Member of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) Rafik Petrosyan admitted that improvement of relations with the opposition was among the reasons for the amnesty declared on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

“Amnesty will help solve problems challenging Armenia and improve the situation in penitentiaries,” Petrosyan told a press conference in Yerevan.

Leader of New Times Party Aram Karapetyan, in turn, welcomed the amnesty, particularly the fact that his “friends - political prisoners – will be released.” He agreed that the authorities’ decision concerning amnesty was caused by the wish to ease domestic tensions.

With a vote 91-0, the Armenian parliament approved Thursday, May 26, President Serzh Sargsyan’s proposal for declaration of amnesty for 396 people to be released and 379 to have their sentence cut.

Presenting the proposal on Wednesday Justice Minister Hrayr Tovmasyan said that “declaration of amnesty is a humane initiative and demonstration of the President’s good will.” “This is a move that can unite the nation. We must change our public life and have a civilized dialogue,” he said, adding that amnesty does not mean loss of vigilance.