The 70th birthday anniversary of the late Karen Demirchian makes headlines in some newspapers.
"Hayastani Hanrapetutyun" says that in his capacity as the first secretary of Soviet Armenia's Communist Party Demirchian made the most of the opportunities for the country's development that existed at the time.
"Haykakan Zhamanak" says Demirchian should be remembered not just as Armenia's former Communist boss. "Demirchian, however, is also a citizen and statesman of the Third Republic. We should acknowledge that his presence in our political scene would have substantially changed the atmosphere and would have even given the inter-party struggle different tones." Armenia needs him a lot these days, the paper says.
"Haykakan Zhamanak" slams the parliamentary majority for blocking an extraordinary session of the National Assembly on the closure of the A1+ channel. "Once again our parliament did not betray its sacred principle of serving Kocharian," it says.
"Aravot" claims that the authorities have not yet decided the channel's fate and are therefore "dragging out" court proceedings on an A1+ appeal. "The public's reaction to the decision to strip A1+ of access to the airwaves was apparently stronger than expected as evidenced by the stance taken by the government. They first attacked but now have to defend themselves." The paper criticizes the parliament for passing laws which it says gave Kocharian additional powers instead of meeting Council of Europe standards. But is also true, the paper continues, that even a perfect law could become "an instrument in the hands of the authorities."
"Hayastani Komunist" declares that Armenians will no longer put up with policies pursued by Kocharian's regime, which is why they are again taking to the streets. But the newspaper of the Armenian Communist Party adds that those forces that want to lead the people may not be up to the task.
"Azg" writes that Turkey wants to use efforts aimed at Turkish-Armenian reconciliation to further its national interests. Ankara would also welcome former president Levon Ter-Petrosian's return to active politics.
(Vache Sarkisian)
"Hayastani Hanrapetutyun" says that in his capacity as the first secretary of Soviet Armenia's Communist Party Demirchian made the most of the opportunities for the country's development that existed at the time.
"Haykakan Zhamanak" says Demirchian should be remembered not just as Armenia's former Communist boss. "Demirchian, however, is also a citizen and statesman of the Third Republic. We should acknowledge that his presence in our political scene would have substantially changed the atmosphere and would have even given the inter-party struggle different tones." Armenia needs him a lot these days, the paper says.
"Haykakan Zhamanak" slams the parliamentary majority for blocking an extraordinary session of the National Assembly on the closure of the A1+ channel. "Once again our parliament did not betray its sacred principle of serving Kocharian," it says.
"Aravot" claims that the authorities have not yet decided the channel's fate and are therefore "dragging out" court proceedings on an A1+ appeal. "The public's reaction to the decision to strip A1+ of access to the airwaves was apparently stronger than expected as evidenced by the stance taken by the government. They first attacked but now have to defend themselves." The paper criticizes the parliament for passing laws which it says gave Kocharian additional powers instead of meeting Council of Europe standards. But is also true, the paper continues, that even a perfect law could become "an instrument in the hands of the authorities."
"Hayastani Komunist" declares that Armenians will no longer put up with policies pursued by Kocharian's regime, which is why they are again taking to the streets. But the newspaper of the Armenian Communist Party adds that those forces that want to lead the people may not be up to the task.
"Azg" writes that Turkey wants to use efforts aimed at Turkish-Armenian reconciliation to further its national interests. Ankara would also welcome former president Levon Ter-Petrosian's return to active politics.
(Vache Sarkisian)