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Press Review


"Iravunk" continues to claim that various government factions are increasingly fighting each other. "There are unpublicized contacts between some government wings and a part of the opposition as a result of which certain political steps are being taken." The paper says one should not rule out the possibility of some pro-government parties joining the opposition before the next elections.

"Haykakan Zhamanak" reports that the leader of the parliament's pro-government Miasnutyun faction, Galust Sahakian, has heaped praise on Armenia's former leader despite his harsh criticism of the opposition. Sahakian described Levon Ter-Petrosian, Babken Ararktsian and Vano Siradeghian as "mature politicians."

"Or" says the latest opposition attempt to force a parliament debate on impeachment proceedings against President Kocharian is "just a tactical ploy." By linking the issue to the October 1999 assassinations, the paper says, the opposition is "dealing a big blow to Robert Kocharian's presidential image."

"Orran," on the other hand, says Kocharian has started his reelection campaign successfully and has so far been able to "dictate his rules of the game." But the person who will call the shots during the 2003 elections is Defense Minister Serzh Sarkisian. He will be able to use the military's votes "with all their numerical strength."

Former foreign minister Raffi Hovannisian, who controls "Orran," tells "Iravunk" that the authorities have launched an "immoral and unrestrained" smear campaign against him. He says that campaign is driven by their "fear" of political opponents. But he says that fear is not justified because his statements are "not explicitly directed against the authorities."

A member of the parliament committee on defense and security, Gurgen Yeghiazarian, confirms reports that the Armenian interior ministry is about to undergo a major shake-up. He tells "Hayots Ashkhar" that the ministry will have a different name and will see its status downgraded. This, according to Yeghiazarian, will deal a "severe moral blow to the employees of the system" and lead to "drastic rise in crime." "Once the atmosphere of impunity deepens a little, there will be a social explosion in the country," Yeghiazarian warns.

"Haykakan Zhamanak" concludes that the recently adopted law on financial disclosure has not fulfilled its mission as evidenced by the publication of income statements made by senior government officials earlier this year. Most of the documents are not truthful, and the officials continuing to hide their real revenues.

(Vache Sarkisian)
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