ARMENIAN REVOLUTIONARY FEDERATION
Yerevan, Armenia
Website:
STATEMENT
The Armenian Revolutionary Federation announces the cessation of its
participation in the political coalition.
We deem it necessary to explain this step in view of its political
significance and consequences, and the public’s interest.
First of all, the ARF-Dashnaktsutyun joined the coalition in order to
overcome through the unity of forces the crisis facing the country
following the presidential elections and the threats to the
independence and security of the two Armenian states, and with the aim
of making coordinated reforms.
During this period there were certain achievements, but insurmountable
disagreements on matters of principle emerged with respect to the
direction of the foreign policy.
It has always been our conviction that one of the main directions of
the the state’s national security strategy is the universal
recognition and condemnation, especially by Turkey, of the Armenian
Genocide. This is seen not only in the context of the restoration of
historical justice, but also as a way to improve the overall
environment of mutual trust in the region, while also preventing
similar crimes in the future. In this sense, as we have already
announced, we find unacceptable and condemn the agreement by Armenia’s
Ministry of Foreign Affairs to join the April 22 joint statement with
Turkey, on the eve of April 24 and when the leaders of Turkey are
making anti-Armenian announcements and restating preconditions for the
normalization of relations. We also have principled disagreements with
the position of the authorities of Armenia on certain issues being
discussed in the Armenia-Turkey negotiations. We will publicize our
positions regarding those issues when they are discussed in public.
Henceforth, in the political landscape of Armenia the
ARF-Dashnaktsutyun will assume a new role, that of an opposition
force. Our main priorities will be:
1. To become a full-fledged alternative to the authorities,
proposing our own programs and solutions on all major issues.
2. As opposition to assume the role of effectively counterbalancing
and restraining the authorities.
3. To take the necessary actions to heal and crystallize the
political landscape, to form civilized relations between the
authorities and the opposition, to establish social justice and to
strengthen democracy.
4. To carry on comprehensive activities emanating from electoral
promises, showcasing the ARF-Dashnkatsutyun’s ideological and
political character.
5. In the processes of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations
and the resolution of the Karabagh conflict, to be guided exclusively
by our state-national interests and goals.
We appreciate the work carried out jointly with our coalition partners
and we wish them success in their endeavors in the interest of our
state and people.
ARMENIAN REVOLUTIONARY FEDERATION
SUPREME BODY OF ARMENIA
27 April 2009