Statement by ARF Armenia Supreme Body

21.04.2005 14:03

YEREVAN (YERKIR) – The Supreme Body of the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (ARF) Armenia organization issued a statement on Thursday in
connection with the Sevan incident. Below is the text of the statement.

Pluralism, freedom of expression and rallies are unalterable values
for establishing democracy. Sadly, we have witnessed another case of
violating those rights, this time in Sevan.

The ARF sees this incident as a provocation against democracy and
the political authorities of the country, and another attempt by
non-political forces to step up their activities.

This is a challenge to the country’s political forces, and its
objective is to derail the civilized struggle based on democratic
values and principles. It is unacceptable that shadow and non-political
forces, driven by their segmental and clan interests, try to increase
their roles through such methods, and avert the country’s normal course
towards democracy. The ARF considers the incident as a blow against
it, the political forces interested in establishment of democracy,
state, and society.

We will carry on a resolute fight against such phenomena, and as
a ruling party, will make all the efforts to make sure that the
national and democratic course of the country is irreversible and
sustainable. We demand that the law-enforcement agencies exercise
effective means for uncovering and punishing the organizers of the
incident, as well as prevent such provocations from happening in
the future.