The congress of Free Democrats party kicks off in Yerevan.

A special congress of Free Democrats party has opened in Yerevan. The congress is attended by representatives of various political forces except coalition parties – RPA, PAP, OYP.
Former Foreign Minister, newly admitted member of Prosperous Armenia Party Vartan Oskanian also attends the congress as an analyst.

At the meeting, Armenian National Congress (HAK) is represented by Aram Sargsyan, Petros Makeyan, Artak Zeynalyan, Heritage Party – by Raffi Hovannisian, Styopa Safaryan, Armen Martirosyan and some others.

The invitees are addressing the meeting at the moment.

The congress is expected to adopt a resolution addressing challenges facing the country, main directions of politics and economics needing changes.

Free Democrats Party Chairman Khachatur Kokobelyan also delivered a speech during the Party’s second special congress today.

“We were united by the desire to establish a true democracy in Armenia, and to achieve open economic relations and a civil society. Numerous [political] parties stated about liberalism throughout the history of independent Armenia, but, sadly, many parties state [this] in the twenty years, but are guided by the political situation. Our people need changes, not reforms. [And] We can make those changes,” Kokobelyan argued.

And reflecting on the Free Democrats Party’s relations with the parliamentary opposition Heritage Party, Khachatur Kokobelyan specifically said: “We wish to form a fair alliance with the Heritage Party, [an alliance] that will be equal and democratic; it will be beyond the party processes. We must have a political will, [and] put the foundation on forming a qualitatively new political culture.”