YEREVAN. – In an interview with Chorrord Inknishkhanutyun daily, First President, opposition bloc Armenian National Congress leader Levon Ter-Petrosyan reflected on several political matters. Speaking about the recent assassination attempt against presidential candidate, opposition National Self-Determination Union Chairman Paruyr Hayrikyan—who is recovering at hospital from a gunshot wound—, Ter Petrosyan specifically said:

“First and foremost, what occurred is a shocking, an outrageous, and e reprehensible development, whose sole consolation was the failure of the assassination attempt and Paruyr’s recovery. As for the theories being circulated, I do not see how any serious political scientist, journalist, or politician can allow himself to bring forth any theories. Hence, the sole demand, the sole task must be the quick solution of the crime.   

[What about] the discontent within the Armenian National Congress?         

There truly is discontent within the Congress. Some [political] forces and individuals have left the bloc. I consider this very natural because the outlook and expectations of some people have changed, the political agenda has changed, [and] the problems we face require new organizational solutions. It is clear that the Congress can no longer be maintained in the same format and structure as it was over the course of the past five years. The Congress has fulfilled its role but, to make that struggle reach its triumphant end, it needs a serious institutional change. I believe the time has come for Congress to transform into a single [political] party.     

And what will the ideology and political platform of the new party be?    

In my view, the new party will adhere to the ideology of social liberalism. The [world’s] best-known party that adheres to that ideology is the Democratic Party of the US. As for its political platform, it will not differ from the platform of the Armenian National Congress bloc.   

Will you continue leading it [that is, the new party], just as you led the Armenian National Congress bloc to this day?

I will spare no effort in the task of establishing that party and making it become one of the most influential political forces of our country. And if they entrust me to lead—even in a symbolic status—the newly formed party, I will consider it a great honor and carry out my duty. I have great expectations that the idea of creating a new party on the basis of the Congress will inspire many and, not solely some political forces, but also thousands of party members of the Congress will become its members,’” Chorrord Inknishkhanutyun quotes.