PRESS RELEASE
RAFFI HOVANNISIAN CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS
31 Moscovian Street
Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+374 – 10) 53.69.13
Fax: (+374 – 10) 53.26.97
Email: [email protected]
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26 January 2013
Raffi Hovannisian Visits Metsamor, Takes Campaign to the Regions
Yereva–Raffi K. Hovannisian kicked off his campaign tour of the
provinces today with a visit to the town of Metsamor, where the
scheduled town hall meeting had to be moved outdoors to accommodate
the hundreds of supporters who had turned out to listen to the
presidential candidate.
Hovannisian took the stage to offer his vision on sustainable
development of rural and urban communities, strengthening of local
self-governance, and improving legislation, and in doing so strongly
criticized the ruling authorities for ignoring the needs of the
people.
`We cannot continue on this path of unemployment, poverty, and
exodus,’ Hovannisian declared. `On February 18, we must put an end to
this national embarrassment.’
Hovannisian pointed out that the Armavir region, and particularly
Metsamor, offer vast opportunities to develop the agricultural sector
and increase production. `We must begin by subsidizing the price of
irrigation water by 70 to 80 percent, and in certain
cases–development of new lands, production of high value agricultural
goods, and setting up new gardens–up to 90 percent. As of now, this
precious resource flows uselessly out of the country’s borders,’ he
said.
Hovannisian further called for a significant increase in salary and
benefits for the staff of the Metsamor nuclear plant, who have been
delayed compensation under the current regime and deserve pay
commensurate with the high risk of their jobs.
Hovannisian explained that his Heritage Party made several budget
proposals targeted at Metsamor high school renovations, all of which
the government denied. Schools in Metsamor and other communities are
in strong need of repair, furniture, and academic materials.
The event closed on a lively exchange with the voters, during which
Raffi Hovannisian urged them to actively participate in the upcoming
elections, and to vote freely and without fear for their preferred
candidate.
Raffi Hovannisian Campaign Headquarters