that the information about Armenia in the Global Hunger Index is accurate.
"That is a very objective evaluation, taking into account the unprecedented inflation of the past years. Let the authorities conduct a study and find out the people's nutrition. This had to be the result of Robert Kocharyan's economic policy. The index shows that Armenian society will organize a revolution."
According to Vahagn Khachatryan, the authorities still have a chance to fix the situation. The fact of the matter is that Serzh Sargsyan still hasn't expressed his willingness for dialogue the main topic of which is snap elections. Mr. Khachatryan is part of the HAK's delegation for dialogue with the authorities.
"We have clearly said we expect a response from Serzh Sargsyan. Armenia's history has shown that it is not mandatory for the presidential chief of staff to express the first political figure's viewpoint. We are waiting for Serzh Sargsyan's response. If he doesn't respond, we will take that as a response," said Vahagn Khachatryan, adding that the HAK has not fixed any specific dates.
Vahagn Khachatryan is also sure that there will be snap elections in Armenia.
"The information in the Global Hunger Index is proof of that. People are hungry in Armenia. The most important issue is the people's lack of confidence in government, which will keep the people in the same situation."
As for the criticism regarding the HAK-authorities dialogue from other forces that consider themselves the opposition, Mr. Khachatryan said the HAK would speak to those who are truly the representatives of the government.
