Liberal Armenia Presents Draft Parliamentary Statement to Overcome Crisis

The draft parliamentary statement proposed by the Liberal Armenia party states that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan must resign. This was mentioned by Edmon Marukyan, the leader of the Liberal Armenia party and parliamentary group, during a discussion on January 13 at the National Assembly's Permanent Committee on Legal Affairs about the proposed statement regarding a plan for actions to overcome the situation in Armenia.

Marukyan specifically noted that considering the consequences of the active military actions that began on September 27, 2020, and ended on November 10, and the targeting of the Defense Army of Artsakh and Azerbaijani troops along the entire contact line, as well as settlements based deep in the rear, combined with the socio-political developments following the signing of the declaration by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 9, 2020, the Liberal Armenia party has decided to present a plan to the parliament addressing the created crisis.

Marukyan then presented their developed 'roadmap': "First, the symbol of defeat, the Prime Minister of Armenia, must leave his position. The parliament will elect a new Prime Minister. A professional transitional government comprised of individuals successful in their fields will be established. Secondly, the high level of Armenian-Russian relations will be secured," emphasized Marukyan.

Additionally, it is proposed to initiate negotiations on the ambiguous provisions of the previously signed declaration between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia to reach a favorable resolution on these issues. The restoration of the negotiation process will be ensured in the format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, aiming at the final consolidation and implementation of the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh, as well as achieving long-term stability and peace, while making sure a balanced agreement representing the interests of Armenia and the Armenian people is reached.

It is also suggested to consolidate the potential of Armenia, Artsakh, and the diaspora, stabilize the internal situation of the country, ensure the cessation of further clashes between supporters of the government and opposition, restore public solidarity, exclude divisive actions, calls for violence, and hostile rhetoric. The strengthening and restoration of state institutions is to be ensured, along with a strict organization of the work of law enforcement agencies to reinforce order in the country and guarantee public safety.

Provisions for the needs of fallen, missing, captured, wounded servicemen, civilians, and their families will be properly addressed. Immediate solutions to the social issues and needs of the Armenian population in Artsakh, including refugees, will be ensured, as well as the restoration of living conditions in Artsakh.

“Liberal Armenia” is also convinced that an effective system must be established to combat coronavirus. Furthermore, an international donor conference is to be organized, inviting the United States, China, Russia, the 27 EU member countries, Iran, Arab countries, and others. Additionally, to restore the destroyed areas of Armenia and Artsakh due to the war, a minimum of 1 billion dollars will be sought.

Marukyan considers it extremely important to make fundamental changes in the work of the Armenian diplomatic team, redefine the country’s foreign policy, and ensure an active political approach both with allies and with other states. It is also proposed to focus on developing a national prospective program for the recovery of the economy and army to ensure their sustainable development. Moreover, it is suggested to conduct parliamentary snap elections under free, fair, and transparent conditions, ensuring equal opportunities.

“The current government program of Armenia no longer addresses the priorities and new realities that the people of Armenia and Artsakh have faced post-war, which require urgent solutions,” concluded Edmon Marukyan.