YEREVAN (Yerkir)–A meeting of some 500 activists of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and "Armenian Worker" public organization convened today in Yerevan to examine issues related to the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The meeting included parliamentary candidates from the two groups–which have joined forces to contest the May 25 elections. The meeting participants sought to determine tactical priorities and outline a plan of joint activities in preparation for the elections.
Also participating in the meeting were ARF Bureau Chairman Hrant Margarian–Grand Holding Co. Chairman Hrant Vardanian–ARF Bureau member Vahan Hovhannisian–and Armenian Presidential Chief of Staff Artashes Toumanian.
"The ideology of the ARF is not its private property; it belongs to the people–and we are going into the parliamentary elections to present that ideology to the people–we are entering an important struggle to bring about a just government," said Hrant Margarian.
He added that the ARF is attempting to gain greater authority and influence by joining forces with some who have important roles to play in the economic development of the country. He added–however–that for the ARF and its electoral allies "governmental power cannot be an end in itself; rather–it is necessary for implementing they types of programs that would aid in Armenia’s development."
Margarian concluded that the ARF and "Armenian Worker" organization favor changes in Armenia–but without upheaval.
Grand Holding’s chairman–Hrant Vardanian–in his speech underscored that in defending Robert Kocharian’s candidacy in the presidential elections he had supported not an individual–per se–but the program put forth by the president.
"No one–alone–can realize that program–but our collaboration with a powerful political force such as the ARF will allow us to realize such programs," Vardanian said. By complementing each other’s efforts–the ARF and "Armenian Worker" will work toward achieving success–for the sake of our people and our state–he concluded.