NO SHARP STRUGGLE EXPECTED NEXT YEAR
NAYIRA KHACHATRYAN

Hayots Ashkharh Daily
23 Dec 2008
Armenia

MP EDWARD SHARMAZANOV, Press-Secretary of the Republican Party
of Armenia, yesterday had a meeting with journalist in "Hayeli"
(mirror) club.

The speaker characterized the PACE Monitoring Committee’s proposal
on suspending the Armenian delegation’s right to vote "unfavorable"
for our country. At the same time, he pointed out that the PACE had
held similar discussions with regard to other countries; however,
they hadn’t received support. "There have been three similar
cases. Comparing them with the situation here, I don’t think the
prospect of suspending the Armenian delegation’s right to vote is
realistic.

However, there are really certain problems and such problems may exist
in any country after making attempts to stage a revolution. But that
the Armenian authorities have carried out quite realistic work towards
the implementation of Resolutions # 1609 and 1620 is a fact which,
by the way, is mentioned in the Monitoring Committee’s report."

E. Sharmazanov believes that the Committee cannot avoid double
standards while making assessments. "I believe, in this case they
are applying double standards. In general, if our colleagues want to
see us more democratic, I don’t think the application of sanctions
is the best way out in such situation."

With regard to the prosecution of the cases related to the "March 1"
incidents, "A lot depends on the trial of the ‘Case of Seven’. We have
respect for the commitments undertaken by our country but I don’t think
there are any grounds to speak about amnesties unless there is a final
decision. Why? Because I don’t think that the amnesty will ‘relieve’
the situation or consolidate society before the decision is made.

Whereas it may become a very bad precedent when any political force
attempts to stage a political coup after each election, disputing
the results. I am sure everything will be within the law, and I
hope our society will know the answers to all the questions it is
interested in."

E. Sharmazanov proposed the journalists to closely follow the course
of the trial and not to make haste in further assessments. "My party
has one belief which has also been mentioned by its Chairman. That
is, no person in the Republic of Armenia shall be condemned for his
political views. There will be mild punishment for misdemeanors. And
the people who have committed grave crimes will be punished with the
whole strictness of the law. The country should be definitely governed
by the principle of rule of law."