WERE THE ELECTIONS LEGITIMATE OR NOT?
Siranush Muradyan

"Radiolur"
08.06.2009 17:29

There were no elections, as such. By holding bad elections the
Republican Party once again harmed the image of the country, member
of the Board of the Armenian Pan-National Movement Hovhannes Igityan
told a press conference today.

Republican Vardan Ayvazyan responded that the elections were quite
legitimate. The MP considers that the elections to the Yerevan City
Council were held in line with democratic standards.

Regarding the amnesty, Hovhannes Igityan said he was assured the
possibility of an amnesty was being discussed in political circles
today because the session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council
of Europe was ahead and there was a necessity to create an impression
of democracy.

Touching upon the economic crisis, Mr. Igityan said "other countries
encourage the local producers by providing loans, while in our
country the loans are given to those who stand closer to the governing
circles."

Vardan Ayvazyan responded that "there is a center for promotion
of small and medium-sized businesses, which seriously addresses
the issue."