YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–President Robert Kocharian met with Parliament Speaker Armen Khachatrian–his two deputies Tigran Torosian and Gagik Aslanian and the chairmen of the parliamentary standing commissions on December 10.
Placing importance on similar meetings–Kocharian called for cooperation between all branches of power. The sides candidly discussed the current internal political situation in the country–presented their opinions and concerns. They said the atmosphere of mistrust was still there in the country and responsibility for the country’s future required serious–consistent and coordinated efforts. The sides particularly stressed that all political processes must remain within political boundaries.
Kocharian denied all rumors that he was going to dissolve the parliament at the end of May–2000. "I did not resort to that step even with the previous legislature–which admittedly did not reflect the actual line-up of political forces in society–because it would have been an ill precedent," Kocharian remarked.
The president and the parliamentarians exchanged views on ways to overcome the current difficulties. The country sustained a heavy loss in the wake of the killings on October 27–they said–adding that it was only by action that one could pay tribute to the memory of his deceased friends. Clear-cut activities are required from all state structures. Saying that business is very sensitive to shocks–Kocharian emphasized that any tension–any imprudent statement is first of all a blow against the government’s work. He stressed that the business world needs an atmosphere of confidence in the country.
The sides reportedly called for a change in the moral and psychological atmosphere in the republic. According to Kocharian–it is necessary to restore public trust in government structures.