SERZH SARKISSIAN RULES OUT DIALOGUE

A1+
21 July, 2008

"I think Armenian courts treat all citizens committing offences
very mildly," Serzh Sarkissian said in reply to A1+. We wondered
what measures the Armenian authorities take with regard to the PACE
recommendation to free all those detained under Articles 300 and 225
of the RoA Criminal Code.

"I am seriously concerned over their arrest. As you know many people
are already released. I have already said many times that I am of a
high opinion of Armenian courts as they treat people committing minor
offences very softly. On the other hand, I think we shouldn’t close
an eye to grave crimes and all those who have smashed, wrecked and
raised a hand against other’s property should be brought to justice
otherwise we will serve a bad model for the society. Many will be
seduced by that permissiveness and think that after each election they
can bring down the moon with the help of power. We must exclude it."

Serzh Sarkissian states that "the authorities are powerful, confident,
quiet and calm." They don’t fear from problems. Serzh Sarkissian said
he relies on the support of mighty parties. He particularly named
the "Orinats Yerkir" Party (OYK) "which won the confidence of large
masses during the election," "Bargavach Hayastan" Party (BHK) with its
distinct stance and Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutiun
(ARFD) with its close ranks. "Finally, I rely on the party taking
the most seats in the National Assembly – on the Republican Party of
Armenia (HHK). I need nothing else," said Serzh Sarkissian.

As to the dialogue with Levon Ter-Petrossian, Serzh Sarkissian said
the term is perceived wrongly. By saying a dialogue he means a dialogue
with people, the society, rather than a dialogue of the head of state
with an individual.

Today Serzh Sarkissian ruled out a dialogue with the opposition. "What
is the aim of a dialogue if the opposition demands an earlier
election? Are we supposed to negotiate the terms of the election? I
am sick and tired of elections."