YEREVAN, APRIL 10, NOYAN TAPAN. The consequences of the tragic events that happened on March 1, 2008 in Yerevan have not been overcome, there is no solidarity in society, RA President Serzh Sargsyan stated at the April 10 press conference dedicated to the one year of his tenure. He emphasized that he seeks solidarity. "However, it is obvious that maybe I do not master all ways, because if I mastered, there would be a general peace in our society in a short time. However, the man has the ability of thinking and developing. I also has that ability, I am thinking to see what other steps to take to establish calmness in our society. If I knew, I would take all steps," S. Sargsyan said. He said that he shares the anxiety of media and society connected with the March 1 events, but he does not share the opinion that there are illegally imprisoned people, political prisoners in the country. Answering a question about granting an amnesty, S. Sargsyan gave assurance that the RA President should exercise his rights when the trial stage regarding the post-electoral period is over in Armenia. "I do not exclude that an amnesty can be granted, but I have seen no power that announces in advance that it is going to grant an amnesty in several days, in a week or in several months. The time will come, and we will see," S. Sargsyan said. Reminding that 28 people appealed to him for mercy and were granted an amnesty, the President expressed readiness to consider any appeal for mercy. S. Sargsyan stated that everybody is to blame for the March 1 events, including Police forces. According to him, criminal cases were filed in connection with policemen's actions, but there are no arrested and imprisoned policemen, as there are no concrete facts. According to S. Sargsyan's estimation, the actions of Police lacked professional skill, which is not the fault of the Police, but was the consequence of the general situation. "We are obliged to have a large, efficient army, to spend huge resources on Armed Forces, and the Police for years running was financed by the rest principle. That is the reason that overdue special means were used, their number was small and professional preparedness level low," S. Sargsyan said. He said that every power is obliged to establish law and order. Depending on the fact what way of struggle is chosen against the authorities, they have to undertake adequate measures. "If the law-breakers did not use fire-arms on March 1, I am sure that the Police would not use fire-arms," S. Sargsyan stated.

---