Orinats Yerikir joined coalition to prevent Azeri attack - party leader

PanARMENIAN.Net - Orinats Yerkir coalition party leader, National Security Council Secretary Artur Baghdasaryan commented on his decision to support the ruling party candidate Serzh Sargsyan at 2008 presidential race, with the initially oppositional Orinats Yerkir joining the coalition later.

“I was certain of Azeri offensive were March 1, 2008 riots to continue. My decision to join the ruling coalition was triggered by concern for national security. Also, it helped prevent further clashes after March 1, 2008 events,” the politician said.

Baghdasaryan denied allegations suggesting his decision was prompted by a wish to secure a post. “I was a parliament speaker at the time, and were my intention to hold power, I’d have fulfilled it,” he remarked.

NSC Secretary went on to remind of 2007 conflict with then president Robert Kocharian, followed by businessmen parliamentarians’ withdrawal from Orinats Yerkir: “we did have disagreements, which proves we never sacrificed our convictions, whatever political gains might be.”

From February 20, 2008, the Armenian opposition led by first president Levon Ter-Petrossian, who ran for presidency in 2008, but was not elected, held rallies in the central part of Yerevan, protesting against the election results. The rallies resulted in unrest and clashes between the police and demonstrators on March 1-2. According to the Office of RA Prosecutor General, about 200 people were injured, 10 were killed, and over 100 arrested.

At 2008 presidential elections, Orinats Yerkir opposition party leader Artur Baghdasaryan, 3rd for the number of votes gained, supported the ruling party candidate Serzh Sargsyan, stirring major public discontent as well as rumours of a conspiracy with the authorities.