Reforms do not solve problems in Armenia

Reforms do not provide any solution to the existing problems in Armenian, according to the leader of the opposition New Times party.

"No problems in Armenia, whether moral, psychological or social can be resolved through reforms," Aram Karapetyan told news conference on Monday.

To exemplify his statement, he addressed the problems of villagers, saying that their psychology has seen major changes recently.

"Seeing that those who don't breed cattle get [poverty] benefits they kill their own cattle to qualify for benefit programs," he said.

He further spoke of Armenia's domestic policy, saying that no changes have taken place, as the authorities are aware of the situation and are preparing for reforms.

"Our authorities have chosen the methods of the Narodnik movement," he said.

Speaking of the Electoral Code, Karapetyan said that the video recording of polling stations did not violate anyone's rights.

"The most developed countries make a list of those who don't take part in election and impose fines on them or deprive them of the right to vote at the next election," he said, proposing that a similar practice be introduced in Armenia.

MP Hovhannes Sahakyan of the Republican Party, also attending the news conference, said the publication of such lists might create new problems.

"If the lists are published, those who don't vote might be subjected to persecution," he said.

As for the violation of rights, the Republican MP stressed the importance of changing the society's general attitude to elections.

"The authorities have always met reasonable debates and dialogues half-way," he noted.

In response to his statement, Aram Karapetyan recalled the March 1, 2008 political turmoil that had left 10 people dead.

"Ten citizens of Armenia died. Is the opposition supposed to conduct an investigation?" he asked.

"But we can try to eradicate the causes, social problems etc," Sahakyan said in response. "We cannot resolve the problems all at once."


/Tert.am/