No political passions are expected in Armenia this autumn, Mkrtich Minasyan, an MP of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), told a press conference.

Commenting on the statements by the opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC) that they were not allowed to hold a rally in Republic Square, Minasyan said that what you say is of importance rather than where you say. “I am not sure that any new ideas will be suggested at the meeting or the necessary number of people will gather,” he said. People wishing to express their discontent can always be found. The authorities’ task is to analyze their statements and take measures to ensure social justice.

In his turn, the political scientist Hamayak Hovhannisyan stated: “The more passive the public is the more extreme political forces are. This is political logic. No doubt, we have many people who are discontent, the larger part of our society. However, when an authoritarian regime is ruling over a country, the authorities are always able to neutralize the critical mass.”

As to the ANC’s statement that Levon Ter-Petrosyan has prepared a surprise for the forthcoming rally, Minasyan said that it seems to be a political trick for as many people as possible to gather at the rally.

According to him, the Opposition has prepared for a long-term “rally process,” this being their last chance to get early elections held.