June 26, 2012 - 22:12 AMT
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ANC rally: chaos, new developments, mortal blow, opposition’s summer holidays

Armenian National Congress (ANC) opposition bloc rally was held in Yerevan’s Liberty Square.

The rally was believed to have gathered the smallest number of supporters as compared to previous ANC demonstrations.

ANC’s struggle against chaos

ANC member, MP Nikol Pashinyan believes the opposition bloc to be the only one interested in uncovering October 29, 1999 and March 1, 2008 events.

As he noted, though October 27 case is considered de-jure solved, a probe into March 1 events is still ongoing.

Pashinyan further addressed to recent beating up of doctors at Harsnakar restaurant, dubbing the incident as “the activities of current leadership.”

“Only ANC is capable of stopping the chaos reigning in Armenia,” Pashinyan stressed.

ANC warns of new developments

Armenian National Movement (ANM) board chair, a member of ANC opposition bloc Aram Manukyan urged those gathered for ANC rally to be ready for presidential poll, without waiting for February 2013 to arrive.

According to Makunyan, current leadership was stricken with ANC work at a newly-formed parliament, with many MPs voicing their satisfaction with the activities of ANC members.

However, as Manukyan stressed, it’s the people’s support that makes ANC strong.

ANM board chair further warned those gathered about new developments to be soon expected in the country’s domestic and foreign policy, “that the current leadership is not immune against.”

Fateful decisions and blow to regime

ANC opposition bloc coordinator warned of much work to be accomplished before presidential elections.

At ANC rally, Levon Zurabyan urged against believing skeptics who argue that current authorities’ victory at presidential poll will be as easy as parliamentary elections win.

“Presidential elections are the only real chance for a shift of power in the country,” he said, calling on those gathered to prepare themselves to take fateful decisions and administer a blow to current regime.

In conclusion, Zurabyan urged current leader Serzh Sargsyan to resign his post.

Summer holidays for opposition

The next rally of ANC was scheduled for September, unless a necessity arises to organize one earlier, the opposition bloc leader said.

According to Levon Ter-Petrossian, political events in Armenia will be developing in early autumn, as presidential election day is coming closer.

ANC defends Prosperous Armenia, says parliament regulations absurd

ANC opposition bloc leader, ex-president Levon Ter-Petrossian spoke in defense of Prosperous Armenia, slamming those who dubbed the party as “fake opposition.”

“Those skeptical of Prosperous Armenia cite the following arguments to prove their point : 1st, they believe the party backs ex-president Robert Kocharian and are threatened by the possibility of his return; 2nd, Prosperous Armenia didn’t announce itself an opposition, in line with parliamentary regulations, which I believe are absurd and have to be abolished.”

“By doing so, the skeptics are trying to help current President Serzh Sargsyan in positioning himself as a lesser evil as compared to Kocharian, whose name is associated with March 1, 2008 events.”

“The supposedly independent media and political forces are trying to push Prosperous Armenia back into Serzh Sargsyan’s arms, in an effort to again turn the party into RPA extension.”

As ANC leader said, current authorities are using harsher means to pressure Prosperous Armenia, “yet, giving in to President Sargsyan would mean political death to Prosperous Armenia.”

“Turning into an opposition as the only way out for Prosperous Armenia,” Ter-Petrossian noted, urging other political forces for help.

Ter-Petrossian urges to abolish OSCE Minsk Group

ANC opposition bloc leader, ex-president Levon Ter-Petrossian commented on recent statement on Karabakh issue by three Co-Chairing Presidents of the OSCE Minsk Group, Vladimir Putin, Barack Obama and Francois Hollande at the G20 summit in Los Cabos, Mexico.

As Ter-Petrossian noted at ANC rally, the tone of the message was perceptively harsher as compared to previous ones.

“The Presidents were dissatisfied over the failure of Serzh Sargsyan and Ilham Aliyev to implement Deauville statement and Sochi agreement, with ceasefire violations and military rhetoric continuing.”

“Some experts believe that OSCE MG hasn’t lived up to expectations and note that even a short-term halt in its work might yield positive results,” ANC leader said.

“According to the experts, halting mediatory mission and pressuring conflicting sides into action would promote peace agreement,” Ter-Petrossian said.

Opposition to vote against

ANC opposition bloc leader, ex-president Levon Ter-Petrossian urged parliamentary opposition forces to continue cooperation, and vote against government-proposed bills and programs.

As he noted, the opposition may only join the majority in voting for national security-related draft laws.

At ANC rally, Ter-Petrossian spoke of a new political situation in Armenian parliament, noting that the National Assembly hasn’t had as many oppositional parliamentarians since 1999.

“If in 2012, 49 MPs voted against the government program, in 2007 there was no one to vote against, and only 3 MPs were opposed in 2008,” ANC leader said.

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