Gurgen Yeghiazaryan: "This is apartheid"
The pre-election program of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia is a violation of an international norm on human rights, said Gurgen Yeghiazaryan, a member of the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party (SDHK), which forms part of the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK).
Citing a number of provisions from the party's election program which envisages equal opportunities for young families to purchase apartments and cars, increase in pensions and wages and other privileges, Mr Yeghiazaryan said it is a gross violation of international norms.
"This is a violation of violation of international norms since the rights of national minorities living in Armenia are not respected. This is apartheid. Even in Africa, where Mandela spent more than 25 years in prison for fighting against apartheid, no document was formulated in this way. Over 25 nationalities live in Armenia today. What does the pledge ‘to promote prosperity of Armenian families' mean? Are the families of other nationalities ignored in Serzh Sargsyan's program? This is manifestation of nationalism," he said.
His opponent Karine Achemyan of the Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) said, "I would like to see all our programs implemented. If we had implemented all our programs, we would live in a better country. However, I must say that living conditions have improved in our country."
