Resumption of coalition-opposition dialogue possible - expert

PanARMENIAN.Net - Resumption of a coalition-opposition political dialogue is possible, considering both parties’ interest in it, according to a political analyst, Caucasus Institute director.

“Despite its harsh rhetoric, Armenian National Congress (ANC) opposition bloc is looking for a possibility to restart the dialogue, as the return to former stance and refusal to cooperate will hardly have a positive outcome,” Alexander Iskandaryan told a news conference in Yerevan.

“However, I believe, ANC will continue with rallies using them as a part of election campaign. The important thing is that the opposition-coalition struggle continues in a civilized manner,” the expert stressed.

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.

As ANC leader stated at recent rally in Yerevan, refusal to release Arakelyan within the next few days will prove the incident between the police and opposition supporter to be a put-up job. According to Levon Ter-Petrossian, unless the detainee is released, ANC is ready to mobilize its supporters to force ruling authorities into conducting to snap elections.