Armenian opposition keeps pressing for president’s resignation

17.04.2004, 03.40

YEREVAN, April 17 (Itar-Tass) – The Armenian opposition keeps pressing
for the resignation of President Robert Kocharian.

`The public’s demand may well be implemented by peaceful, political
means,’ the opposition bloc Justice and the National Unity party said
in a joint statement late Friday evening.

The opposition argues that the current authorities are the main
obstacle to democratization in the country.

`The solution of problems facing Armenia and its people has no
alternative and it can be achieved through the restoration of
constitutional order and formation of a legitimate government,’ the
statement runs.

The opposition is certain that `provocation and violence will fail to
stop the tide of the public movement for democracy.’ It hails
assistancefrom the international public and international
organizations to Armenia in complying with its commitments.

The opposition does not rule out `the possibility of an open, public
dialogue without reservations as a means to defuse tensions.

On the list of conditions for the beginning of a dialogue it mentions
an end to political persecution and violence, court action against
those responsible for election rigging and framed-up court sentences
and the release of all those arrested for political reasons.

`A referendum on confidence in the authorities may become a belatedbut
effective means to achieve civil accord,’ the Opposition said in the
statement.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress