“First Armenian News and Analysis” had an interview with the leader of “Republic” party Aram Sargsyan. The first question referred to his recent visit to the USA and Sargsyan was asked to briefly introduce the results of his meetings and talks, that were known to have political frames and to elaborate how his visit will influence his further actions.
“The USA is the country giving the largest aid to Armenia, about 2.5 billion dollars of assistance. The US realizes also business programs in Armenia and I am personally ready to assist them or to suggest my own projects. I had meetings, talks in political circles of the US, namely in the State Department, in the White House, in security services. It’s not true that the US is busy with its presidential elections, with problems in Middle East or in Afghanistan and that it doesn’t have time for Armenia. People who deal with Armenia do their work every day and I was surprised by their knowledge about our country. There are analysts whose points of views are more realistic than ours. But the main problems are to be solved by Armenians. The US has proved that in case of necessity it will stand next to people, Armenians as well, to help its democracy, its economy and its market, but not next to certain personalities.
Then followed the discussion of the issue of the joint candidate of the opposition, who, according to the recently conducted survey is Gagik Tsarukyan. “I think that this survey is a certain political demand. Taking advantage of public atmosphere, they present it as they like. By now only Serzh Sargsyan’s candidacy is certain, other instance are under doubt. Anyhow change is needed, and those having such aspirations will try in presidential election in 2013.
ANC and ARF were together before parliamentary elections and taking into account their similar position towards Vartan Oskanian’s issue, further joint actions may happen as well. Mr. Sargsyan asked to comment whether Vartan Oskanian himself may be supported by this powers. According to him those who celebrated the elections in 2003 are to blame for today’s situation. Sargsyan said that ANC shouldn’t be criticized as it consists of many parties and pinpointing each other’s faults is a gift for the former coalition and it disappoints the people.
Coming to Vartan Oskanian’s scandal and “Prosperous Armenia” party Sargsyan noted: “If we behave the same way as they did after March 1st events, we will be no better than Oskanian or Prosperous Armenia. I assure that the affair against Vartan Osknian has certain political pretext. Legality in Armenia is applied only towards certain people and in certain times. I don’t agree that Oskanian founded “Civilitas” for money-laundering, he set up the organization for becoming president and was apt to invest his own money. Guided by such aspiration Oskanian entered PAP to become its candidate.
Do you plan to run your candidacy in coming elections? To this question the leader of “Republic” party answered: “In December 15-20 we will convene an assembly, where will ascertain our position on participating with our candidate or not. If there is a public demand I will take part with all my potential. Time will come, we will work, will talk to public and will decide.”
