SERZH SARGSYAN: CONSEQUENCES OF MARCH 1 HAVE NOT BEEN OVERCOME, THERE IS NO SOLIDARITY IN SOCIETY
Noyan Tapan
Apr 10, 2009
YEREVAN, APRIL 10, NOYAN TAPAN. The consequences of the tragic events
that happened on March 1, 2008 in Yerevan have not been overcome, there
is no solidarity in society, RA President Serzh Sargsyan stated at the
April 10 press conference dedicated to the one year of his tenure. He
emphasized that he seeks solidarity. "However, it is obvious that
maybe I do not master all ways, because if I mastered, there would
be a general peace in our society in a short time. However, the man
has the ability of thinking and developing. I also has that ability,
I am thinking to see what other steps to take to establish calmness
in our society. If I knew, I would take all steps," S. Sargsyan said.
He said that he shares the anxiety of media and society connected
with the March 1 events, but he does not share the opinion that
there are illegally imprisoned people, political prisoners in the
country. Answering a question about granting an amnesty, S. Sargsyan
gave assurance that the RA President should exercise his rights
when the trial stage regarding the post-electoral period is over
in Armenia. "I do not exclude that an amnesty can be granted, but
I have seen no power that announces in advance that it is going to
grant an amnesty in several days, in a week or in several months. The
time will come, and we will see," S. Sargsyan said. Reminding that
28 people appealed to him for mercy and were granted an amnesty,
the President expressed readiness to consider any appeal for mercy.
S. Sargsyan stated that everybody is to blame for the March 1 events,
including Police forces. According to him, criminal cases were filed
in connection with policemen’s actions, but there are no arrested and
imprisoned policemen, as there are no concrete facts. According to S.
Sargsyan’s estimation, the actions of Police lacked professional skill,
which is not the fault of the Police, but was the consequence of the
general situation. "We are obliged to have a large, efficient army,
to spend huge resources on Armed Forces, and the Police for years
running was financed by the rest principle. That is the reason
that overdue special means were used, their number was small and
professional preparedness level low," S. Sargsyan said.
He said that every power is obliged to establish law and
order. Depending on the fact what way of struggle is chosen against
the authorities, they have to undertake adequate measures. "If the
law-breakers did not use fire-arms on March 1, I am sure that the
Police would not use fire-arms," S. Sargsyan stated.