SDHK LEFT ARF AND RAK
A1+
[07:47 pm] 06 November, 2007
As it was foreseen the meeting of the "Social Democratic Hnchakyan
Party" (SDHP), "Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun"
(ARF) and "Ramkavar-Azatakan Party of Armenia" (RAK) took place without
the participation SDHP. Member of ARF Hrant Margaryan explained the
absence of SDHP saying that the party wanted to unite around the idea
of a joint candidate.
"They make attempts to dismiss the old parties and unite around a joint
candidate. Common problems unite ARF and RAK today – to ensure the
country’s security and to present Armenia in abroad, as well as issues
related to the settlement of Karabakh conflict and issues counteracting
Turkey". Today’s meeting was the continuation of the agreement
between RAK, SDHK and ARF made during 2007 February conference in
Paris. "I consider that the diplomatic efforts of Armenians should be
directed on neutralizing Turkish influence on the OSCE Minsk Group,
since the presence of this country hinders the conflict settlement
process", mentioned Vahan Hovhannisyan, member of ARF. In his opinion,
Azerbaijani warlike announcements are the result of Ankara influence.
Reflecting on Azerbaijani evasive position to negotiate with
Nagorno-Karabakh, Vahan Hovhannisyan said: "If Azerbaijan avoids of
negotiating with Stepanakert directly, maybe Armenia should refuse
negotiating with Baku and start negotiating with Ankara". Members of
ARF expressed their content with Robert Kocharyan’s policy in regard
with Karabakh problem and pointed out that Armenia’s position was
weakened by the absence of Stepanakert in the negotiation process.
"Armenia should take all possible measures to involve Karabakh in
the negotiation process", pointed out Vahan Hovhannisyan. As to the
Terry Davis’s announcements regarding the difference between Karabakh
and Kosovo, Vahan Hovhannisyan mentioned: "Europe’s position in this
regard is not a news for us, but whatever the international structures
think of this, the settlement of Kosovo conflict may a precedent, since
certain elements may be used in the settlement of Karabakh conflict".