YEREVAN (Yerkir)–Armenia’s intellectuals met for the second time in recent months to discuss the current political climate of the country.
At a roundtable discussion organized by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) of Armenia–a government coalition partner–prominent academics and cultural figures once again emphasized–on Monday–that the only means to find a possible resolution to current political tensions is for the authorities and the opposition to engage in political dialogue.
ARF Supreme Body representative Armen Rustamian emphasized that though the first round of discussions helped alleviate tensions–there is threat of "a new wave of confrontation," and asked those present for their input to avoid yet another escalation. "We must find the guarantees to provide the necessary changes," he urged.
Linguistics University rector Suren Zolian–stressed that both sides must first and foremost display political will–and pointed to the roundtable as a practical tool in reviewing the situation–and offering ideas.
The majority of participants voiced their discontent with behavior of both the government and opposition–saying that authorities should not expect praises while 80% of population remains socially underprivileged. They also went on to say that both sides do not comprehend the silence of the population that remains hapless and distrusting of both sides. They concluded that Armenia’s political arena remains flawed because of its Constitution and delays in amending the document.
"There is stability in the state. But changes must be made in order for the country to enter its natural course of development," Rustamian stressed.