Many officials are not interested in the dialogue between the Armenian National Congress and authorities, a member of the Armenian National Movement (AMN) said.

“Many know that they will lose their seats in case the dialogue is a success. Moreover, I think that most of the government and parliament will be changed,” Hovhannes Igityan told a press conference in Yerevan.

As to the dialogue, he said the authorities need it, as it is “the only way to save the country.”

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.