The independent daily “Aravot” argues that if someone wanted to show that people do not trust the authorities by raising panic about the earthquake that was predicted for 8 November, he succeeded. “People preferred to believe ungrounded rumors, and for a long time did not trust the official denial. This kind of behavour is more logical for our citizens,” “Aravot” writes.
“Aravot” also reports that one explanation being circulated for last week’s dismissal of National Security Service director Karlos Petrosian is “stolen cars.” At the same time, the paper writes: ‘While working [in that position] Petrosian was considered to be devoted to [Armenian President Robert] Kocharian, and more or less competent people have denied to comment” on why he was fired.
“Haykakan Zhamanak” emphasizes that Petrosian’s successor Gorik Grigorian is known first of all as belonging to influential Defense Minister Serzh Sarkisian’s circle. “Iravunk” writes: “The appointment of a pure ‘chekist’ [career KGB officer] for the first time in the history of independent Armenia suggests that the authority and role of National Security Service will become higher.” The paper suggests that the “internal political intelligence institute” will be revived, helping Kocharian to strengthen his position and providing him with a reliable alternative soursce of information.
“Hayots Ashkharh” writes about the ongoing investigation into possible masterminds of the October 27, 1999 Parliament attack. The paper believes that it is high time for the Prosecutor-General’s Office to issue a statement on the investigation and make public whether there were other hypotheses proven to be either true of false. “There is nothing left for the Prosecutor-General’s Office to do except to close the investigation”, “Hayots Ashkharh” concludes.
Vache Sarkisian
“Aravot” also reports that one explanation being circulated for last week’s dismissal of National Security Service director Karlos Petrosian is “stolen cars.” At the same time, the paper writes: ‘While working [in that position] Petrosian was considered to be devoted to [Armenian President Robert] Kocharian, and more or less competent people have denied to comment” on why he was fired.
“Haykakan Zhamanak” emphasizes that Petrosian’s successor Gorik Grigorian is known first of all as belonging to influential Defense Minister Serzh Sarkisian’s circle. “Iravunk” writes: “The appointment of a pure ‘chekist’ [career KGB officer] for the first time in the history of independent Armenia suggests that the authority and role of National Security Service will become higher.” The paper suggests that the “internal political intelligence institute” will be revived, helping Kocharian to strengthen his position and providing him with a reliable alternative soursce of information.
“Hayots Ashkharh” writes about the ongoing investigation into possible masterminds of the October 27, 1999 Parliament attack. The paper believes that it is high time for the Prosecutor-General’s Office to issue a statement on the investigation and make public whether there were other hypotheses proven to be either true of false. “There is nothing left for the Prosecutor-General’s Office to do except to close the investigation”, “Hayots Ashkharh” concludes.
Vache Sarkisian