AUTHORITIES, OPPOSITION SHOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO EASE POLITICAL TENSION IN ARMENIA

ARKA
Oct 2, 2008

YEREVAN, October 2. /ARKA/. Armenian authorities and opposition should
do whatever necessary to ease political tension in the country,
former Armenian foreign minister Vardan Oskanian said at a press
conference on Wednesday.

Oskanian said that the authorities should do something about those
arrested in connection with March violence.

"I was pleasantly surprised by the information published by newspapers
about likely amnesty. The president is to speak in National Assembly
on October 2 and expected to announce amnesty", he said.

He thinks unsolved problem with prisoners prevents Armenia playing
significant role in the region.

Oskanian thinks that right steps should be taken as compliance with
PACE demands, of which the most important is the release of prisoners.

In his opinion, March events tarnished Armenia’s reputation. The
former foreign minister thinks that Armenia puts its image at stake
by dragging its feet in complying with PACE demands.

"If the president shares my opinion, he will say something to the
public tomorrow", Oskanian said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress