Only early elections can save Armenia

The possibility of government-opposition dialogue is at the focus of public attention in Armenia. Both sides have already published the lists of negotiators. Ludmila Sarkisyan, the chairwoman of the “Gnchak” social-democratic party that is a part of the Armenian opposition coalition – the Armenian National Congress - answers VK's questions about possible political developments in the country. - Ever since Levon Ter-Petrosyan declared that the ANC is ready to elections, official representatives of the government started denying begin negotiations with the ruling coalition concerning early the very possibility of negotiations with the opposition. And then suddenly their position changes radically. Why?

- It is true that officials have been refusing to negotiate with us, but under our current political regime no statement has official power unless it officially comes from Serge Sarksyan or is supported by him.

- Is that why you demanded that the official list of negotiators from the government side be confirmed by the President himself? Are you going to insist on this condition?

- Yes, we are. If it is not signed by the President, it lowers the level of the talks. I hope the President will agree to this condition, or none of the decisions that the negotiators make will be official. The reconciliation process is very important for all of us, so I think Mr Sarksyan will agree to this condition.

- The ANC claims that the issue of early elections is on the talks agenda, while governmental representatives avoid commenting on the agenda at all. Why do you think is that?

- Because they are trying to save face. In retrospect, all our demands at first had been rejected by the ruling party, but later gradually accepted. Of course we realize that the authorities might have their own idea of a proper agenda, but we have to explain possible unfortunate consequences of rejecting our demands.

- And these consequences would be?..

- You know what’s happening in the Arab East now. The possibility of similar developments in Armenia existed at the beginning of this year. Only the well-organized opposition managed to prevent this scenario from happening. We have always been good at keeping people’s anger in check. But this doesn’t mean that it’s possible to contain this anger forever. Revolutionary developments are possible, but that’s a very painful and most undesirable path for our country. And an early election is the only possible alternative that can save Armenia.

- Do you think that the ruling party will try to stall the negotiations by focusing on minor issues?

- It is possible. It is possible, that this is the only purpose of this ‘working group’. Serge Sarksyan tries to look like a more democratic ruler than he is. But if we so much as suspect that the government is using the negotiations to win time for reconciliation of its forces, we’ll abort the talks. We expect results by September, not later. If the authorities refuse to cooperate, the much-needed reforms will be carried out by the opposition and the people itself.

- Over the last year, Armenia has been deprived of foreign donations. Do you think this fact will affect the position of the government in these talks?

- World fantasists finally understood that their grants are being misused in Armenia. Right now we have an enormous debt and the authorities have no money to sustain their position.

Interview by Susanna Petrosyan, exclusively to VK