Assyrian candidate: I joined Democratic party to help my community![]() April 26, 2012 - 14:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - “I was not active as Armenian citizen and representative of a national minority because I was not into politics. However, problems of Assyrian community made me accept the proposal of Armenia’s Democratic Party to run for the National Assembly by proportional system,” president of the Federation of Assyrian Organizations of Armenia said on April 26. Speaking about the election campaign, Democratic party’s nominee Irina Gasparyan told the journalists that nobody hinders parties’ visit to provinces, but they sometimes experience problems in meeting with the voters. “Provincial headquarters of ruling parties follow those participating in election meetings; school and rural administration staff are registered in the Republican Party of Armenia despite their will, and they are threatened with dismissal unless they secure a certain number of votes for the party,” she stated. There are many similar instances, all initiated by governmental parties, Gasparyan said adding that the Democratic Party aims to achieve constitutional changes, because Armenia is a constitutional state and is responsible for each of its citizens. Partner news Dwelling on the hike in gas prices, Iskandaryan said the change also affected other countries importing Russian gas. Armen Martirosyan noted that the price rise will further deteriorate the situation in the country, fostering emigration. In this connection, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian left for Strasbourg to attend CoE foreign ministers meeting. Orinats Yerkir party held a political council meeting on May 15, chaired by party leader Artur Baghdasaryan. Partner news |