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Dashnaks' call for Armenian authorities, opposition, for dialogue

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  • Dashnaks' call for Armenian authorities, opposition, for dialogue

    Text of Dashnaks' call for Armenian authorities, opposition to begin dialogue

    Yerkir web site, Yerevan
    5 Apr 04

    One of the parties in the Armenian coalition government has called on
    the authorities and opposition to begin dialogue. The Armenian
    Revolutionary Federation - Dashnaktsutyun said in a statement on 5
    April that the country was on the verge of open conflict. It blamed
    the situation on "the opposition's intolerant and extreme position of
    political disobedience through non-recognition of the authorities'
    legitimacy, on one hand, and the authorities' reluctance to fully
    engage the opposition in the key issues of the country on the
    other". The Dashnaks said that dialogue should lead to agreement on
    real reforms, primarily on an election system that meets international
    standards, constitutional reform to enhance democracy and a
    comprehensive fight against corruption, the black economy and the clan
    system. The following is the text of the report in English, as
    published by Armenian newspaper Yerkir web site on 5 April;
    subheadings inserted editorially:

    The Armenian Revolutionary Federation - Dashnaktsutyun held a news
    conference on Monday [5 April] and issued a statement over the
    political developments in Armenia. The following is the full text of
    the statement.

    Authorities and opposition to blame for current tension

    The political tension in the republic approaches to the dangerous line
    of open confrontation. The further escalation of the situation may
    result in destabilization of the country, distort the image of the
    state and stop the normal pace of the country's development. Public
    resentment resulting from socio-economic problems are politically
    exploited with an aim to reach a political crisis and swift change of
    power.

    The tactics of creating political turmoil and environment of
    intolerance produces unacceptable internal political relations.

    The opposition's intolerant and extreme position of political
    disobedience through non-recognition of the authorities' legitimacy on
    one hand, and the authorities' reluctance to fully engage the
    opposition in the key issues of the country on the other hand, lie in
    the heart of the current political tension.

    The real reasons for the existing resentment are low efficiency of
    solving the problems and hard social conditions. The Armenian
    Revolutionary Federation (ARF) completely recognizes and acknowledges
    its share of responsibility in this issue.

    Political agreement needed

    Today, we are in front of the imperative to prevent possible
    confrontation, and the best way is to reach a political agreement. The
    agreement should be based on awareness and readiness to jointly solve
    the fundamental issues of the people. Any agreement will be possible
    if only there is a will to ensure the opposition's engagement in
    solving the issues and meeting each other halfway.

    Taking into account the complexity of the relations in the internal
    political life, as well as the degree of the divergence of positions,
    we are offering a mechanism of reaching an agreement.

    To discuss the possibility of reaching such an agreement, there should
    be a dialogue without pursuing demands that are unacceptable for the
    other side. Steps that would divide the society into friends and
    enemies, and actions leading to clashes should be avoided.

    A dialogue would be fruitful if the following principles are kept:

    the dialogue should be legally based on the Armenian Constitution and
    laws;

    the actions of the sides should be strictly within the laws and
    constitutional order;

    both sides should moderate their positions;

    There should be no winners and losers in the dialogue: either we all
    win and ensure rapid and stable development of the country, or we all
    lose and face devastating consequences of civil clash.

    The intention to ensure real and guaranteed reforms in the country and
    in people's life should be the subject of the agreement. Following
    priority issues should be included in the agreement:

    an election system entirely meeting international standards should be
    formed;

    constitutional reforms to enhance democratic mechanisms should be
    implemented;

    a comprehensive fight against corruption, black economy and clan
    system should be carried out.

    To guarantee the efficiency of implementing the agreement, the
    opposition's participation should be ensured. It can be in form of the
    opposition's inclusion in the Security Council, in fight against
    corruption, as well as making it possible to adopt constitutional and
    election reforms through consensus, and other options and solutions
    depending on the degree of the agreement.

    It is necessary to use the remaining time efficiently for voluntary
    concessions. Otherwise, the entire responsibility for future
    confrontation will be laid on the side that missed the chance of
    agreement. Further developments will force the political forces to
    make concessions, anyway.

    The political coalition should become the one in charge and the
    guarantor of the dialogue and agreement.

    The ARF strictly condemns any actions that might push the country to
    unpredictable external and internal consequences, and firmly stands in
    the positions of maintaining the law and constitutional order; it is
    ready to back any constructive initiatives in favour of guaranteed
    political reforms and political reconciliation.
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