MP: by refusing dialogue with authorities ANC goes “beyond margins”

PanARMENIAN.Net - If the Armenian National Congress refuses to resume the dialogue with the coalition, it will reflect the bloc’s destructive position and take it “beyond margins”, member of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia said.

“Meanwhile, the other political parties will prepare for ordinary elections,” MP Galust Sahakyan told journalists in Yerevan.

According to him, political dialogue would be beneficial to ANC and would help the bloc avoid political stagnation.

Commenting on why the ANC stepped back from dialogue (detainment of young activist Tigran Arakelyan), Sahakyan said that the document submitted by the authorities in response to the bloc’s demands for snap elections has become the real cause of suspension, as it defeats the ANC claims decisively.

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.