ARF Outlines Position During Press Conference

YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)-"All political forces should realize that legitimate elections will contribute to Armenia's positive image in foreign politics," political representative of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Garo Armenian said on Friday.

According to ARF Bureau Chairman Beno Tontian, the Bureau encourages free and fair elections in Armenia and supports the Executive Council of Armenia which has endorsed Robert Kocharian in the upcoming election. He said that the ARF would not offer financial assistance for the forthcoming election.

Tontian said that the ARF is ready to work with new authorities, even if Kocharian is not elected, "provided we are viewed as partners and not as enemies."

Tontian also said it is necessary to amend the Constitution to balance the legislative and executive branches of power. He stressed the importance of adopting a new constitution.

According to him, the ARF Bureau attaches great importance to the formation of a new Armenian Parliament.

Speaking about foreign policy issues, Armenian said that change of "paradigm" in the region would force Russia and the United States to revise their policies in the region and take a more positive attitude toward Armenia's interests.

He also stated that the OSCE Minsk process has to be altered. He noted that since there is a school of thought which believes that the fate of Armenians is decided on a higher international level, he urged Diaspora circles, particularly the ARF, to work with the State Department, the White House, Congress and other government structures. The Armenian National Committee and other Diasporan organizations played a decisive role in the US Congress adopting Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act which prohibits US humanitarian assistance to Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, it was not given due response in Armenia, said Armenian.

The representatives of the ARF Bureau also highlighted the importance of continued economic assistance to Armenia on the part of Diaspora. Tontian added that Armenia should provide certain investment guarantees.

FEBRUARY 26, 1998

Thousands Attend ARF Public Rally in Liberty Square

YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan/RFE/RL) - To mark its re-registration in Armenia and make public a summary of activities from December 1994 to January 1998, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation held a public rally at Liberty Square on Thursday.

In his opening remarks, ARF Executive Council of Armenia member Hrayr Garabedian stressed that the ARF strictly upholds pre-election campaign deadlines and therefore finds it pertinent to clarify its position and strategy in the forthcoming presidential election.

ARF leader Edward Hovanessian, recently pardoned from exile, introduced the public to ARF ideology and principles emphasizing that its main objective remains the fortification of an Armenian statehood. He claimed that if the ARF does not succeed in changing what he called a "disgraceful" Armenian Constitution, it will "bypass it for the sake of the people's salvation."

"Trial of 31" public defender Bagrat Yesayan provided a synopsis of the years-long trials and their respective verdicts, requesting the public to put the issue to rest, especially since the new administration has correctly judged the former political prisoners.

"Arapo" battalion commander Manuel Yeghiazarian inspired the audience with his emotional speech.

Chairperson of the Constitutional Right Union Hrand Khachatrian and National Democratic Union Chairperson Aram Sargssian pointed to the significance in taking advantage of the presidential elections to unify the Armenian nation. Khachatrian stressed that any effort to divide the people of Armenia and Karabakh into supporters of Russia and supporters of the West will be futile.

In the final speech of the rally, ARF Executive Council member Vahan Hovanessian said: "Today the Armenian Revolutionary has come to deliver its word not from abroad, not from behind bars, but from the capital of Armenia-Yerevan."

V. Hovanessian stated that immediately following the presidential election fundamental changes needed to be introduced to the system of rule. He deemed it crucial to hold parliamentary elections, as well as to review the Armenian Constitution.

Hovanessian further claimed that "all those who have created financial power of the [formerly ruling] Armenian National Movement must be put on a just trial." He said that despite the fact that former authorities had suspended the activities of the party and tried its members, "Ter-Petrosyan is leading an easy life now and no one will dare commit any illegal act against any former official. In the name of law and justice, we will not seek revenge." "We should not treat them the way they treated us," he concluded.

FEBRUARY 24, 1998

Consul General to LA Visits ARF Central Committee

GLENDALE (Asbarez) -Armenia's newly appointed Consul General to Los Angeles Armen Melkonian held his first ever meeting Friday with the Western US Central Committee of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation.

Accompanying the Consul General were Consul Edward Taranian and assistant to the consul general Khachig Khoudikian, as well as director of the office of public affairs for the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in Washington Tevan Poghossian.

The ARF Central Committee was represented by its chairman Dr. Viken Hovsepian, vice-chairman Hovig Saliba, Arsen Danielian, Esq., Ara Khanjian and Asbarez executive editor John Kossakian.

The two sides stressed the importance of national unity in light of the new political developments in Armenia and the imperative of taking steps toward ensuring that reality.

The impetus of utilizing the vast moral and other resources of the California Armenian community to benefit Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh were also addressed.

FEBRUARY 24, 1998

ARF Representatives Meet with Kocharian

YEREVAN (Hayots Ashkhar) - A delegation of Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau and Executive Council of Armenia members met with Armenia's Acting President and Prime Minister Robert Kocharian Tuesday evening, during which the current political situation in Armenia was discussed, with a special emphasis placed on the upcoming presidential election.

The ARF delegation included Bureau members Beno Tontian and Garo Armenian and ARF Executive Council of Armenia member Vahan Hovanessian, who stressed the importance of guarantees ensuring the March 16 presidential election would be free and fair.

The delegation also conveyed the following party positions:

During this election campaign, to work in a manner by which the groundwork for the establishment of a national government would be laid;

To create the opportunities for amending the constitution to ensure the further strengthening of the democratic

The leadership must not create an environment by which the emergence of a new selective clique would be possible.

To secure the enhancement and security of industry, and lay the ground work for foreign investment.

The two sides discussed the aforementioned issues in great the length during the meeting which lasted more than one hour.

FEBRUARY 24, 1998

ARF Bureau Chairman Calls for National Unity

YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)-The ten-year struggle of the Armenian people is going through a crucial stage of self-purification, Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau Chairman Beno Tontian said Monday addressing a meeting held on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the liberation struggle of Karabakh. "The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Dashnaktsutiun is a National Party" meeting sponsored by the ARF was attended by Acting President and Prime Minister Robert Kocharian.

Tontian stated that even though Armenia has won its own place in the world community over the past years, the Armenians of Karabakh have removed a hostile yoke and the Armenian army has been established, there have been serious deviations from the path of strengthening the unity of the Armenian people that was highlighted in 1988 as the basis of national values.

According to Tontian, the national unification process has been hindered in the past several years as national wealth was plundered, and dialogue between the authorities and the opposition became impossible.

Tontian felt that the past two years could be regarded as a serious trial for Armenia. "By suspending the ARF's activities, arresting and convicting freedom fighters, the policies of the authorities reached their climax and quickly led to self-isolation-a deviation from the path of national values-which not only jeopardized national accord but also negatively affected our country's international prestige," he said.

The Bureau Chairman expressed his confidence in the continuos struggle toward national principles and values declared ten years ago.

Tontian suggested that the national strategy should encompass modern systems to prevent Armenia from being hostaged and challenged by regional forces. According to him, the Armenian national struggle will progress if national unity is strengthened; law and democracy are deemed supreme; the process of regulation and management of the socio-economic life of the country are based on the principles of accord and justice; and, if human rights, political freedom and the principle of balance-of-power are respected.

"Our long-standing national liberation struggle shows that the guarantee of protection of the rights of Armenians and their country is in the unification of our forces," Tontian emphasized, hailing the solidarity of different political forces in the effort to restore national unity, which offers the nation an opportunity to hold free and fair elections.

"I am sure that from now on people in Armenia will not be imprisoned for political purposes and that we have created a truly democratic state," representative of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Executive Council of Armenia Vahan Hovanessian said at a February 23 meeting.

Hovanessian said that the ARF's goal is not to come to power, but to achieve moral influence on the population. We have managed to keep ARF's name untarnished, and we're going to proceed with our struggle," Hovanessian said.

Hovanessian reproached all those who claim that Robert Kocharian's nomination for president is illegitimate, stressing that the same people who once renounced the Constitution are using it as reference.

"It is time to stop alluding to our weaknesses. We must use the power of the Armenian people. I do not imply military power. We're living in this region and no question can be resolved without taking into consideration Armenia's or Karabakh's viewpoint. We must have respect in the region," Hovanessian concluded.

FEBRUARY 18, 1998

ARFers Free to Travel to Armenia, Says Kocharian

YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)-Armenia's Acting President and Prime Minister Robert Kocharian, during a meeting with a delegation of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Tuesday, announced that all travel restrictions placed upon ARF members were heretofore lifted.

The delegation, headed by ARF Bureau chairman Beno Tontian is in Armenia to take part in national celebrations of the 10th anniversary of the Karabakh liberation movement.

"All Armenians should have an opportunity to contribute to the strengthening of their homeland," stated the prime minister.

Kocharian also advocated for initiating dual citizenship and allowing Armenians from the Diaspora to become citizens of Armenia.

Following the meeting Tontian stated that the meeting allowed ARF leaders the opportunity to discuss issues and convey the ARF's endorsement of Kocharian's candidacy for the upcoming March 16 presidential polls in Armenia.

Tontian also stated that the lifting of the travel ban on ARF members and supporters, which was carried out by the Levon Ter-Petrosyan administration through the publication of a so-called "black list," placed an added responsibility on ARF members and Diasporans to increase their involvement in the Armenian reality and sacrifice more for the benefit of the nation.

ARF Executive Council of Armenia member Vahan Hovanessian also discussed the meeting with Kocharian, stating that the gathering allowed an exchange of opinions on the presidential campaign and ways in which free and fair elections could be ensured.

Hovanessian went on to praise Kocharian's policies on Karabakh and his outlook for the Armenian nation, adding that he was truly the national candidate of the entire nation.

"There is a mammoth task ahead of us.... especially toward those individuals who unwittingly left Armenia in droves to escape economic and other hardships. The ARF has a leading role in ensuring these individuals return to the homeland," stated Hovanessian.

He said that easing of travel restrictions will allow more Diasporan Armenians the opportunity to work toward the reunification of the nation.

FEBRUARY 17, 1998

ARF Delegation Meets with Kocharian

YEREVAN (Yerevan News Agency) - Armenia's Acting President and Prime Minister Robert Kocharian met Tuesday with a delegation of leaders of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation headed by Bureau chairman Beno Tontian.

The delegation also included ARF Bureau members Tatoul Ohanian and Martoun Matevossian; ARF Executive Council of Armenia members Vahan Hovanessian and Vartan Petrossian; as well as members of ARF central committees and Armenian National Committees from throughout the Diaspora-Iran, France, the United States, Lebanon, Syria, Canada, Greece and Cyprus-who are now in Armenia for observance of the 10th anniversary of the Karabakh liberation struggle.

Bureau chairman Tontian introduced the members of the delegation to Kocharian, and expressed gratitude that the recent changes in Armenia took place within the framework of the constitution and in a peaceful manner.

Tontian also informed the acting president of the ARF's decision to endorse his candidacy for president, based on his record of pursuing the just aspiration of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The ARF leader also told Kocharian that aside from endorsing his candidacy in Armenia, the organizational units in the Diaspora, through ANC offices and chapters, will embark on a campaign to promote Kocharian in political and community circles.

"I am confident that our ranks and our supporters will be very excited to undertake this campaign," stated Tontian.

Also addressing the meeting was ARF Executive Council of Armenia member Hovanessian, who stated that there was a willingness and readiness to work for the presidential campaign.

He added that Kocharian was deemed as a national unity candidate and that he enjoyed wide-spread support from various segments of Armenia's socio-political structures.

Hovanessian was confident that the presidential race would proceed without a hitch, dispelling rumors that forces would interfere in the election process. He stated that the ARF guaranteed that such instances would not take place.

Hovanessian concluded by stressing that the recent changes in Armenia were not mere reshuffling of people, but a change in policy, adding that the ARF will work toward a victory for Kocharian's presidency, with free and fair elections.

In his remarks, the prime minister stated that during the past years there were obstacles placed on the activities of the ARF, adding that "everything was done for the organization with numerous institutions throughout the world to continue its work."

"As a people with a Diaspora, even if such an organization did not exist, we would aspire to establish it, in order to pragmatically utilize the national force in political, economic, moral and historic realms," said Kocharian.

The acting president stated that while he was not an ARF member nor was he well-read in ARF history, nevertheless he believed that the Armenian people was not limited to the two-and-a-half million living in Armenia, but more than double that throughout the world.

Kocharian said to not use the entire potential of the Armenian nation was absurd.

He expressed confidence that the upcoming election would be fair and free, stressing the importance of correcting the mistakes of the previous regime.

Kocharian stressed that the next president would be the leader elected by the people and for the people, and that person will not be a representative of an international entity or power.

"A president elected in Armenia, first and foremost must feel that he is the president of Armenia-elected by the people. The minute Armenia's president begins to consider himself as a representative of the international community, the situation in the country will be similar to what we have already experienced. The West and regional concerns all have their place in the equation, however real independence is attained when one is able to balance all the factors," explained Kocharian.

FEBRUARY 17, 1998

Vahan Hovanessian Holds Press Conference

YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)-On the occasion of its re-registration of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, the ARF Executive Council of Armenia held a press conference on Friday, February 13.

"ARF was the first political force to understand and predict that Levon Ter-Petrosyan and his regime will make Armenia follow an erroneous path. The joint struggle of the opposition which has formed over the past several years yielded positive endresults," said Vahan Hovanessian, member of the ARF Executive Council. He stated that the recent changes in the upper echelon of power were the outcome of a split between authorities.

Hovanessian said that a statehood should be built on national values, and that now, more than ever, there is great demand for that.

According to Hovanessian, the path which the ARF would like to see Armenian follow will be achieved gradually. He confirmed that the ARF believes that Acting President and Prime Minister Robert Kocharian is capable of taking that responsibility and leading the country onto that path.

"When the ARF was suspended in Armenia, it functioned uninterruptedly in Karabakh. It is a guarantee that Robert Kocharian views national problems from the position with which the ARF views them. His economic program is real. There will be no miracles, but the situation will change for the better by the end of the year. Kocharian is capable and must serve as a symbol of national unity," Vahan Hovanessian said.

Asked about ARF's reasons for no longer supporting Vazgen Manoukian, Hovanessian explained, "In 1996, all healthy forces were in an arm to arm struggle against the evil, trying to get rid of a factor which played a destructive role in the country. But when there is no destructive factor, more choices are available. We have to say that we have serious differences with the National Democratic Union, differences existent even in 1996. NDU's position on the fate of Karabakh is a little vague. We enjoy excellent relations with NDU and are confident that if Vazgen Manoukian is elected president, Armenia will not return to its former state. However, we find it more appropriate for Robert Kocharian to be elected President of Armenia."

Hovanessian concluded, "We are not striving for power. Now, at last, there is a field in which we can practice what political parties are meant to do. We have always been sidetracked by Turks, Azeris, hostilities. Now, we can devote ourselves to establishing a normal, healthy moral and political atmosphere for the Armenian people. And, in doing so, we will not spare any effort."

FEBRUARY 13, 1998

ARF Endorses Kocharian's Candidacy

YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan/Hayots Ashkhar)-Representative of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Executive Council of Armenia Vahan Hovanessian met with Acting President and Prime Minister Robert Kocharian Thursday.

"I approached Kocharian as a representative of the ARF Executive Council. This was one in the series of dialogs he has been carrying out with the political forces in Armenia. Personally, I was very glad to meet with him. I knew Kocharian from the most difficult years of the Karabakh struggle, and I rate him highly as a fighter," said Hovanessian.

"I also had the honor of conveying to Kocharian ARF's decision to support his candidacy in the upcoming presidential elections," continued Hovanessian.

The two exchanged opinions on the upcoming presidential election and the internal political situation in the country, reiterating the significance of a free and fair election.

Special attention was given to issues of concern in the "Trial of 31."

FEBRUARY 13, 1998

ARF Executive Council Issues Announcement

YEREVAN (Yerevan News Agency)-The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Executive Council of Armenia issued an announcement Friday, outlining the party's position on the recent developments in Armenia following the resignation of Levon Ter-Petrosyan, the re-registration of the party in Armenia and the release of ARF leaders Hrand Markarian and Vahan Hovanessian.

Below is the translated text of that announcement: On February 9, 1998, Armenia's Justice Ministry allowed the resumption of activities of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, after which ARF leaders Hrand Markarian and Vahan Hovanessian, who were incarcerated for political reasons, were released.

Evidently, the illegal persecution and oppression of the ARF and its members, which began on December 28, 1994, has finally ended. This was an important step toward the establishment of rule of law, democracy and putting an end to the internal political rift in the country.

If the struggle waged by the leadership of Armenia against the republic's leading political party was a struggle against democracy, diversity, free speech, national ideals, historical memory and the historical cause, then today conditions are ripe for the creation of a state based on national values, freedom, democracy, and onc that serves the entire Armenian nation and its aspirations.

The current changes, however, are merely the beginning of an important stage which should progress and develop with the same continuity and vigor, until such a victorious day when a leadership for the people and by the people in Armenia is brought forth.

Since its re-establishment in the homeland, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation , staying true to its mission, has fought for the creation of state-political structures which foster national ideals, all in the name of the principle of a leadership emerging from the people's free will and aiming to provide a free and prosperous life.

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation, having pledged all its resources and willingness to work for the strengthening of the Armenian state and resolving national issues, will, at the same time, continue to vigorously oppose instances when national and state interests are ignored or threatened.

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