The draft statement of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) on consolidation of the civil consensus atmosphere, public confidence and joint settlement of the existing problems is more than realistic and timely, Vice Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov told ArmInfo when talking of the RPA's draft statement that should be considered in case the parliamentary majority initiates an extraordinary session suggesting the way out of the post-electoral situation in the country.
He pointed out that the draft statement offered by the Armenian National Congress (ANC) resembles a speech for a rally rather than a draft statement of the National Assembly. Sharmazanov reiterated that the RPA is ready for a dialogue on the way out of the current post- electoral situation, but this dialogue should be substantial, and should not resemble a show. The Vice Speaker expressed confidence that the dialogue between the authorities and the opposition will be
established, as the power is open for that dialogue. However, he added that given the non-constructive stance of the oppositional parliamentary forces, the ruling party sees no need to hold an extraordinary session, at least by the end of the current week.
Sharmazanov pointed out that the RPA's draft statement, in particular, says that being concerned with the post-electoral developments in Armenia and realizing that civil solidarity, public and political confidence will contribute to the country's development, the Parliament of Armenia calls on all parliamentary and
extraparliamentary forces, civil society representatives to exert efforts to launch a dialogue in the atmosphere of mutual tolerance. The National Assembly also thinks it necessary initiating constructive debates on constitutional reforms and improvement of the electoral system. The Parliament of Armenia urges all the political forces and citizens of the country to abstain from actions running counter to the Constitution and laws of Armenia, and choose the path of the dialogue, trying to solve the existing problems by joint efforts.
To note, the Parliament's opposition forces have already expressed their disagreement with this text. In particular, Heritage Party and Armenian National Congress have presented alternative drafts statements, which suggest holding snap elections in the republic and switching to the 100% proportional electoral system.
Naira Zohrabyan, Secretary of the Prosperous Armenia Party Faction, told ArmInfo that the RPA's draft statement is nothing but good wishes and declarative formulations. She thinks that the document contains no specific steps on the way out of the current situation. Though the PAP does not accept the text of this statement, it will attend the extraordinary session if it takes place. To note, the PAP also supports its oppositional colleagues' stance saying that the republic should switch to the 100% proportional electoral system.