New Times party: ANC-authorities dialogue resembles talk between deaf and dumb

 May 23, 2011 - 13:03 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Leader of New Times party Aram Karapetyan said that the authorities’ dialogue with the Armenian National Congress (ANC) resembles a conversation between deaf and dumb.

“According to the ANC statements, the political dialogue is aimed at organization of preterm elections, while the authorities exclude such a possibility,” Karapetyan told a press conference in Yerevan.

He added that the experience indicates that the Armenian authorities make concessions only in two cases: when compromise is advantageous for them or as result of the international community’s pressure. Karapetyan noted that there was such a pressure with respect to the release of political prisoners and organization of rallies in Liberty Square, but the situation with early elections is different.

Karapetyan also told journalists that his party is going to participate in the upcoming parliamentary election independently, but did not exclude the possibility of unification with other forces.

“Negotiations with a range of political forces, including Ramkavar Azatakan and Hunchakian parties, are held,” he said.

According to him, preterm elections are a priority for New Times party, though it will participate in ordinary elections as well. As for cooperation with ANC, Karapetyan said New Times party can cooperate with ANC only in case of a revolutionary situation, but not for elections.