Kocharian: demanding extra-parliamentary election absurd

PanARMENIAN.Net - Resignation of Deputy Defense Minister, lieutenant general Manvel Grigoryan is a political decision, Armenia's outgoing President said.



"Lieutenant general Grigoryan retired in compliance with the RA Constitution and of his own accord. The edict doesn't mention the reason of Grigoryan's resignation. He was on a leave till April 1 and was discharged on April 2," Robert Kocharian told reporters today.



Touching on the domestic situation, the President said there will be no extra parliamentary election in Armenia. "It's absurd to demand extra parliamentary election now. At the same time, I do not think that Levon Ter-Petrosyan is willing to enter dialogue with the authorities," he said. "Those putting up an act of political prisoners are to blame for what has happened. However, many people joined the riots thoughtlessly."



"I can never admit division of Armenian people by the principle of their place of birth. It destroys the pillars of the state system," Mr Kocharian said.



The RA Constitution bans the military from engaging into politics. Deputy Defense Minister, lieutenant general Manvel Grigoryan was dismissed on April 2 for his support to opposition leader, Armenia's former President Levon Ter-Petrosyan at the February 19 presidential election.