Epress.am News from Armenia
The people’s impression was that Liberty Square was conquered and it was a very symbolic act, that the opposition held a rally in Liberty Square, said Armenian National Congress (HAK) member, Armenia’s former foreign minister Alexander Arzumanyan, speaking to journalists today.
Asked by journalists whether there was an agreement that police would allow the opposition to enter Liberty Square without intervening, Arzumanyan said:
“It’s good that you too are surprised, our police, which has always been insolently rude and is known for its impertinence, known for its rude commanders, who curse at women, hit and spit on them, not even being ashamed in their generals’ uniforms, those same officers were very accommodating yesterday and compared to the last few rallies. Yes, it’s odd, but also welcoming, perhaps the authorities realize that it cannot [create obstacles and block Liberty Square].”
Arzumanyan didn’t rule out the possibility that this might also be due to PACE monitoring co-rapporteurs John Prescott and Axel Fischer’s Mar. 16–17 visit to Armenia.
“If the ‘Prescotts’ come and register in Yerevan, the police will be invisible,” said Armenia’s former foreign minister.
The release yesterday of two prisoners sentenced for their involvement in events following the February 2008 presidential elections, Harutyun Urutyan and Roman Mnatsakanyan, referred to as political prisoners by the opposition, Arzumanyan also deemed to be the result of the European co-rapporteurs’ presence in the country.
Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) MP Artak Davtyan, also present during today’s press conference, expressed his content at police being invisible yesterday.
“This was the best rally, which remained free of tough police intervention. And it took place within the bounds of law, which doesn’t restrict freedom of speech,” he said.
The deputy said he was in agreement with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s remark that on both sides, in the opposition and among the ruling parties, there are people who have a lot of experience in the political arena and understand the importance of defining boundaries.