In an apparent conciliatory gesture to opponents of the mandatory pension plan, Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan today announced that he is ready to meet with them and discuss their concerns.

Addressing the cabinet session, Sargsyan said that the growing civic movement in Armenia had grown to a point where it is now able to dictate its own rules and thus the government must correct its approach when it comes to apprising the citizenry on matter of national import.

The prime minister said that the government’s primary aim should be to assist and spur the development of a healthy civic society in Armenia.

Pointing out that a majority of those opposed to the mandatory nature of the pension system are young people, Sargsyan admitted that he had received petitions signed by thousands of citizens employed in the information technology sector who have raised valid concerns.

PM Sargsyan said a middle ground must be found because the ‘all of nothing’ approach to the issue is unacceptable to the government and those responsible young people representing civil society.

Here, Sargsyan specified the “Dem Em” (I am Opposed) movement, and called on its representatives to enter into a dialogue with the government.

While welcoming the growth of various civic movements in Armenia, Sargsyan warned that some elements are intent of co-opting them for political reasons.

“As I have declared in the National Assembly, we welcome such activism by young people. Understandably, certain political forces are attempting to exploit it. But the fact that the youth are steering clear from politicizing the issue also proves that such dialog is vital for the future of the country,” Sargsyan concluded.