Shakespeare passions around political dialogue in Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - May 27 marked an event Armenia has expected for 3 years. The National Assembly declared amnesty by the proposal by President Serzh Sargsyan. Those who were still in custody after the March 2008 events have been released. Thus, the last condition set by the ANC was met for the start of this much talked-about dialogue.

Although the amnesty was dated to the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, the ruling Republican Party of Armenia admitted that the move was initiated to normalize relations with the opposition.

For its part, the ANC, which ruled out any dialogue with the authorities unless the political prisoners are released, had to admit that all its preconditions have been finally fulfilled. The only thing to find out remains the essence of the dialogue. The ANC insists it’s the extraordinary elections; the authorities advise to prepare for ordinary election campaign.

Anyway, this chess game seems to be in favor of the President of the Armenian Chess Federation and President of Armenia - Serzh Sargsyan. It’s obvious that the authorities made some conclusions from numerous rallies. Although unsuccessful in social and economic problems resolution, the rulers win political struggle. Experts believe that the failure to press snap elections will badly damage the ANC image, following the decreasing number of protesters during the recent rallies, mostly explained by the drastic course change. Meanwhile, the Congress continues fighting through discrediting of other opposition forces which threaten rivalry.

Armenia’s former President Robert Kocharian may become the only X factor of this election race. However, nothing is known about his political plans.

Apparently, Levon Ter-Petrossian realizes the threats and works out counteractions. However, he must understand that drastic change of course during a short period of time can have deplorable consequences for the Congress, which will have to give answers to some questions and outline the future plans of the Congress.