SHARMAZANOV DOES NOT NURSE GREAT HOPES

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28 July, 2008

Republican MP Edward Sharmazanov doesn’t think the opposition’s rally
of August 1 will effect striking changes in Armenia’s socio-political
life.

"The opposition wants to restore its place and role in the society
but I think rallies are belated. The main function of the opposition
is to criticize the authorities and make constructive proposals,"
Edward Sharmazanov said at the "Urbat" Club on July 28.

Asked whether Robert Kocharian might return to power, the Republican
MP said: "It is upon a political figure to decide his place and role
in politics."

By the way, Edward Sharmazanov criticized the initiative to bring
Robert Kocharian before the International Court of Justice, noting
that the years of Kocharian’s presidency were marked with numerous
achievements and are incomparable with those of Ter-Petrossian’s.

"ONE CANNOT PLAY FOOTBALL WITHOUT A BALL" Edward Sharamazanov thinks
Turkey’s President is to decide whether to accept or decline Serzh
Sarkissian’s invitation to Armenia. With regard to ARFD’s statement
that protest actions will be staged as soon as Abdullah Gul steps
into Armenia, Sharamazanov said, "Years ago Andranik Margarian clearly
spelled out the stance of the Republican Party that the party is for
the improvement of the Armenian-Turkish diplomatic relations without
any preconditions. Both the Republican Party and the authorities
wish Turkey entered the European Union to foster democratic values
in the country."

Sharmazanov says the Armenian Genocide cannot become a subject of
debates. Being a 118-year-old party the ARFD has its stance to the
question. They are free to do whatever they want. I respect their
decision.

Today the ball is in Turkey’s field. I wish Armenian political
figures didn’t play football without a ball. We don’t accept Turkey’s
pre-conditions concerning the international recognition of the Armenian
genocide and the Karabakh conflict regulation.