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ARF PRIORITIZES REGIME CHANGE AT 15TH SUPREME ASSEMBLY
Asbarez
Monday, June 7th, 2010
ARF Supreme Council of Armenia Chairman Armen Rustamian
YEREVAN (ARF Press Service)-The Armenian Revolutionary Federation
concluded its 15th Supreme Assembly of Armenia on Sunday with the
election of a new ARF Supreme Council of Armenia to govern the
pan-national political parties operations in Armenia for the next
two years. The Assembly, which convened Friday in Aghveran, issued a
statement emphasizing the need for regime change and highlighting the
party's priorities in Armenia. The statement specifically stressed
the need for the restoration of national ideals within Armenia's
foreign policy, the establishment of social justice, protection of
civil rights and the need to form a new government.
At the conclusion, a nine-person council to oversee the party's
operations in Armenia was elected comprised of the following: Hayrapet
Babayan, Arsen Hambardzumyan, Tatul Harutyunyan, Michael Manukyan,
Ara Nranian, Armen Rustamian, Spartak Seyranian, Simon Simonian and
Hrach Tadevosyan. Rustamian was re-elected to chair the body.
During a press conference Monday, Rustamian emphasized that regime
change was the only way out of the current social and political
quagmire in Armenia. "We want to change the government by means of
elections. That is the way to go. Regime change through uprising is
always dangerous and harmful, especially given that Armenia and the
Armenians now face an unfinished war," said Rustamian.
He also announced that during the next presidential elections the
ARF will nominate its own candidate. "If Armenians had elected [ARF
candidate] Vahan Hovhannesian president in 2008 we would be living
in a different Armenia now," explained Rustamian.
"Obviously, the incumbent Armenian authorities are unable to solve
topical problems. The country needs a new regime, which would be
capable of resolving problems," said Rustamian. In this context, he
said, the ARF is the only force capable of solving existing problems.
"The time comes when changing the ruling regime becomes a matter of
national security."
Asked why the ARF does not demand President Serzh Sarkisian's
resignation if the party is dissatisfied with his policies, Rustamian
responded: "You are right. How long can we give the president new
chances? It is enough. We have closed our eyes to too many things
and given him many chances. They should not test the ARF's patience
and prudence."
The ARF statement contains a long of list of socioeconomic and
political problems facing Armenia, including a culture of electoral
fraud, government abuse and widespread poverty.
"Today the state is not on the side of its citizens," said Rustamian.
"Unfortunately, we have two types of states: One caters to the
interests of a minority-a privileged class-while the other has
abandoned its citizens."
"Social discontent has never reached such a peak and the social
situation has never been so difficult. I hope that the authorities
realize this as well," added Rustamian, who predicted that if these
conditions persist, a social uprising could take place in the country.
The ARF leader said that without necessary reforms, all future
elections will worsen the country's already tenuous situation. He
said the inability of the people to form a power base through free
expression has caused the current impasse.
Rustamian also didn't rule out early elections-both presidential
and parliamentary. "A force-majeure situation can always arise in
a country like ours, and any political force respecting itself must
always be prepared for such scenarios."
"During elections the authorities themselves corrupt the people
and then they seek great achievements. It is impossible," explained
Rustamian.
From: A. Papazian
Asbarez
Monday, June 7th, 2010
ARF Supreme Council of Armenia Chairman Armen Rustamian
YEREVAN (ARF Press Service)-The Armenian Revolutionary Federation
concluded its 15th Supreme Assembly of Armenia on Sunday with the
election of a new ARF Supreme Council of Armenia to govern the
pan-national political parties operations in Armenia for the next
two years. The Assembly, which convened Friday in Aghveran, issued a
statement emphasizing the need for regime change and highlighting the
party's priorities in Armenia. The statement specifically stressed
the need for the restoration of national ideals within Armenia's
foreign policy, the establishment of social justice, protection of
civil rights and the need to form a new government.
At the conclusion, a nine-person council to oversee the party's
operations in Armenia was elected comprised of the following: Hayrapet
Babayan, Arsen Hambardzumyan, Tatul Harutyunyan, Michael Manukyan,
Ara Nranian, Armen Rustamian, Spartak Seyranian, Simon Simonian and
Hrach Tadevosyan. Rustamian was re-elected to chair the body.
During a press conference Monday, Rustamian emphasized that regime
change was the only way out of the current social and political
quagmire in Armenia. "We want to change the government by means of
elections. That is the way to go. Regime change through uprising is
always dangerous and harmful, especially given that Armenia and the
Armenians now face an unfinished war," said Rustamian.
He also announced that during the next presidential elections the
ARF will nominate its own candidate. "If Armenians had elected [ARF
candidate] Vahan Hovhannesian president in 2008 we would be living
in a different Armenia now," explained Rustamian.
"Obviously, the incumbent Armenian authorities are unable to solve
topical problems. The country needs a new regime, which would be
capable of resolving problems," said Rustamian. In this context, he
said, the ARF is the only force capable of solving existing problems.
"The time comes when changing the ruling regime becomes a matter of
national security."
Asked why the ARF does not demand President Serzh Sarkisian's
resignation if the party is dissatisfied with his policies, Rustamian
responded: "You are right. How long can we give the president new
chances? It is enough. We have closed our eyes to too many things
and given him many chances. They should not test the ARF's patience
and prudence."
The ARF statement contains a long of list of socioeconomic and
political problems facing Armenia, including a culture of electoral
fraud, government abuse and widespread poverty.
"Today the state is not on the side of its citizens," said Rustamian.
"Unfortunately, we have two types of states: One caters to the
interests of a minority-a privileged class-while the other has
abandoned its citizens."
"Social discontent has never reached such a peak and the social
situation has never been so difficult. I hope that the authorities
realize this as well," added Rustamian, who predicted that if these
conditions persist, a social uprising could take place in the country.
The ARF leader said that without necessary reforms, all future
elections will worsen the country's already tenuous situation. He
said the inability of the people to form a power base through free
expression has caused the current impasse.
Rustamian also didn't rule out early elections-both presidential
and parliamentary. "A force-majeure situation can always arise in
a country like ours, and any political force respecting itself must
always be prepared for such scenarios."
"During elections the authorities themselves corrupt the people
and then they seek great achievements. It is impossible," explained
Rustamian.
From: A. Papazian