ROBERT KOCHARYAN HAS FULL MORAL RIGHT TO RETURN – PROSPEROUS ARMENIA PARTY CHAIRMAN
Tert.am
16:46 03.10.11
Gagik Tsarukyan, Chairman of the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP),
gave an interview to the www. zham. am website.
Below are excerpts from the interview:
– What do you think about the reasons for Vladimir Putin’s return,
and what impact may it have on Armenia?
– It is not a surprise for the Russian Establishment because it was
under Vladimir Putin that Russia overcame a severe crisis, put an
end to the Chechen war and restored stability. As regards Armenia,
I think Mr. Putin’s return will be beneficial for Armenia with respect
to both development of Armenian-Russian relations and Nagorno-Karabakh
peace process.
– Many people link Robert Kocharyan’s return to big politics with
Vladimir Putin’s return. Armenia’s second president did not rule out
this possibility in his interview. What can you say?
– I am surprised at the society that has marked the 20th anniversary of
its independence and is drawing such unreasonable conclusions. I think
it is time for us to feel independent. Otherwise, we’ll not be able to
build up full-fledged statehood. As to the second president’s possible
return to big politics, he has full moral and political right to it.
– Will the Prosperous Party of Armenia run for Parliament with a
straight ticket or a mixed one?
– I have repeatedly said that the party will run for Parliament
with a straight ticket. On the other hand, I stress once more that
Armenia needs consolidation and unity at a much higher level than
the present-day coalition. I am sure it is a realistic principle and
I am going to follow it.
– Which of the candidates is the PAP going to support in the
presidential election?
– We should not forget the parliamentary elections are to be held
first. A few months ago, half in jest, I said, “We are going to talk
about it at the next lesson.” So this reply remains in force.