PACE RESOLUTION HAS WEAK AND STRONG POINTS

A1+
25 June, 2008

Members of the Popular Movement do not hold a unanimous stance
towards PACE Resolution 1609, especially in light of the protection
of democratic values. For instance, Levon Zurabian highlights that
the implementation of Res. 1609 has been put into the consideration
of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. This gave
rise to new demands, among them A1+’s return to the air and urgent
release of political prisoners.

Among weak points Zurabian points out the terms set for the
implementation of the PACE resolution. "The Parliamentary Assembly
could have posed tough terms for the release of Armenia’s political
prisoners."

Asked to comment on the statement of the NA ad hoc committee regarding
their readiness to work with Ter-Petrossian’s representative, HHSh
Gevorik, Zurabian said, "The statement speaks of the Committee’s
exiguity." Then he added: "The Committee members have made biased
statements on the March 1 events, they have assumed the role of
a judge. Obviously, they do not strike a neutral pose and instill
confidence amongst people. Moreover, they cannot investigate the
occurrences of March 1-2 as none of them had been on the scene."

"While the PACE doubted the impartiality of the committee,
a non-partisan parliamentarian /Levon Khacahtrian/ withdrew his
participation thus leaving the right to vote with the Coalition. The
National Assembly didn’t even call a special sitting to fill the
vacancy. Currently, the committee features people who fully endorse
the Government’s version of the occurrences," said Zurabian.

The ad hoc committee had invited Levon Ter-Petrossian’s
representative. Asked why Robert Kocharian has no representative in
the committee and whether it suggests that the committee presents
the interests of Robert Kocharian, Levon Zurabian said, "You have
just answered the question."

Note, on June 28 the Center of the Popular Movement will hold a rally
in Gyumri, which has been authorized by the Town Hall. The rally will
be attended by the key oppositionists.