“Zhamanak” denounces the appointment of Sevak Khachatrian, a pro-government student activist involved in a December 2013 attack on journalists, as deputy rector of the Armenian State Economics University (ASEU). The paper believes that he should have been prosecuted, rather than promoted, for obstructing the work of journalists, a crime punishable by Armenian law. It says that this promotion is not surprising given track record of the Armenian authorities. The paper also notes that the ASEU’s supervisory board is headed by none other than Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamian.
“Aravot” pours scorn on Moscow-backed rebels in eastern Ukraine who organized at the weekend a humiliating “parade” of about 100 Ukrainian soldiers captured by them. “Can you imagine such a parade in Yerevan or Stepanakert?” the paper asks an in editorial. “It’s impossible, isn’t it? For regardless of who is right and who is wrong, who is a terrorist and who is a fascist, one must not lose their human face in such situations.”
“Zhoghovurd” reacts to President Serzh Sarkisian’s weekend assertions that Armenia has had major economic gains during his rule. Sarkisian argued in particular that his administration has managed to double the state double in the last few years. “How did that happen?” he asked. “We don’t have sources of replenishing the budget other than taxes as well as loans borrowed by us.” “As always, Serzh Sarkisian’s statements on the economy are wide of the mark, and official figures testify to that,” comments the paper. It says that state budgetary revenue has not doubled since 2008 even in nominal terms.
Speaking to “Hayots Ashkhar,” Vahram Baghdasarian, the parliamentary leader of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK), says that contrary to its promises the Armenian opposition will not heighten political tension in the country this fall. The political life in Armenia will not markedly change in the months ahead, he says.
(Tigran Avetisian)