President Sarkissian: At this stage, the government and all state bodies must operate incessantly

A meeting of President Armen Sarkissian and Acting Prime Minister Nicol Pashinian took place today at the Presidential Palace. The parties discussed issues related to the internal political situation.

President Armen Sarkissian: Mr. Prime Minister, political and pre-election processes are underway. I am glad to have this meeting, and certainly would like to hear from you about the recent developments.

Acting Prime Minister Nicol Pashinian: Thank you, Mr. President. Last night, during our phone conversation I informed you about the situation in general, and we had the opportunity to discuss the upcoming events last week.

In a nutshell, we are entering the phase of snap parliamentary elections: political fractions in the parliament have stated their positions publicly, i.e. they are not going to submit their candidature for prime minister or elect other prime minister which means that there is a common understanding regarding the snap elections.

Why would I call it understanding? Because the political forces have different approaches on this issue but I believe all have agreed that snap elections should take place.

In the process, it is, of course, important that both the Parliament and the government and the President of Armenia maintain constant contact and exchange information on the situation so that we are able to go through these 14 days in the atmosphere of solidary and in line with the expectations of the public.

I believe, the next 14 days are especially important for creating a corresponding atmosphere for the pre-election campaigns so that we are able to really ensure competition of programs and strategies and to hold discussions in the most practical field. At least, we, the government will do our best to do this.

President Armen Sarkissian: I am confident the Government is taking all possible means and actions so that the process, the entire process, including 14 days and future elections, takes place in the framework of law and order because it stems from the interests of our people, our state and from the programs which we will all take up to implement in the future to make sure that the elections are legitimate, democratic, void of violations.

And this process is a sort of a challenge, Mr. Prime Minister, so there should be no incidents. I am certain that you are doing your best so that vigilance on borders doesn’t decrease but on the contrary, it should increase. Our people will overcome this phase with honor and will stand before the international community with our heads held high as a country which is not only democratic and is moving towards full democracy but also is a country which serves as a certain example for the world on how changes can be carried out without violating the law, preserving legitimacy, in a calm way, through a dialogue, in the atmosphere of tolerance. I believe this is very important.

Acting Prime Minister Nicol Pashinian: Indeed, you are right. Many discussions are taking place; concerns are voiced on what direction political processes in Armenia will take. In my conversations with the partners, I intentionally stress that democracy is not just a slogan for us, not a form without substance. Democracy is our political credo; democracy is the thing we have been fighting for.

Democratic governance in Armenia, the rule of law, transparency, high level of protection of human rights and independent judiciary simply have no alternative because we all came to see that without these basic elements we will not be able to register impressive results. Thus, I believe on this all political forces have agreed that we have to move forward steadfastly down the road of democracy and that the vote rigging practice must be eradicated once and for all. It has been eradicated in Armenia already, and I have no doubt that it’s not coming back, ever. Why am I so sure? Because I see the resolve of our people and I see that democracy, freedom, and the rule of law are our people’s will and wish which is undisputable.

President Armen Sarkissian: I am glad to hear that, I am confident that all this will come true. We are a nation which realizes that free and democratic elections is the way to build the future free and democratic state. In fact, elections are the first step.

Acting Prime Minister Nicol Pashinian: By the way, since we made a revolution in the Republic of Armenia, in the end, electoral precincts are the best place and means to make revolutions. There simply must be a real guarantee that the will of the people will be reflected in the final results of the elections. It is also a guarantee, and the people of Armenia should know that they can change the Mayor, the village headman, the parliament, also the prime minister through elections. One of the Western theorists defines democracy as an opportunity to carry out changes without violence. In general, it implies elections, change of power through a voting ballot, or a revolution. I am confident that this institute is strengthening in Armenia by year, daily, and will continue to solidify.

President Armen Sarkissian: I have no doubt, because I agree regardless of whether the idea belongs to Eastern or Western philosophers. Actually I think that democracy is a culture and process alike, and there is no ultimate democracy. Throughout our lives, together with life, through the years and centuries democracy is changing constantly in its forms but essential, most important principles remain the same: the individual, human rights, and the greatest right to exercise these rights and express opinions.

Thus, I wish you every success, Mr. Prime Minister. First and foremost, I wish you success as Acting Prime Minister because in this period of time our country needs incessant work of the government and all state bodies. First and foremost, all the structures in charge of our security. And secondly, I wish you success as the leader of a political party. I wish success to all others, to all our political figures, parties who along with your party will participate in the elections to be able during free and democratic elections to express their viewpoints and thus receive the place they deserve. Good luck!

Acting Prime Minister Nicol Pashinian: Thank you.