15:00, 15 August 2011

Armenian oppositionists demand to release ANC activists within one day

Today, the Armenian National Congress (ANC) gave 24 hours for the authorities to release the activists detained on August 9 and accused of hooliganism.

The court session held on August 13 ruled to arrest four out of 7 detainees; the remaining three were set free.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was informed by Arman Musinyan, the press secretary of the ANC, that the Congress will decide on further negotiations with the authorities depending on further status of the four arrested activists.

"This incident, same as the presence of political prisoners in the country, is a great obstacle for the launched dialogue of the opposition with the authorities," said Musinyan.

Gagik Minasyan, who spoke on behalf of the ruling coalition, called on the oppositionists to demonstrate common sense. "If our counterparts are serious people – that's what I've thought until now – the process will go on; but if they just seek a pretext to stop the talks – it's up to them," he said.

Let us remind you that a dialogue is underway now in Armenia between the ruling coalition and the off-parliamentary ANC.

Author: Lilit Ovanisyan

Source: CK correspondent