ARFD STOPS ITS PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL COALITION

NOYAN TAPAN
APRIL 27, 2009
YEREVAN

On April 27, ARFD declared its stopping participation in the political
coalition. The statement publicized at the press conference the same
day presented by ARFD Armenian Supreme Body representative Armen
Rustamian, in particular, read:

"In consideration of issue’s political significance, public resonance
and consequences, we consider it necessary to make clear the causes
of this step.

First, ARFD made part of the coalition with the aim of jointly
overcoming the crisis formed in the country after the presidential
elections, overcoming military-political threats to independence and
security of the two Armenian states and carrying out reforms.

Some progress was recorded in that process, but an insuperable
disagreement of principle emerged around the foreign political course.

We have been always convinced that one of the strategic directions of
state’s national security is Armenian Genocide’s universal recognition
and condemnation, in particular, by Turkey. It was considered in the
context of not only restoration of historic justice, but also improval
of atmosphere of mutual confidence in the region and prevention of such
crimes in the future. In that respect, as we have already declared,
we consider inadmissible and condemnable adoption of a joint statement
by Armenian and Turkish Foreign Ministries immediately on the eve of
April 24 in the context of Turkish leaders’ anti-Armenian position
of dictating preconditions. We also have disagreements of principle
on some provisions considered in the Armenia-Turkey negotiations. We
will express our complete views about those provisions during public
discussions.

Henceforth ARFD will act with the status of a new, opposition force
in the Armenian political sphere. Our main priorities will be:

1. To become a full-value alternative to the power by proposing our
own programs and solutions on all problems.

2. To assume the role of an efficient counterbalance and reserve to
the authorities.

3. To carry out necessary functions for the purpose of political
sphere’s rehabilitation and crystallization, formation of
power-opposition civilized relations, establishment of social justice
and strengthening democracy.

4. To carry out complete activity proceeding from preelection promises
manifesting ARFD’s ideological originality.

5. To be guided exclusively by supremacy of national state interests
and goals in the processes of Armenian-Turkish relations and Nagorno
Karabakh settlement."