(Saturday, April 9)
“Hayots Ashkhar” analyzes the third anniversary of the start of President Serzh Sarkisian’s tenure, saying that assessments of his track record are very different and mainly depend on the political affiliation of people making them. “What matters in this case is that President Serzh Sarkisian began his tenure in quite severe public conditions … that resulted of the [2008] post-election developments and the tragic events of March 1,” writes the paper.
“Zhamanak” claims that Sarkisian’s three-year presidency has been a gross failure. The paper says this explains why Sarkisian is now trying to “create the illusion that he is determined to effect changes.” “If a person who has been president for three years and spent most of his term in office now speaks of the need for changes, that means most of his presidency has been meaningless,” says the paper. It says there has been “regress” in the country’s political and socioeconomic life. “In essence, Serzh Sarkisian has increased challenges facing the authorities,” concludes the paper.
“Aravot” hits out at the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) for asking participants of its rallies to state whether “the dictatorial regime” has the right to ban opposition protests in Yerevan’s Liberty Square. “Is there any mad person who would give a positive answer to such a question?” editorializes the paper. “And if such a mad person comes forward what would other rally participants do? Isn’t such a vote an imitation of democracy or public self-regulation?”
“168 Zham” reports that Levon Igitian, a pro-government member of Yerevan’s municipal council, suggested on Friday that the authorities to impose a permanent ban on any political gathering in Liberty Square. “Public events there must only be related to arts because the capital has become … I don’t want to use those words,” Igitian is quoted as saying. The paper says Yerevan Mayor Karen Karapetian replied that he will discuss the legality of such a proposal with lawyers.
“Yerkir” says that HAK leader Levon Ter-Petrosian can no longer portray the holding of rallies in that square as a major achievement. “Levon Ter-Petrosian should give up the idea of re-conquering Liberty Square,” writes the paper.
(Aghasi Yenokian)
“Hayots Ashkhar” analyzes the third anniversary of the start of President Serzh Sarkisian’s tenure, saying that assessments of his track record are very different and mainly depend on the political affiliation of people making them. “What matters in this case is that President Serzh Sarkisian began his tenure in quite severe public conditions … that resulted of the [2008] post-election developments and the tragic events of March 1,” writes the paper.
“Zhamanak” claims that Sarkisian’s three-year presidency has been a gross failure. The paper says this explains why Sarkisian is now trying to “create the illusion that he is determined to effect changes.” “If a person who has been president for three years and spent most of his term in office now speaks of the need for changes, that means most of his presidency has been meaningless,” says the paper. It says there has been “regress” in the country’s political and socioeconomic life. “In essence, Serzh Sarkisian has increased challenges facing the authorities,” concludes the paper.
“Aravot” hits out at the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) for asking participants of its rallies to state whether “the dictatorial regime” has the right to ban opposition protests in Yerevan’s Liberty Square. “Is there any mad person who would give a positive answer to such a question?” editorializes the paper. “And if such a mad person comes forward what would other rally participants do? Isn’t such a vote an imitation of democracy or public self-regulation?”
“168 Zham” reports that Levon Igitian, a pro-government member of Yerevan’s municipal council, suggested on Friday that the authorities to impose a permanent ban on any political gathering in Liberty Square. “Public events there must only be related to arts because the capital has become … I don’t want to use those words,” Igitian is quoted as saying. The paper says Yerevan Mayor Karen Karapetian replied that he will discuss the legality of such a proposal with lawyers.
“Yerkir” says that HAK leader Levon Ter-Petrosian can no longer portray the holding of rallies in that square as a major achievement. “Levon Ter-Petrosian should give up the idea of re-conquering Liberty Square,” writes the paper.
(Aghasi Yenokian)