Central figure leaves Armenian opposition bloc

David Shahnazaryan, one of the central figures of the opposition bloc Armenian National Congress (ANC), has left the bloc.Talking to Tert.am Shahnazaryan confirmed the reports, without explaining the reasons.In his earlier interview with Azatutyun Radio, he made a detailed comment.The May 6 parliamentary elections entirely changed the political pattern in Armenia. The elections changed the opposition political wing, with the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) considering itself an alternative political force on a sound basis, Shahnazaryan said.The PAP's legitimacy can be challenged as well as that of Armenia's authorities – or even more seriously – because it was much better organized in bribing voters that the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA).This being so, Shahnazaryan believes that "we have illegitimate opposition now."The May 6 parliamentary election enabled the "rudiments" of the Kocharyan-led authorities to show rather serious ambitions.Hardly any op position force in Armenia's parliament would put Vartan Oskanian, a well-known political figure of the Kocharyan-led regime, as second on its list. What is the choice now? Either the incumbent authorities, which are seeking to preserve the present situation, or preferring the previous regime as represented by the PAP, Shahnazaryan said.   Read more... (194 words)

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