Levon Ter-Petrosyan suprised HHK
The Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) is surprised at opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosyan's response to Serzh Sargsyan's statement concerning the opposition-proposed political dialogue. While reaffirming his stated support for such a dialogue, Armenian leader Serzh Sargsyan made clear earlier this month that there will be no formal negotiations between his administration and the opposition alliance.
At yesterday's rally organized by the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK), Levon Ter-Petrosyan assured his supporters that the "temporary uncertainty" would be overcome soon.
HHK Spokesman Edward Sharmazanov today commented on Ter-Petrosyan's response.
- Levon Ter-Petrosyan is more than convinced that Serzh Sargsyan will soon name a delegation to engage in direct talks with the opposition. What is your opinion on the issue?
- - I cannot account for Ter-Petrosyan's confidence. As a political figure, he is free to openly express his opinion.
- Levon Ter-Petrosyan gave President Serzh Sarkisian two months to get down to formal talks with his Armenian National Congress and hold early elections in the country.
- We think that all issues should be settled through peaceful and constructive talks. Setting deadlines is not the best way to solve issues in democratic countries. The First President knows himself that a deadline is not the best option to solve a question.
- And which is the best option in Armenia?
- The best way is undoubtedly the dialogue proposed by President Serzh Sargsyan. I am astonished at the HAK leader's assessment. As you know, the Republican Party has proposed the opposition to raise their concerns at the National Assembly. This is the first time in the history of Armenia that the authorities have made a similar proposal to extra-parliamentary opposition. Serzh Sargsyan said that "specially designated individuals" from the HAK could only discuss concrete issues with relevant state officials, including the prime minister and ministers. If the issue refers the president's arsenal, he is ready to discuss it with the HAK.
- HAK has said on different occasions that the authorities do not intend to negotiate with the opposition. Can you say here and now - are you ready for a dialogue?
- The authorities are ready to negotiate with all forces, including the HAK. Serzh Sargsyan reiterated our readiness in his statement.
- Earlier you said that you were waiting for the opposition's reaction. What are you going to do next?
- I have the impression that HAK is playing for time during these hot summer months and wants to keep the country's political temperature up by setting a deadline for the government.
- How will be the process end in your opinion? Both the opposition and the authorities said they were waiting for each other's response. How long with this show continue?
- None of the parties has a right to harm the people. We intend to move forward in a civilized way and make Armenia a truly democratic country.
- In that case, what prevents the authorities from sitting at the same table with the HAK and discussing the existing problems?
- Nothing. We have already said that all officials, including the prime minister, parliament speaker and the head of the President's staff are ready for the dialogue. HAK labels this as "a door-to-door policy" which is illogical and incomprehensive for us. This is a serious political process. If the HAK does not want to negotiate with the prime minister, parliament speaker, who is it going to negotiate with?
- With Serzh Sargsyan
- But the aforesaid people are Serzh Sargsyan's representatives!
- How would you assess the opposition's call for the resignation of Tigran Sargsyan [prime minister]?
- The Republican Party has not discussed the issue.
- What is your opinion on the Kazan-hosted trilateral meeting of Armenian, Azerbaijan and Russian Presidents?
- The meeting did not yield positive results for two main reasons. First, Azerbaijan continued its anti-constructive policy, second, Karabakh is not engaged in the negotiations. Azerbaijan seems to have forgotten that the 1994 ceasefire was signed between Azerbaijan, Armenia and the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.
- Don't you blame Armenian authorities for not involving Karabakh in the talks?
- I do not want to look back. The Republican Party always looks ahead and I think that we must do our best to make Karabakh a full-fledged party in the talks.
- Will the international community finally realize that the Kazan meeting failed due to Azerbaijan?
- One thing is clear: they should increase pressure against Azerbaijan.
- What is the aim of the OSCE Minsk Group's regional visit after the failure of the Kazan meeting?
- As long as the talks continue, we should proceed them. Better to negotiate than to sit idle.
- After the Kazan meeting, the US and Russia expressed their disappointment while France continues to hope for a peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict. How can you explain this?
- Never have the Co-Chairs been of different opinions. They have always said that they are unanimous in their approaches.
- Were the statements made after the meeting agreed in advance?
- Nothing is excluded.
Victoria Abahamyan
