– During your visit to Moscow what RF political circles did you have meetings with and what questions exactly did you discuss?
– We have an agreement with the Russian party that the format of our meetings and the process of publicizing them should be decided and implemented by the Russian party through Russian media.
– There’s a belief in Armenia’s political circles that the possible dialogue between the government and Congress failed or was postponed also because of Russia’s intervention. Russian Federation is extremely worried about the perspective of the dialogue between the government and opposition and thinks perhaps some changes will occur in Armenia’s foreign policy as a result of it which will reduce the influence of that country.
– It doesn’t correspond to the reality absolutely; no external force played a role in this state of affairs concerning the perspective of the dialogue. All the rumors are just speculations by unconscientious people. Neither United States, nor Russia and nor the others have any connection with this process. On the other hand, the Russian Federation, USA and European Union evaluate positively all those events which can result in internal political relaxation and establishing stability in Armenia and the region.
– By saying influence I mean that Russian Federation also prevented the authorities from giving an adequate response to Congress’ suggestion of forming a delegation in order to have a dialogue.
– I don’t think that such a thing could happen. This has a closer relation with the indecisiveness among authorities. Probably they don’t still orientate concerning the compromise level. They still think, probably they also expect some foreign political developments particularly connected with Kazan meeting on Nagorno Kharabakh issue. They do this in order to have a better idea of what awaits them and what compromise they need to be ready to go on with the opposition in these political events.
– You formed a delegation and suggested to have a dialogue considering change of authorities as the main issue in the agenda. Didn’t you expect that the government wouldn’t go on a dialogue with Congress concerning their demand to resign?
– But Levon Ter-Petrosyan said it was our agenda and taking into consideration the equality of rights of the parties they can present their suggestions. There shouldn’t have been any problems here.
– But it would be considered as a dialogue for changing authorities within the government, wouldn’t it? And authorities would hardly take such a step.
– Adopting the agenda doesn’t mean that they exactly agree on special elections. Of course, such impression could be produced and they are very anxious taking into consideration their actual vulnerable state and the confusion within the team. Naturally they are afraid that such impression can really be formed that they’re actually going forward to the demands of the opposition. But I think that it only witnesses about the fact that the opposition is very weak and is afraid of such impressions both in the society and within its own team.
– At first there was an impression that by responding to all the demands of ANC Serj Sargsyan would also make an adequate step towards the suggestion of the dialogue but it didn’t happen. Do you think it’s his own decision or there is some inter-coalition or in general inter-governmental pressure on him?
– The authorities haven’t accepted the necessity of a dialogue voluntarily. Any dictatorial regime gives up on repressions because it’s obvious that both internal and external resources have been consumed. Therefore it prompted them to fulfill our demands. Perhaps they’re in an indecisive state and they can’t still orientate how much to go on a compromise. And should they go on a dialogue at all?
– And in your opinion when will the authorities give an adequate response to Congress’ suggestion of the dialogue? Or will they respond at all?
– Frankly speaking we are neither very worried about it and nor have great expectations. In both cases we know what to do. However, it’s natural to dispose some time to the authorities. Lastly there is no response by Serzh Sargsyan yet. However I think that it will be in the nearest future. And we will move ahead in accordance with it. Considering the dialogue beneficial for the country and society we have expressed our willingness. But if authorities decide to refuse, I think it will rather create problems for them than for us. They should choose whether they want to discharge the tension or act in an explosive situation.
– What will Congress do if the authorities don’t respond to the suggestion of the dialogue?
– If there is no dialogue our hands will be free to raise people and to address the issues in a sharper manner.