MP: political dialogue between authorities, ANC under way

PanARMENIAN.Net - Political dialogue between the authorities and Armenian National Congress (ANC) opposition bloc is under way, according to Galust Sahakyan, head of Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) parliamentary group.

“Conditions are not what matters. The most important factor is the topics discussed by coalition and the ANC,” Sahakyan told a press conference in Yerevan. “The authorities are willing to talk in any format and with any political force,” he added.

Talks between the ruling coalition and ANC have been held since July 18 with two key issues on the agenda: 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 and their lawyers. In turn police accuses activists of attacking the policemen.

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

On August 26, the Congress announced that it suspends the dialogue unless Arakelyan is released and believes the detainee to be a “political prisoner.” The ruling coalition representatives slammed the ANC position “were a blow to the trust shaped by joint efforts.”