Thursday, October 18 2018 12:21

ArmInfo.Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today met with RA President Armen Sarkissian. Discussed were issues related to political processes and further  developments in Armenia, the press service of Armenian Prime Minister   informs.  

Addressing Nikol Pashinyan, President Sarkissian said:  "Mr. Prime Minister, not acting prime minister, because the office of  prime minister is also a calling that never leaves a person. The  political and pre-electoral process is on. I am glad for this  meeting, and of course, I would like to hear from you about the  recent developments."

Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan thanked the President and  touched upon the current political situation and the upcoming  developments.

"Mr. President, we are in for snap parliamentary elections because  the parliamentary factions have publicly stated their position that  they are not going to nominate a prime minister or elect another  prime minister, which means there is an understanding of snap  parliamentary elections. Why do I say that because political forces  have different views on this issue, but I believe that the elections  should definitely take place.  Of course, it is very important that  during this period both the Parliament, the Government and the  President of Armenia keep in touch and exchange information on the  situation so that these 14 days meet the expectations of our society  and people, in a spirit of solidarity and cohesion. And I think this  14-day atmosphere is more important in terms of ensuring an  appropriate atmosphere for canvassing during the upcoming electoral  campaign so that we could really make competition between programs  and strategies, and all discussions take place in the most practical  field. At least, we will do the same for ourselves," Nikol Pashinyan  said.

President Sarkissian expressed confidence that the Government will  take all possible measures to ensure that the whole process - the  14-day period and the future elections - comply with the law because  this is in the best interest of the whole nation.

"It stems from the interests of our statehood and those plans for  which we all have to work in a bid to hold impeccable, legitimate,  democratic elections without any violations. And this process is also  a bit of a challenge, Mr. Prime Minister, if we are to eventually  avoid incidents. Of course, I am sure that you are doing everything  to keep the vigilance on the border, and our people will complete  this stage with dignity to appear before the international community  as a fully democratic nation that is setting a unique example of how  to make changes in the country without violating the law in a spirit  of legitimacy, dialogue and tolerance," Armen Sarkissian pointed out.

Touching upon the ongoing discussions and concerns about the  political developments in Armenia, the Acting Prime Minister said  that during meetings held with international partners he emphasized  that democracy was not a mere slogan for Armenia.

"Democracy is our political belief, and democracy is what we have  struggled for. Democratic governance in Armenia, the rule of law,  transparency, the higher status of human rights, independent  judiciary have no alternative because we are all convinced that  without these key elements we cannot achieve serious success. So, I  think, there is definitely an agreement among all the political  forces that we have to go through the path of democracy in a clear  and consistent way. It has already been eradicated from Armenia, and  I can assure that it will never recur in our country. Why am I  assured: because I can see that our people wishes democracy, freedom  and the rule of law, which is indisputable," Nikol Pashinyan  underscored.

The interlocutors exchanged views on the proposed snap elections,  highlighting the electoral process as a key mechanism for democratic  development.

Nikol Pashinyan noted that polls and electoral precincts are the best  place and form of revolution:  people should have guarantees that  their will is reflected in election results, and the people of  Armenia should know that they can change mayors, village mayors,  parliament, and prime minister through elections.

President Sarkissian added that elections are one of the best ways of  reporting and the Armenian people realize that free and democratic  elections are the way to build a free and democratic country. Armen  Sarkissian wished Nikol Pashinyan every success, first of all as  acting prime minister so that the government, the State agencies and  especially the security services could be highly functional in this  period, then as the leader of a political party. The President wished  good luck to other political parties as well, so that they can  express their opinion and get their worthy place as a result of  democratic elections.