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Why is HAK waiting for formal decree?

Interview
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The Armenian authorities agreed to meet the demands of the Armenian National Congress (HAK) after sharp rejection. In the meantime, some political forces in Armenia claimed that the HAK had concluded a secret deal with the authorities on concrete issues.  

 A1+ has interviewed HAK Coordinator Levon Zurabyan on this and other issues.

 -  We are all witnessing an unprecedented situation in the history of independent Armenia.  For the first time in Armenia the opposition started to dictate the political agenda. The roadmap and systematic changes proposed by the HAK are being implemented step by step. The authorities met our three demands, thus opening a door for a dialogue. They seem to be going to meet the rest of our demands as well.  

- People believe that there is a hidden deal between the authorities and the HAK.  How will you explain it?

 -  The authorities have to account for their decision on making concessions to the opposition. They have to explain their decision to the public and their supporters. The government has chosen this strategy to strengthen their position in the society. We possess information that the National Security Service and police have received definite instructions to spread rumours about alleged agreement between the HAK and authorities.  This shows that the authorities are not serious about the talks with the opposition. Should they take the talks seriously, they would not play dirty campaign tricks which contradict the Constitution. The authorities are not using only law enforcement agencies, but also false opposition forces that do their utmost to disgrace HAK and smear our image as a powerful opposition bloc that is capable of forcing the authorities to serious concessions.

Why did the authorities agree to implement HAK's demands?

-  The reasons are evident. The unlawful, oligarchic regime is gradually strangling the economy. On the other hand, the authorities cannot curb the escalating migration and grave social tensions. The military equilibrium between Armenia and Azerbaijan is upset, which is highly favorable to our enemy.  This is the most important factor that tempted Azerbaijani to settle the Karabakh conflict in a military way. This, in turn, aroused great concerns over the possible military resolution of the conflict.  This grave situation forced our authorities to negotiate with the opposition in order to find a way out of the political crisis.

- Will the authorities meet HAK's demand and hold snap elections in the country?

-  Snap elections are as necessary as fresh air. People cannot wait for another few months until the next parliamentary and presidential elections. The situation requires quick and drastic solutions and systematic changes which cannot be done without power change. Unless we overthrow the illegitimate authorities, we cannot solve the existing problems.  

Do you still insist on holding early parliamentary and presidential elections?

-         Yes, we do. Snap presidential elections are our key demand. Free and fair presidential election will pave a way for free and transparent parlaimentary elections.

HAK Spokesman earlier announced that HAK would not start talks with the coalition delegates unless there was a formal decision or decree on the group's activity. What is HAK displeased with?

- Arman Musinyan [HAK Spokesman] made a clear statement presenting the opposition's stance on the issue.  Unless we have a final document we cannot know in which format Serzh Sargsyan is going to negotiate with the HAK.

 The authorities said that the talks will start within the next ten days. Are the date and venue of the meeting known?

-  No, we possess no information.

Victoria Abrahamyan