YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)– A delegation of members representing the Armenian Revolutionary Federtatioin Executive Council of Armenia bloc including–Vahan Hovanessian–Hrand Markarian–Davit Lokian–and Armen Rustamian once again expressed their deep condolences to the family and friends of slain Prime Minister Vazken Sargsyan. Sargsyan’s legacy and goals for Armenia were remembered at a special cmemorial eremony. His policy of cooperation and hard-work were said to be the key to a stronger government. The leaders present stressed the importance of cooperation and eliminating inner conflicts. It was agreed that personal conflicts and partisanship should be put aside in an effort to work together towards establishing a political environment which people can trust and support.
The ARF parliamentary leaders also met with Armenian President Robert Kocharian November 10. The discussion focused on the current situation in the country and necessary steps towards preserving a strong government. The participants expressed the unanimous opinion that political problems must be resolved only on the political plane and by political forces. The faction members consider the ensuring of stability and constitutional order in the country to be the most important task in the current situation. Expressing their support to the president–they stressed the need for uniting around the legitimate authorities and overcoming the current crisis by common efforts.
The ARF parliamentary bloc also met with new Parliamentary leader Aram Sargsyan. Sargsyan regards the ARF as a beneficial part of his economic agenda.If the agenda begins to unfold–the government of Armenia will only strenghten itself and prosper. So stated ARF Parliamentary member Davit Lokian in a recent interview. Regarding the problems that have recently risen between Sargsyan and President Kocharian–Lokian stated that these have to be solved not on a personal or partisan basis–but only with regards to what is best for the entire Armenian government.Reminding the public that the tension is not only one that has political curcumstnces but one which will affect the nation as a whole. Lokian stated that in order to accomplish the government’s goals at the upcoming meeting in Isranbul regarding the Karabakh issue–complete cooperation between Armenian heads of state is crucial.A weakend inner structure can only be detrimental for the government of Armenia.
In regards to the participation of the military in calming discord within the nation–Lokian stated that the military should have no role in political affairs within the nation. Reffering to a 1996 incident when the military came into play during another political strife within the nation–Lokain stated that we must learn from our mistakes–and put the past behind us–and not repeat our mistakes.