Politician: ANC needs external support to achieve change of power

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian National Congress (ANC) opposition bloc is unable to seriously exacerbate the situation or achieve change of power in Armenia, a former presidential candidate said.

“Having lost the ability to ignite public enthusiasm like it did back in 2008, ANC now needs a serious external support,” Arman Melikyan told a news conference in Yerevan.

“Serzh Sargsyan’s strengthening his positions in the eyes of the international community, as well as the similarity of Armenian president and ANC leader’s views on Karabakh settlement don't play into ANC's hands,” the politician said.

Melikyan noted the coalition-opposition dialogue as the most favorable route for ANC to take. He characterized the opposition demand for snap elections as the only irrelevant point on negotiations' agenda, which should be primarily aimed to solve internal problems in Armenia.

Representatives of the ruling coalition have held meetings since July 18, the two main issues on the agenda being conduction of extraordinary election (on ANC demand) and development of canons of political competition (as suggested by the authorities).

Problems emerged when police detained 7 young ANC activists. According to the ANC, on August 9 police officers used violence against ANC activists Tigran Arakelyan and Artak Karapetyan. Upon arrival to the site, activists Areg Gevorgyan, Sahak Muradyan, Vahagn Gevorgyan, Sargis Gevorgyan and David Kirimajyan tried to settle the dispute but were beaten as well, the ANC said. All above-mentioned were taken to a police station.

Currently, Tigran Arakelyan is kept in custody. The others were released.

On August 26, the Congress announced that it suspends the dialogue and believes Arakelyan to be a political prisoner.

On September 9, ANC will hold another rally to discuss further steps.