WILL HE PROMOTE HIS CANDIDATURE?

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17:26:32 – 22/09/2009

Interview By Arman Galoyan

The central electoral commission deprived the NA parliamentary members,
the former political prisoners, the deputy head of the Yerkrapah Union
of Compatriots Myasnik Malkhasyan, the Chief of "Vogu pordzutyun"
NGO Hakob Hakobyan, the commander of Sasun battalion Sasun Mikaelyan
of their mandates. The ground for such a decision was the application
of the speaker of the National Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan that the
court verdict on the parliamentarians entered in force. Though, let
us note that Myasnik Malkhasyan and Hakob Hakobyan were amnestied
and according to Myasnik Malkhasyan, he was illegally deprived of
his mandate. Myasnik Malkhasyan answers lragir.am questions.

What would you say in connection with the fact that you – the former
political prisoners, have been deprived of mandates? Was this decision
expectable for you?

Yes, of course. Nothing else maybe expected. We knew that the
government would make this step because just from the beginning
they had the aim not to let any free word and action at the National
Assembly. What happened is their regular illegality. Since we have been
arrested, illegalities are continuing. They point out the Article 67
of the Constitution according to which a parliamentarian’s credentials
are stopped if they are convicted. But nevertheless they did not have
the right to make this step because this Constitution norm implies
those who bear their punishment in detentions institutions. But we
were condemned to deprivation of freedom but were at once amnestied
and now we are free.

In this case, why did not you lay down the mandates but let them
deprive you?

I stated of being ready to lay down my mandate. We did not even go
to the National Assembly. But we did not lay them down on purpose
for the government to commit another illegality for us to be able to
dispute these illegalities in the European Court.

The NA parliamentary member Khachatur Sukiasyan laid down his mandate
stating that he had nothing to do in an unprincipled parliament.

His step was very right. I agree with his assessments. We may lay down
the mandate too, but they had already issued an illegal verdict on
us and we had already started our struggle through appeals. We did
not do it to appeal to the European Court. They do not understand
what they do. They did not pay our salaries since June. But I think
we will have success through our steps.

What are you going to do after all this? Will you stay in active
politics?

Do I need a parliamentary mandate to be engaged in politics? I think
life does not end only by the NA. I have been engaged in politics
since 1989-90. I have much to do. I have served my people and I will
continue doing it. I will always find work to do.

Extraordinary elections are expected in three electoral districts. Are
you possible to promote your candidature?

Most likely. I have not taken a final decision yet. I cannot answer
concretely now.

Will Hakob Hakobyan promote his one in your opinion?

I think it is a good idea if he promotes his candidature. I am sure
Hakob Hakobyan will surely promote it.