YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–After a December 18 meeting–the Republican Party of Armenia issued a statement calling for the punishment of the organizers and perpetrators of the October 27 killings–which have brought "an atmosphere of mistrust and alarm."
Noting that although several major problems have been resolved–such as the election of new parliamentary leaders–the appointment of a new prime minister and the formation of a new cabinet–the RPA stressed: "The irreversibility of democratic processes guaranteed by the activities of state–political and public structures within the limits of their powers is critical to bringing domestic life back to normal."
Strongly condemning all endeavors to settle political issues by means of provocation and terror–the RPA emphasized: "Solutions to political problems are legitimate and entail no disastrous consequences only when they are conducted within political frames–by political forces and in a constitutional manner."
"We fully realize our historical mission at this crucial moment for the country–and we ought to carry out this mission with credit to be worthy of the memory of our fallen friends," said the Republicans. Speeches at the meeting of the RPA Board were made by RPA Chairman Andranik Margarian–Vice-Chairman Tigran Torosian–People’s Party of Armenia Secretary Gagik Aslanian–Yerkrapah Union of Volunteers Board Vice-Chairman Ara Ketikian–RPA Board member Gagik Minassian–and other delegates.
The speakers stressed the importance of preserving the Unity bloc and remedying the political climate of Armenia. They called for dividing the functions of the YUV and the RPA–pronouncing against early elections in Armenia.
"The Republican Party reiterates its strong determination to realize the programs outlined by Vazgen Sargsyan in close cooperation with the current government and as part of the Unity bloc so as to ensure stability–solve social and economic problems–deal with corruption and raise the efficiency of government bodies’ work and state administration," the RPA declared.
Also attending the meeting were Prime Minister Aram Sargsyan–National Assembly Chairman Armen Khachatrian–a number of cabinet members and representatives of parliamentary factions.