At his April 26 press conference, Armenian Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) Karen Andreasyan expressed hope he will succeed in bringing the positions of the Armenian authorities and the Opposition closer.

On April 25, Andreasyan announced his intention to act as mediator in establishing a dialogue between Armenia`s ruling coalition and the Opposition represented by the Armenian National Congress (ANC).

Andreasyan hopes the Opposition will not decline his initiative. As regards a statement by Chairman of the RPA parliamentary group Galust Sahakyan that they "do not need mediation or a dialogue," and that the Ombudsman is abusing his office, Andreasyan said that he is able to prove "the latter half" of Sahakyan`s statement wrong.

Andreasyan stressed the importance of a dialogue, without forecasting the results of his initiative.

The Armenian Ombudsman does not make any forecasts about the agenda either. As to whether the presidential election will be on the agenda, Andreasyan said that the agenda will be formed during the meetings.

Journalists also failed to know about the Ombudsman`s opinion on political prisoners in Armenia. His desire to act as mediator between the Armenian authorities and the Opposition does not allow his to make any assessments. Otherwise, he would become one of the sides. However, some people consider themselves political prisoners, which is "very bad."