Release of Political Prisoners will be Universal Victory, Says Raffi Hovannisian

In the past three years, there have been changes in the relations between the Armenian National Congress (HAK) and the Sargsyan administration, Heritage Party leader Raffi Hovannisian told journalists at a press conference today.

“The question of political dialogue, public dialogue is not new to us. And during these three years we were saying that political prisoners have to be released not on the threshold of May 28, 2011, but of May 28, 2008. That’s why both the demands and the form of dialogue are not new, and are close to the Heritage Party. That three years late they’ve both approached this, of course, is welcoming, but it’s necessary that this dialogue not depart from the original purpose,” he said.

The party leader also explained what purpose he was referring to. “The purpose has to be early elections and the formation of a new government, which is the Heritage Party board’s decision and the demand of the people.”

He noted that if the dialogue between HAK and the Sargsyan administration doesn’t shy away from this goal, then it is welcomed, but if it’s a pre-election tactic, it has the right to exist on its own, but it will be perceived differently by the public.

Hovannisian added that if the remaining oppositions in prison are released by May 28, it will be welcoming and he will consider it a universal victory and not one of individual political entities.