Recent political developments boost Heritage position – party member

PanARMENIAN.Net - Heritage opposition party’s parliamentary group leader believes recent developments in Armenia’s political arena to have strengthened the party’s position.

As Stepan Safaryan told a news conference in Yerevan, the staff shifts in the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) led to certain discontent, which, in turn, might weaken the republicans’ position. “The rumors over Prosperous Armenia’s intention to leave the coalition, and the party’s passivity in dispelling those are also negatively affecting RPA’s image,” Safaryan said.

According to Safaryan, Armenian National Congress (ANC) opposition bloc is also losing grounds judging by the Congress’ last rallies and statements.

Dwelling on the possibility of cooperation with other political forces during 2012 parliamentary race, the politician said the issue hasn’t been discussed.

On November 3, by the decree of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, the first deputy chief of presidential staff Mikael Minasyan was dismissed to take a post at RPA election headquarters.

On November 1, Armenian parliament speaker Hovik Abrahamyan announced his resignation to head RPA electoral headquarters and more effectively conduct the campaign. Abrahamyan will officially resign at November 14 parliamentary sitting.

Also on November 1, President Sargsyan signed a decree to relieve Armenian police chief, lieutenant general Alik Sargsyan of his duties and to appoint him as a presidential advisor. By another decree, lieutenant general Vladimir Gasparyan was dismissed as the Deputy Defense Minister and appointed to the post of Armenian police chief at the government of Armenia.