Political reason motivates extraordinary session on deposits

Yerkir
17 Dec 04

Political reason motivates the initiative for extraordinary session
on deposits. This opinion has been expressed by ARF faction secretary
Hrayr Karapetian during a briefing, saying that the real reason for
the session is not to return the deposits. Karapetian believes the
issue still needs scrutiny. In addition, MP finds the return of 30
dollars for lost 1000 rubles not just.

This topic was discussed with the prime minister the other day, who
said that return of the deposits will imply big cuts in teachers,
doctors, etc. He said that one of the ways for returning the deposits
could be privileges in taxes, etc. However, he found impossible to
destabilize political situation by the initiative.

The ARF faction secretary said that their party had not yet discussed
the issue, but may present its approaches in the near future. The
political situation in Armenia was rather stable throughout 2004
and seems to have same prospects the coming year. Karapetian noted
the political fight which resulted in the opposition’s decision to
boycott. But the main thing was that the people could live another
peaceful, stable and creative year.

The secretary expressed hope that during the coming year, the
coalition will be able to expand its social programs and provide
rise of salaries to civil servants in 2006. He also prioritized
parliamentary activities, adoption of laws on national security and
social system. He welcomed the decision of EU which offers Turkey
to recognize the genocide and open borders soon. He also said that
“our foreign policy has set Karabagh issue on proper rails and we
will succeed, if we continue in this direction.” Finally, he said
the ARF position on this issue has not changed.