“Zhamanak” says that in his latest statements former President Robert Kocharian effectively dismissed President Serzh Sarkisian’s implicit calls for him not to seek a return to the political arena. The paper suggests that Kocharian is either determined to regain power or simply wants to retain his influence on political processes in Armenia by stoking speculation about his comeback.
“Chorrord Ishkhanutyun” believes that Kocharian sent the following message to Sarkisian, “Serzh, I kept my word and quietly resigned after serving two presidential terms, but I am not sure that you too will keep your word and will not attempt to cling to power in any way.” The paper says Kocharian also warned that no changes in the Armenian constitution can bar him from running for president in 2018, especially given the fact that Sarkisian “has failed and has nothing to be proud of.” “Thus Robert Kocharian is making a bid for his comeback and hints that they have reached [with Sarkisian] such an agreement in the past,” it says.
“A new political situation is emerging in Armenia,” adds “Chorrord Ishkhanutyun.” “The two [rival] poles are now clear. On one pole is a failed, weakened and departing Sarkisian, and on the other Robert Kocharian. The latter is clearly trying to take advantage of Sarkisian’s weakness and win back power.”
“Zhoghovurd” says Kocharian exposed the fact that he has been behind recent months’ cooperation between Gagik Tsarukian’s Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) and the country’s three main opposition parties, including former President Levon Ter-Petrosian’s Armenian National Congress (HAK). The paper says Kocharian’s statements are further proof that Ter-Petrosian has not played a decisive role in that cooperation.
“Aravot” says that Sarkisian, Kocharian and Ter-Petrosian must publicly admit that they rigged elections while in power, apologize for that and urge law-enforcement authorities to investigate them. The paper says they must also pledge not to participate in any presidential or parliamentary elections, “neither individually nor in a party list.”
(Tigan Avetisian)
“Chorrord Ishkhanutyun” believes that Kocharian sent the following message to Sarkisian, “Serzh, I kept my word and quietly resigned after serving two presidential terms, but I am not sure that you too will keep your word and will not attempt to cling to power in any way.” The paper says Kocharian also warned that no changes in the Armenian constitution can bar him from running for president in 2018, especially given the fact that Sarkisian “has failed and has nothing to be proud of.” “Thus Robert Kocharian is making a bid for his comeback and hints that they have reached [with Sarkisian] such an agreement in the past,” it says.
“A new political situation is emerging in Armenia,” adds “Chorrord Ishkhanutyun.” “The two [rival] poles are now clear. On one pole is a failed, weakened and departing Sarkisian, and on the other Robert Kocharian. The latter is clearly trying to take advantage of Sarkisian’s weakness and win back power.”
“Zhoghovurd” says Kocharian exposed the fact that he has been behind recent months’ cooperation between Gagik Tsarukian’s Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) and the country’s three main opposition parties, including former President Levon Ter-Petrosian’s Armenian National Congress (HAK). The paper says Kocharian’s statements are further proof that Ter-Petrosian has not played a decisive role in that cooperation.
“Aravot” says that Sarkisian, Kocharian and Ter-Petrosian must publicly admit that they rigged elections while in power, apologize for that and urge law-enforcement authorities to investigate them. The paper says they must also pledge not to participate in any presidential or parliamentary elections, “neither individually nor in a party list.”
(Tigan Avetisian)