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“Both me and my party are entering into a very significant and serious phase where decisions are too important, and I beg your pardon because I need some time to resolve problems in the current period. I will be available in the coming week and will answer all your questions after discussion with my party,” Hanrapetutyun (Republic) party leader Aram Sargsyan told reporters today refusing to answer any questions.

Nevertheless, journalists persisted, and Sargsyan answered a few questions:

- When are you planning to hold congress?

- It’s up to party’s active members to decide this issue. According to preliminary data, the congress will take place in late September. As for now, I must say we are determined to meet with civil society members. I am confident that more than 90 percent of the population of Armenia seeks changes in the country. I think it’s not accidental that the authorities used the word “change” in their campaign slogan and secured their vote in the election. I am determined to take into consideration the views of people who seek changes, to hold discussions and to unite these people. I see that potential in people, but serious work is required to achieve it.

- Obviously, you are on the way to create a new political force. Are you ruling out cooperation with some pro-government parties?

- I am not ruling out cooperation with some political forces, individuals and NGOs in the political field. This is our country, and I consider that cooperation with everyone is possible, except those who were dishonest with the people, who preferred their own interests to those of society and are responsible for the current situation.

- When did your disagreements with HAK emerge?

- They emerged last spring. All of you remember that time.

As for when the final answer to the question of quitting or not quitting HAK will become known, in all likelihood, the party will make a statement next Monday or Tuesday.

- Mr. Sargsyan, does your viewpoint have many supporters in HAK?

- We haven’t questioned anyone. I don’t know.

- You are quitting HAK with a lot of noise. What kind of future do you expect?

- There is absolutely no noise. Besides, it is not yet known whether we will quit or not. We do not rule out that we will quit, because we have disagreements, and I have really voiced them. We stayed in Armenian National Congress for the simple reason that the Armenian people placed a high value on opposition consolidation. We got involved so as not to hinder consolidation and not to hinder the parliamentary elections. Now that the process is over, we are free to voice our views. I will add that my decision to renounce my mandate as MP is purely political, and is influenced by political considerations. I regret to admit that the National Assembly failed to become a serious law making political body. I wish success to all those who honestly go to parliament hoping that something depends on them and they will be able to change something. I don’t want to hinder them with my presence, to cast doubt on their longing for work with my realistic and pragmatic approaches. I think I can voice my views on those laws not only in the National Assembly but also through media and rallies. With more than 90 percent of the population being pro-opposition, no more than 15-20 percent is represented in the National Assembly. I prefer taking to the streets with this 90 percent, and I will do my best to take to the streets - you’ll see it.

Aram Sargsyan added that he has not suggested that HAK renounce its MP mandates.

“I am not renouncing my mandate because I want someone else to take seat in parliament. I don’t care who the next person is, whoever he is, my decision is political, and it depends on my attitude to the National Assembly,” Aram Sargsyan completed.