Armenian government approves resignation of Shirak governor

YEREVAN, February 28. /ARKA/. Armenia’s government approved Thursday the resignation of Ashot Giziryan, the governor of northwestern Armenian province of Shirak.

Ashot Giziryan submitted his resignation application on February 22. The oppositional media sources actively discuss his dismissal supposing the governor decided to leave his office as presidential candidate and opposition Heritage party leader Raffi Hovannisian, who finished second overall, won majority of votes in Gyumri (69.5%), an administrative center of the province. Incumbent president Serzh Sargsyan gained just 27% there.

On Thursday government session, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan said he had met Giziryan upon the initiative of the latter who explained the reasons for his decision.

“He submitted the voluntary resignation application, and it is a very important thing as some media sources disseminate different stories far from reality. We respect his decision,” Sargsyan noted.

Personally and on behalf of the government Sargsyan thanked Giziryan for his work.

In addition, the executive body rejected the resignation application of Ruben Khlghatyan, Mayor of Armavir town.

Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration Vache Terteryan said Khlghatyan’s decision to resign was just a consequence of his emotional condition rather than inappropriate work.

“Taking into account the fact that Khlghatyan’s current tenure is less than a half of his required tenure, and bearing in mind the number of programs implemented in the town, Ministry of Territorial Administration considers his resignation inexpedient,” he noted.

On his side, PM agreed with Terteryan. -0-