Zhirayr Sefilyan makes statement from Vardashen penitentiary

 Leader of Founding Parliament Zhirayr Sefilyan, who is in Vardashen penitentiary, has made a statement, which was spread by the Founding Parliament. Sefilyan particularly mentioned that till today he has not been given opportunity to directly talk with the members of the Daredevils of Sasoun to clarify their stand. Sefilyan noted that he is informed that the authorities are not taking any steps to avoid bloodshed.

 “People should be informed about the process and content of negotiations, which I propose as a happy medium”, Sefilyan stated adding that he will try to present all the issues in negotiations with the members of the group and will persuade them to lay down the arms. For doing that he needs to meet with them. “If the authorities have any doubts that I will stay at the building of the police station  I am ready to agree to any guarantee they may demand”, he stated noting that in the current complex situation he is ready to take all the necessary actions for peaceful resolution of the situation. For reaching these goals Sefilyan considers that government of national confidence should be established, Artsakh should be announced as inseparable part of Armenia in the borders, which existed till April 1 2016 and should be internationally recognized.

Talking about his vision of settling Karabakh conflict Sefilyan stated that key reforms should be made in the army. The leader of the oppositionist movement has also called for the replacement of the command staff of the Armenian Police.

Touching upon  security and defense issues Sefilyan stated that it is necessary to immediately launch negotiations with the Russian side on ceasing the protection of Armenian borders by Russian border security forces, while the issue of further stay of integrated armed forces of Russian Federation should be decided in future», he noted.

Artsakh war her has also urged to set free all the political prisoners including those detained in recent days. “Measure of restrictions for these citizens should be changed and fair court should be ensured for them”, Sefilyan noted. In overall he stated that the exercise of the Constitutional provisions should be ensured everywhere in Armenia. The power should be returned to people”, Sefilyan noted, pointing at the necessity to reform the Electoral Code. “All those persons who had any connection to the events of March 1 and further pressure should be dismissed from the agencies of governmental, juridical and legislative fields”, Sefilyan stated.

As for economic development he considers necessary to exempt small businesses from taxes as well as provide benefits for medium business. “Monopolies should be liquidated except of those, which are of strategic importance and are set by the parliament” Sefilyan noted. “Fulfillment of these demands is a task of national security”, he noted, stressing that he has held discussions with the members of Daredevils of Sasoun and is sure that they are agree with him.

Sefilyan noted that these are the demands, ignoring of which or delaying their fulfillment may destroy the state. Sefilyan urged the citizens and politicians to voice these demands not leaving the burden of presenting these demands on the members of Daredevils of Sasoun. Sefilyan noted that by this step Armenia’s people will make these demands more legal.

To note, members of Daredevils of Sasoun have already stated that they are going to lay down the arms and leave the building, leader of the group Varujan Avetisyan stated.