THE USA AND THE OPPOSITION. MUTUAL INTEREST

The head of the city soviet of "Republic" party Aram Sargsian stresses that they will create themselves democracy in Armenia.

- The U.S. President George Bush declared in Georgia yesterday that country " is the example of peaceful democratic development and the events of Georgia in particularly "the revolution of the roses" will help the countries of the Central East to be changed". In your opinion how will this declaration influent on the Armenian and regional developments?
- I'm unambiguously sure that it will have its influence and this standpoint is very important. But it was clear to the Armenians without Bush's sayings that the democracy has no alternative. Bush's declaration has more serious meaning for Robert Kocharian as the U.S. President recorded that other peoples of our region must win and that he was sure of it. And this says the leader of the most powerful country of the world who doesn't forget his promises. The proof is Iraq, Georgia, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan.
Bush also stressed that peoples must to reach to their democracy themselves. And I don't think that the USA must come and establish democracy here. And the USA have helped those countries who have tried to create democracy. Let other, Arabian countries helped citing sayings of their presidents.
- The Armenian branch of the U.S. National Democratic Institute /NDI/ began taking part in the party sessions and press interviews after training of the activists of the "Republic". What does it mean; the American structures have chosen or the opposition has been oriented.
- I think this is a matter of mutual interests. The people have shown its orientation and have proved by coming out to the street that they are for democracy. Thus all international organizations based on the idea of democracy including the NDI considered their duty to help our people on the way to democracy.
We have good relations with the NDI and we work together for a year.
- Is the American assistance and the opposition's activity only coincidence or…?
- I have said and repeat now, this time the demonstration will be once and its end will be clear since its end. People will take part in that demonstration with confidence. And I'm sure that Robert Kocharian will declare that he won't use violence towards the people.
But I can't say anything about the day and time of the demonstration. But I must affirm that the contents of holding demonstrations have been changed. It must be directed for democracy and not for some powers to come to the authority.
- Our opposition made a joint declaration on the inter political contents with the parties which are the part of the authority. And even after Robert Kocharian's complaints the authority coalition didn't reject its signatures. How do you explain this?
- This is the result of the ruling moral-psychological atmosphere. It has become clear for the parties of the authority that Kocharian isn't forever and everyone wants to find its place in Armenia. And Kocharian disturbs for finding it. The candidate whom he will assist will fail. It is clear to both the Dashmaktsakans and Republicans. So they try to separate from Kocharian and perform themselves which we welcome. And we'll welcome if those parties have theirown candidates in the presidential elections.

Interview by Anna Israelian