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Press Review


“Zhoghovurd” comments on the calls by the Armenian National Congress (HAK) for the country’s main opposition forces to jointly participate in the May 5 municipal elections in Yerevan. The paper says that HAK coordinator Levon Zurabian was right to point out on Wednesday that this is a “unique opportunity” to weaken President Serzh Sarkisian’s grip on power. “The HAK may have no such opportunities in the future because by not participating in presidential elections held just two weeks ago it HAK placed itself, perhaps irreversibly, on the political sidelines,” it says.

“Orakarg” says the Yerevan elections could have a “dual impact” on the current political situation. “They could deflect attention from the post-election situation to the inherently less politicized elections of Yerevan’s Council of Elders,” explains the paper.

“Hayots Ashkhar” says that opposition presidential candidate Raffi Hovannisian is an unpredictable politician who is now in a state of euphoria. “In such situations, there is always a danger of attempts to get people to the barricades and organize a revolution,” writes the pro-presidential daily. “One should be clearly conscious that a revolution would hardly be bloodless.” The paper fears a repeat of the 2008 post-election violence in Yerevan. “Who would bear responsibility for possible bloodshed?” it asks.

“Zhamanak” quotes Hovannisian as saying that he is ready to meet HAK leader Levon Ter-Petrosian. The paper questions Hovannisian’s assurances that he has no ulterior motives. It argues that the Zharangutyun (Heritage) party leader has given very few details of his meetings with President Serzh Sarkisian and Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) leader Gagik Tsarukian. It is therefore hard to believe in his sincerity, according to the paper.

Naira Zohrabian, a senior BHK representative, assures “Aravot” that government posts is not what Tsarukian’s party seeks. “Tsarukian was very clear [this week] about those who remain in the party with certain [material] expectations,” she says. “I can’t say that his remarks were directed against a concrete individual. It was a message to those who may have some expectations.”

(Aghasi Yenokian)
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