"If nothing extraordinary happens"
LEVON TER-PETROSYAN'S SPEECH
AT THE RALLY ON AUGUST 2, 2011
Dear compatriots,
It is unquestionable that the most significant event in Armenia's inter-political affairs is the formal dialogue between the Armenian National Congress (HAK) and the authorities. It is clear that the majority of people are for a peaceful solution to issues, especially since that is taking place through open, transparent negotiations.
The Armenian National Congress has no doubt that the path that it has chosen is correct and is rest assured that it is laying the foundation for a new political tradition that will become one of the remnant values of Armenian statehood and one of the most efficient mechanisms for ensuring national solidarity.
We are in a dialogue, but the people are more interested in the content of that dialogue. We have declared several times that we expect only one outcome from the dialogue, and that is snap presidential and parliamentary elections. We are participating in the dialogue with the authorities with a concrete proposal for solving the heaviest issues facing the country.
Although I have corroborated the need for holding snap elections in my previous speeches, I don't consider it needless to touch upon it again, but approach the issue based on what will happen if we reach the next elections. Nothing will change.
The Armenian National Congress has set the objective to make you understand that you are not forced to pay a high price for tolerating this bandit regime for one or two more years and not understanding the vital need for snap elections. If you try hard, you can avoid that. You don't need to put in too much effort. All you need is determination and civil activism for the sake of your safety, welfare and the future of your children.
I would like to remind you of the statement I made in the previous rally, which is still in effect today. If within the next two months the authorities don't make a final decision on holding snap elections, the reasonable timeframe, that is, September, will end and the only demand on our agenda will be the resignation of Serzh Sargsyan and the ruling coalition. I deem it necessary to stress that this is not a requisition, but just a warning. Although the authorities say they won't let us speak to them with a requisition, the time for a requisition may come because that is not prohibited by the Constitution. I don't like the expressions "heated autumn", "heated spring" or other similar expressions, but I don't doubt that there will be a turning point in overcoming the political crisis in September or October.
The next rally will be held on September 9, of course, if nothing extraordinary event happens until then.
