“Zhamanak” is puzzled by opposition leader Raffi Hovannisian’s visit to Moscow. “It is not clear which processes Raffi Hovannisian will be discussing in Moscow: the presidential elections or the municipal elections in Yerevan?” writes the paper. “Nor it is known with whom he will be holding discussions.” It suggests that Hovannisian’s most important meetings in the Russian capital may not be publicized. The paper also thinks Hovannisian’s trip is further proof that political processes in Armenia are “dictated by foreign centers.”
“Aravot” recalls Hovannisian’s April 9 remark that he wants to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin make him accept “the victory of the Armenian people.” “Should Putin, who was in [the Siberian city of] Ulan-Ude yesterday, state in writing that he was wrong and that Raffi Hovannisian is Armenia’s real president? Or will he declare that in Liberty Square today? It is time to abandon murky and poetic formulations as well as figurative and symbolic meanings and to talk in a clearer and more understandable language.”
“We find it had to tell what ‘the victory of the Armenian people’ is doing in Moscow,” “Azg” notes with sarcasm. “This is not important. The important thing is who Raffi will be meeting in the Russian capital. The Russian political elite does not look forward to meeting Raffi in Moscow.” The paper says leaders the Armenian community in Russia are also not enthusiastic about the opposition leader.
“Haykakan Zhamanak” speculates that President Serzh Sarkisian might offer the Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) to rejoin the government ahead of the May 5 elections in Yerevan in order to retain control over the municipal assembly. The paper says this is a real possibility despite continuing assurances by the BHK and Sarkisian’s Republican Party (HHK) that they are not considering cutting a new power-sharing deal. “In the meantime, the BHK is trying to conduct its election campaign with the most opposition-minded emphases,” it says. “Other forces too are trying to split the votes of the opposition electorate. The verbal attacks on Raffi Hovannisian going on for a second consecutive day are connected with the May 5 elections.” The paper claims that Hovannisian’s Barev Yerevan bloc is leading in opinion polls.
(Tigran Avetisian)
“Aravot” recalls Hovannisian’s April 9 remark that he wants to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin make him accept “the victory of the Armenian people.” “Should Putin, who was in [the Siberian city of] Ulan-Ude yesterday, state in writing that he was wrong and that Raffi Hovannisian is Armenia’s real president? Or will he declare that in Liberty Square today? It is time to abandon murky and poetic formulations as well as figurative and symbolic meanings and to talk in a clearer and more understandable language.”
“We find it had to tell what ‘the victory of the Armenian people’ is doing in Moscow,” “Azg” notes with sarcasm. “This is not important. The important thing is who Raffi will be meeting in the Russian capital. The Russian political elite does not look forward to meeting Raffi in Moscow.” The paper says leaders the Armenian community in Russia are also not enthusiastic about the opposition leader.
“Haykakan Zhamanak” speculates that President Serzh Sarkisian might offer the Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) to rejoin the government ahead of the May 5 elections in Yerevan in order to retain control over the municipal assembly. The paper says this is a real possibility despite continuing assurances by the BHK and Sarkisian’s Republican Party (HHK) that they are not considering cutting a new power-sharing deal. “In the meantime, the BHK is trying to conduct its election campaign with the most opposition-minded emphases,” it says. “Other forces too are trying to split the votes of the opposition electorate. The verbal attacks on Raffi Hovannisian going on for a second consecutive day are connected with the May 5 elections.” The paper claims that Hovannisian’s Barev Yerevan bloc is leading in opinion polls.
(Tigran Avetisian)