HERITAGE PARTY CONDUCTS ITS FIFTH ASSEMBLY
ARMENPRESS
JULY 11
The fifth assembly of the Heritage party took place today in the
session hall of the government with the participation of 274 of 300
delegates of the party.
Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsian, Human Rights Defender Armen
Harutyunian, ARF Bureau member Hrant Margarian, leader of the Armenian
People’s Party Stepan Demirtchian, head of the "Republic" party Aram
Sargsian, former presidential candidate Levon Ter-Petrosian, another
former presidential candidate Arman Melikian and representatives of
other political forces participated in the event.
In his greeting speech prime minister noted that during comparably
short period of its existence "Heritage" managed to unite its members
and associates over the goals of its programs and ensure its presence
in the legislative body.
The peculiarity of the current political moment, according to Tigran
Sargsian is that "Heritage" is the only oppositional political force
in the Armenian parliament. "I think the present will agree with me –
this reality pre-supposes additional responsibility.
I did not come to say that there are issues over which our opinions
differ, I am here to build bridges – setting bridges on fire is easy,
but to build them is not. I came here to say that we need strong
opposition and it is not a political gesture. Strong, constructive
opposition means strong society, strong state. We do not afraid of
criticism and brave suggestions. We need them. I came here to repeat
that we have one general aim to see Republic of Armenia as democratic,
legally developed state. We have enough common edges for reaching
that aim and for joint work. In the current political situation I
offer to gather over the lines which join us and not let our goals
vanish in the noise of fight. I hope my call will be accepted in
a right way. The cooperation doors are always open for you. What
President Serzh Sargsian said on February 26 is still in force. It
is not time for making new gaps between us it is time for uniting,
it is time for work," the prime minister said.
The head of the Armenia’s People’s Party S. Demirtchian greeted the
conduction of the assembly and noted that though the political force
is young it has already been recognized and took its unique place in
the political field.
He noted that the positions of his party and the "Heritage" over
a set of important issues are coinciding. "We cooperated and will
continue to cooperate for the sake of democratization of the country
and dignified life of the citizens," he said.
Former presidential candidate, first president of Armenia Levon
Ter-Petrosian assessed the contribution of the "Heritage" in the
pre-electoral period and said that without that support the results of
his electoral fight "would have been more modest". He also assessed
the work of the Heritage faction in the parliament and activity of
R. Hovhanesian in the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly.
In his speech the head of the party Raffi Hovhanesian noted that
the way of the "Heritage" as a young political force, is rich with
ups and downs. Nevertheless, the party will continue to work towards
the triumph of rule of law in the country. The political force will
remain devoted to the people, without strive to platforms. Raffi
Hovhanesian said he is proud of the administration of the party,
members of the faction and of their work.
During the assembly the party elected new extended administration
which comprises of 11 members instead of former 7.
The election of the head of the administration will take place later
today. The assembly also adopted a resolution by which the Heritage
faction must present a package of comprehensive reforms at the NA’s
fall session.