“First Armenian News and Analysis” conducted an interview with the former RA PM Hrant Bagratyan who talked about the situation in ANC and coming presidential elections. To the question of the media about disputes inside ANC on presidential elections, 2013, the politician said that ANC hasn’t decided yet who to support adding that probably Levon Ter-Petrosyan will be the ANC candidate.
The correspondent asked about the possibility of running his own candidacy, as one of the website inquiries show that he is the most desired PM, Hrant Bagratyan answered that no such discussion has taken place in ANC.
The former PM expressed his strict position on being against a joint candidate as ANC has its own candidate when asked about having one joint candidate with PAP.
To the observation that such strict expressions about the only candidacy, that of Levon Ter-Petrosyan doesn’t leave room for him not to run his candidacy, Bagratyan answered: “I will never become a member of any movement where there is no alternative. I have said several times that besides Levon Ter-Petrosyan we have anothercandidates as well.”
“First Armenian News and Analysis” noted that during parliamentary elections ANC and PAP cooperated somehow and it is said twice more votes of PAP was due to ANC efforts and asked whether the same may happen in presidential elections.
“I can say that so far there has been no decision of supporting any power in ANC. I am one of the ANC founders. If any one, not being the founder, makes announcements, it is his own view. I was always assured by ANC members that no such discussion has occurred. If there is something like that, it must be open. In case of necessity we are ready to negotiate with PAP, ARP, Rule of Law and other parties. We are a democratic movement.”
Referring to the idea of possible joint candidate of the opposition, Hrant Bagratyan answered: “If there is opposition, it must gather 3 months before the elections and choose joint candidate. No other format is possible.”
The correspondent inquired when there will be discussions in ANC on presidential elections, as there is an impression as if ANC waits for the results of Serzh Sargsyan-Gagik Tsarukyan negotiations for it to decidewhat to do.
Hrant Bagratyan answred: “I assure that it’s not right. Soon we will make decision. If Levon Ter-Petrosyan runs his candidacy, I will support, if not, then we will think what to do.”
