The Armenian National Congress is a political party in Armenia, led by former President Levon Ter-Petrosyan and formed in 2008. Its direct predecessor was the Pan-Armenian National Movement. It is often abbreviated as ՀԱԿ or HAK, in keeping with its Armenian spelling, but it is occasionally referred to as the ANC in English-language media, including in its official website. From 2008 to 2013 it was a coalition of 13 opposition parties. In 2013, when certain member parties left the Pan-Armenian National Movement, the remainder of the organization collectively decided during a conference to form a new party called the Armenian National Congress.
Formation and goals
The website of the Armenian National Congress lists five main goals: In addition, the ANC also believes in maintaining good relations with Armenia's neighbors, including normalizing relations with both Turkey and Azerbaijan, developing closer relations with the Middle East, self-determination of the Republic of Artsakh, encouraging further European integration of Armenia and deepening cooperation with the European union, the United States, Russia and maintaining strong relations with CISmember states.
History
2008 merge
The Impeachment Union party was officially dissolved in 2008 as members opted to join the ANC.
During the 2011 Armenian protests, the HAK played a major role in organizing demonstrations and pushing for the government of President Serzh Sargsyan, who defeated Ter-Petrosyan in the 2008 election, to accept the demands of protesters. The death of 10 supporters of Ter-Petrosyan as a result of protests that followed Sargsyan's disputed victory are a major rallying point for protesters. Relations between the HAK and Heritage, a fellow opposition party, have historically been rocky, with differences in tactics during the 2011 protests widening the rift.
After the 2012 parliamentary elections Armenian National Congress gained 7 seats in the National Assembly of Armenia.
2015 Armenian constitutional referendum
In the 2015 constitutional referendum in Armenia, the ANC supported the "no" camp. ANC leader Levon Ter-Petrosyan, stated that "the constitutional changes initiated by Serzh Sargsyan was destroying the bases of the state".
