YEREVAN. – The Armenian Parliament started discussion of President Sargsyan’s proposal on declaring an amnesty on the occasion of 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

Introducing the initiative in parliament Minister of Justice Hrayr Tovmasyan, said amnesty is an example of tolerance and humanism.

It is time to understand that Armenians are not divided into authorities, opposition and people. It is one nation with its goals and problems, he said.

“President’s initiative to declare an amnesty should be viewed not only as a manifestation of good will, but as an acknowledgment of responsibility taken as another step toward reform. We just have to change our social life, to establish a civilized public discourse or debate in order to overcome the atmosphere of hatred,” he said.