Armenian ruling coalition calls for dialogue with opposition

Yerkir web site, Yerevan
25 May 04

on 25 May headlined “Ruling coalition again calls for dialogue”

25 May: The ruling coalition issued a statement on Tuesday [25 May]
calling on the opposition to truly engage in a dialogue. The following
is the text of the statement.

The political coalition’s proposal to settle the existing issues
through a political accord is in fact being rejected by the National
Unity Party and the Justice bloc. Unfortunately, the opposition forces
did not take the constructive path, which was a real opportunity to
emerge jointly from the present internal political tension.

Adopting a policy of holding protest rallies instead of engaging
in a dialogue, they effectively did not adhere to the Council
of Europe’s urgings to settle issues by political means without
preconditions. This confirms that the opposition is probably not
sincere in either preserving the country’s image and stability or in
its statements to solve the problems by civilized methods.

Though the opposition, through its statements made jointly with
other parliamentary forces, emphasized the need to create a new
political situation in the republic, it, however, fails to take
proper steps. The situation in the country can change not only due
to the authorities’ readiness but also provided that the opposition
escalating the confrontation changes its stance.

Nevertheless, the political coalition, as the force executing the power
in the country, is determined to settle the problems and issues that
the people are concerned with through implementation of the Council
of Europe’s recommendations and the country’s commitments before
the Council.

The political coalition believes the possibility for a further
dialogue still exists, and expects that the opposition will, in a
responsible way, participate in the process of settling the current
problems jointly.