IS THERE PERMANENT STABILITY IN ARMENIA?

A1+
[07:31 pm] 25 May, 2007

"I was taken by numerous surprises at the May 12 elections. The most
striking for me was that Stepan Demirchyan, Artashes Geghamyan and
Gurgen Arsenyan were not elected to the parliament," said political
analyzer Richard Kirakosyan.

On the other hand, I am glad that Raffi Hovannisian will bring
freshness to the National Assembly and present the opposition in a
new way. I believe that Armenia will have more dynamic and active
democracy.

The new opposition will open a new page in the country’s
inter-political life, he said.

Kirakosyan is sure that the Republican Party will offer Gurgen Arsenyan
a post.

The political analyzer declined to make comments on the opposition’s
struggle saying that he "lives abroad and it is difficult for him to
give estimations". On the whole, he is satisfied with the election
outcome.

"The election was a step forward, there was obvious progress, and
Armenia has taken a democratic way."

"Surely, there were shortcomings, as no country can conduct ideal
elections."

"Armenia stands out among the South Caucasian countries due to its
characteristics-stability."