The parliamentary factions are now discussing the text of a statement, which will be approved at tomorrow's special session and become a response to the extradition of criminal Ramil Safarov. In all likelihood, the factions will reach an agreement on the text later today.
"Our problem now is to discuss the resignation of "travelling" foreign minister Edward Nalbandyan. We have gathered here to issue a statement about Safarov and we have repeatedly spoken about the minister's resignation," Secretary of ARFD faction Aghvan Vardanyan told journalists.
"What the President of the country did is certainly crucial in terms of dignity of our state and people, but is not sufficient. The fact that our foreign ministry is trying to justify itself, saying that they expressed concern... it means they didn't try hard. Another thing I want to stress is the semi-attitude of foreign countries to this issue. Letters were sent to some 35 ambassadors, but only 3-4 have responded so far, which also speaks of our state's influence, prestige, and weight. Unless we become an influential state, no one will appreciate our ideas politically," he noted.
The ARF is currently preparing for the upcoming local government elections, saying that pressure is mounting.
"The only person who was not afraid to say aloud that pressure was being put on him was Kapan's former mayor, ARF member (the whole city took his side), and now the only candidate, director of Haypost Ashot Karapetyan should have the courage to say: "I won't participate in such elections and I demand that new, fair elections be held," he said.
"In recent period, the practice of viewing a community head as someone who brings votes undermines everything, and if a community head suddenly decides to act independently and work effectively, this does not suit his superiors and he is simply fired. We must bring an end to all this," he said.
