BY ARREST OF FORMER MINISTER AUTHORITIES GAVE CARTE BLANCHE TO THEIR ARREST TO NEXT AUTHORITIES, NDU LEADER SAYS

Noyan Tapan
May 08 2007

YEREVAN, MAY 8, NOYAN TAPAN. Very serious grounds are needed for the
arrest of a former high-ranking official and institution of a criminal
case towards him, but there are no grounds in this case. Vazgen
Manukian, Chairman of National Democratic Union, stated at the May 8
roundtable dedicated to the arrest of RA ex-Foreign Minister Alexander
Arzumanian by law enforcement bodies.

In his words, by A. Arzumanian’s arrest the current authorities
create a precedent and give a carte blanche to their arrest to the
next authorities.

"Does Serge Sargsian think that they will not arrest him? He will be
arrested without fail," NDU Chairman said.

Karapet Rubinian, representative of Civil Disobedience public
initiative, former NA Vice-Speaker, expressed confidence that the
arrest of the ex-Foreign Minister, as well as criminal prosecution
of another ex-Minister, Vahan Shirkhanian, are connected with
post-electoral processes, as the authorities are very much anxious
about what will take place after May 12.

Representatives of People’s Party of Armenia, Democratic Homeland,
National Unity, Hanrapetutiun, Heritage, Nor Zhamanakner, Homeland
and Honor parties, Impeachment bloc and others took part in the event.

To recap, a criminal case has been instituted against two former
members of RA government by the signs of part 3, Article 190, Criminal
Code. The case is examined by the Investigation Department of National
Security Service. In the evening of May 7 A. Arzumanian was arrested
for 72 hours and V. Shirkhanian was invited to the National Security
Service on May 8 for giving testimony.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress