ARF BUREAU SETS COURSE FOR FUTURE

ARF Press Office
May 27th, 2009

PARIS (ARF Press Office)–The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau
Wednesday reported that the party has set a course for its future
activities following a recently convened plenary session focused on
the party’s responsibilities since emerging as an opposition force
after pulling out of Armenia’s governing coalition.

In discussing and assessing recent developments, the ARF Bureau
asserted that leaving the coalition was the right choice. Becoming
an opposition will afford the ARF the opportunity to challenge the
authorities and prevent dangerous developments in Armenia-Turkey
relations.

"The ARF will refrain from drastic approaches and the changes in
its posturing will be based on the authorities’ policies," said a
statement from the Bureau.

The Bureau said its priorities would be to strengthen its political
organization, educate a large cross-section of the population on
national values, and to promote the party’s programmatic approaches
to strengthening democracy and social justice. As such, the Bureau
emphasized the important role the youth will play in shaping an
effective political, economic, spiritual and cultural society guided
by national interests.

On the Karabakh peace process, the ARF Bureau urged resolve and
absolutely rejected efforts by Turkey to intervene in the resolution,
and emphasized the importance of advancing and pre senting and
defending the Armenian position to the international community.

The Bureau also urged for renewed efforts for the international
recognition of the Armenian Genocide, condemnation of Turkey and
demands for reparations.

Defending the interests of the Armenian state and elevating Armenia’s
economic capabilities remain top priorities for the party.

In conclusion, the ARF Bureau asserted that the party’s decision to
leave the governing coalition should not have a negative impact on
Armenia-Diaspora relations. On the contrary, the Bureau said that it
was only through uniting all national capabilities that all challenges
facing the Armenian nation can be addressed.