Opposition leader should not lay down preconditions for talks, deputy parliament speaker says

27.04.2018 15:36

The leader of the Armenian opposition Nikol Pashinyan should not put forward preconditions for negotiations with the authorities, deputy parliament speaker Eduard Sharmazanov said in an interview with RFE/RL Armenian Service #40;azatutyun.am#41;.br / br /

YEREVAN, April 27. /ARKA/. The leader of the Armenian opposition Nikol Pashinyan should not put forward preconditions for negotiations with the authorities, deputy parliament speaker Eduard Sharmazanov said in an interview with RFE/RL Armenian Service (azatutyun.am).br

We are open for discussing any issues: there is no closed agenda for us. But Pashinyan once again set preconditions, which is the most inefficient way, because I do not know how the authorities and the opposition can talk about the future Armenia, the internal political crisis in the presence of journalists and on air, when we are watched not only by Armenian citizens and representatives of the Diaspora, but also by Azerbaijanis and Turks, Sharmazanov said.br

He noted that many internal problems are to be discussed, but external challenges are top priority for Armenia.br

I can not imagine how the authorities and the opposition of a country can conduct negotiations on the air, when there are numerous problems and at least two opponents, Sharmazanov said.br

He urged the sides to remain calm, not to put preconditions and solve all issues within the framework of constitutional norms.br

Thousands of opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan’s supporters resumed protests across the Armenian capital Yerevan on April 26 morning. The opposition says after making prime minister Serzh Sargsyan to step down their next goal is to elect a popular prime minister and make the ruling Republican Party that has the majority in the parliament, cede power.nbsp;br

The Armenian popular movement nominated Nikol Pashinyan for the post of prime minister at an anti-government demonstration in Yerevan on April 25.nbsp;br

In response to Pashinyan’s offer to hold talks with Karapetyan today morning, the latter’s press office said the acting minister rejected the proposal because he believes that taking part in ‘talks’ that have no chance of finding a solution will be useless.”br

Speaking at a news conference today morning Pashinyan argued that Karapetyan was repeating Serzh Sargsyan’s mistakes, adding that the demonstrations would continue. He accused the ruling Republican Party of seeking to deepen the crisis.br

Pashinyan said his supporters will hold rallies in Gyumri today and then in Vanadzor the next day before returning to the capital Yerevan Sunday to resume protests. -0-br