Kocharian: I am not going to serve in state structures

PanARMENIAN.Net - "It's hard to enumerate all achievements and failures of the past ten years. But one thing is clear: I failed to prevent the March 1 events, although tough measures helped to avoid graver consequences" Armenian President Robert Kocharian told a news conference today.



"Armenia can't have a President elected with 80 per cent of votes. 50-52 per cent is a normal index in all countries. It's normal that there are oppositionists discontent with the election results but it doesn't mean that they should lead people into the streets and destroy the state. As you remember, Stepan Demirchyan garnered more votes in 2003 than Levon Ter-Petrosyan in 2008. But Demirchyan did not provoke clashes. The investigation into the March 1 events proves that it was a thoroughly planned action, the organizers of which will face trial," he said. "106 of 800 suspects have been arrested. There were people willing to help the investigation."



As to his future work, the President asked journalists to be patient. "I am not going to retire but have no intention to serve in state structures either. I'll have a little rest and then proceed to work again," Mr Kocharian said.