The amnesty is excellent news for the Armenian people and a big victory for the ANC and the government, according to Secretary General of the European Friends of Armenia (EuFoA).

“The two sides kept word and turned towards conciliation and reasonability,” Dr Michael Kambeck said.

“The next litmus tests will come with the ANC rally on 31 May and then the progress of the renewed investigations into the March 2008 events. If the constructive climate continues throughout the upcoming pre-election phase, the political class can rebuild some of its shattered credibility. The parties who will be most credible will gain most,” he said.