The political dialogue between the representatives of Armenian National Congress (ANC) opposition bloc and the authorities was suspended because of Russia, according to a former member of Karabakh Committee.

As Ashot Manucharyan told a news conference in Yerevan, Russia viewed the opposition-coalition dialogue as a tool weakening its influence on Armenia.

Manucharyan was sceptical over August 9 incident with ANC supporter being a reason for dialogue suspension. “Negotiations were stalling. Were it not for the incident, some other reason would have come forth to halt the dialogue,” Manucharyan said.

Representatives of the ruling coalition have held meetings since July 18, the two main issues on the agenda being 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 Tigran Arakelyan and Artak Karapetyan. Upon arrival to the site, activists Areg Gevorgyan, Sahak Muradyan, Vahagn Gevorgyan, Sargis Gevorgyan and David Kirimajyan tried to settle the dispute but were beaten as well, the ANC said. All above-mentioned were taken to a police station.

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

On August 26, the Congress announced that it suspends the dialogue and believes Arakelyan to be a political prisoner.