RALLIES ARE NOT THE ONLY WAY OF STRUGGLE

A1+
[07:56 pm] 22 September, 2008

"The opposition has always applied and will continue applying only
legitimate and peaceful methods stemming from our principles. We shall
continue our struggle through legal means," Leader of the People’s
Party of Armenia (HZhK) Stepan Demirchian said in reply to A1+’s
question whether the opposition might mitigate its strategy taking
into account the regional tension.

Stepan Demirchian who has enjoyed the support of hundreds of
thousands ralliers thinks rallies shouldn’t become the main form of
the opposition’s struggle.

"I do understand people’s impatience but the struggle suggests
consistent steps. The opposition should actively be engaged in
all political processes and run in the upcoming elections to
self-government bodies and City Mayor.

The HZhK leader highlights the local elections as they are politicized
and are given great importance.

"The party is already working in this direction paving way for HZhK
candidate Ararat Zurabian to win the election to the district head
of Kentron commune. Zurabian fully enjoys our support."

Stepan Demirchian also referred to NA Speaker Tigran Torossian’s
resignation.

"Obviously, the decision was made by the Republican majority. They
pledge to increase the role of the Armenian Parliament by replacing
Tigran Torossian with Hovik Abrahamian. We find the statement
groundless. If they really want to increase the role of the National
Assembly they should conduct free and fair elections to form a genuine
political body-National Assembly-reflecting the general moods in
the public."

Demirchian says although today the parliament enjoys more powers
nothing has changed in the country. The National Assembly continues
to serve the executive body as "our parliamentarians are appointed
and not elected."

"New elections should be called to increase the role of the
parliament," concluded Demirchian.