SERZH SARGSYAN EXPRESSES READINESS TO GRANT AMNESTY "IF THERE IS SUCH PUBLIC DEMAND"
Noyan Tapan
May 29, 2009
YEREVAN, MAY 29, NOYAN TAPAN. RA President Serzh Sargsyan at the
March 28 interview to journalists stated that he is ready to use
his constitutional right of granting an amnesty to people detained
on cases of the 2008 March 1-2 mass disorders, if "there is such
a public demand." Therefore he called country’s political forces,
public figures, the Public Council for presenting their proposals on
the necessity and conditions of amnesty to the presidential residence:
"And if as a result it proves that there is such a wish in society,
I will immediately use my constitutional right and will apply to the
National Assembly for adopting a law."
The country head is content with Yerevan Council of Elders election
campaign, the coverage was balanced and unbiassed, the political
forces had an equal possibility to present their conception of Yerevan
development, used various promotion technologies and means. "My
appeal, by address, my request to the political forces is not to
create unnecessary tension, to continue in that spirit and to finish
their election campaign, election activity within these several days
and to hold good elections on May 31 that can become a ground for
population and international organizations to say that these were
the best elections in the Republic of Armenia," the RA President said.
According to the President, Armenia’s political forces and coalition
partners have good possibilities in the May 31 elections and in
Yerevan government new system. "As a Yerevan resident and as the
President of the Republic of Armenia I think that no one doubts what
I want. My wish is obvious and I should say that I am glad that the
Republican Party managed to organize well this process and to approach
the elections with very good possibilities. I think no one calls in
question at least this fact," the President said. He also expressed
satisfaction that their coalition partner Bargavach Hayastan party
also treated the elections with responsibility and is among the leaders
today. "I think no one doubts that BH will play its role in the issue
of Yerevan government. Certainly, I wish our other coalition partner,
Orinats Yerkir also to succeed, the same regards Dashnaktsutiun,
I think being a constructive opposition ARFD plays a great role in
the issue of Yerevan government and I think that their participation
in Yerevan government will only do good to our country and Yerevan."
President’s main expectation from Yerevan Council of Elders elections
is a legal and fair process, the results of which will be equally
acceptable for both the authorities and the opposition.
The interview to journalists took place in the territory of Sardarapat
memorial complex the President visited on the occasion of the Republic
Holiday, May 28, the 91st anniversary of Sardarapat heroic fight.