NATIONAL MOVEMENT TO BE RENAMED "ARMENIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS"
YEREVAN, MAY 2, NOYAN TAPAN. In the words of the first Armenian
president Levon Ter-Petrosian, the only way of easing the current
dangerous tension between Armenian society and the ruling regime is to
hold early presidential and parliamenatry elections. However, as he
stated at the 2nd cogress of the National Movement on May 2, being
aware that the current authorities of Armenia and the European
organizations are not yet ready for such an outcome, and this idea will
take some time to mature, the movement’s representatives must work out
their further steps and present an action plan.
First of all, according to L. Ter-Petrosian, it is necessary to give a
new form and name to the national movement. In his opinion, it should
be called "Armenian National Congress". The first president explained
that creation of such a congress does not mean that the parties –
movement participants should dissovle themselves. At the same time, the
newly founded congress cannot be a motley organization so it is not
ruled out that Armenian National Congress will become one party in the
future.
"Unlike the current regime, we have alsways acted and will act within
the law," L. Ter-Petrosian said. In his words, while not accepting the
legitimacy of this regime, the movement leaders are ready to engage in
dialog with it but only after all points of April 17 resolution of the
PACE have been fulfilled and the imprisoned political figures and
azatamartiks (freedom fighters) released.
"We should refrain from any internal political shocks," L.
Ter-Petrosian added, underlining that Azerbaijan would benefit from an
unstable situation in Armenia. In his words, Azerbaijan should realize
that in case of resumption of hostilities, it will meet resistance of
the Armenian people. L. Ter-Petrosian assured those present that in
case of resumption of war, he will urge the movement members to give up
their political struggle and devote themselves to defence of homeland.