Standoff between Republican Party of Armenia and Prosperous Armenia is an indication of serious problems- expert
27.02.2015,
21:13
The bitter standoff between the governing Republican Party of Armenia of President Serzh Sargsyan and the Prosperous Armenia Party of tycoon Gagik Tsarukyan is an indication of serious socio-economic and political problems in the country, a political expert Khachik Galstyan told in an interview with Sputnik-Armenia radio station.
YEREVAN, February 27. / ARKA /. The bitter standoff between the governing Republican Party of Armenia of President Serzh Sargsyan and the Prosperous Armenia Party of tycoon Gagik Tsarukyan is an indication of serious socio-economic and political problems in the country, a political expert Khachik Galstyan told in an interview with Sputnik-Armenia radio station.
President Sagsyan, speaking at a February 12 meeting of the executive board of the Republican Party of Armenia, lashed out at Gagik Tsarukyan describing him as ‘a scourge for the country who lacks intelligence, skills and education to govern Armenia.’
The following day he signed a decree expelling Gagik Tsarukyan from the National Security Council and also ordered authorities to investigate Tsarukyan, one of Armenia's richest men, for alleged tax-dodging and failure to attend parliament sessions.
Tsarukyan, in turn, accused Sargsyan of trying to punish him over his refusal to back a constitutional reform that would allow Sargsyan to remain Armenia's leader beyond 2018 when his current presidential term ends.
Khachik Galstyan praised today the governing party and the Prosperous Armenia for deciding to settle the dispute peacefully after a meeting between Sargsyan and Tsarukyan, which has diffused tension. Galsatyn said this shows the wisdom of the politicians.
He said the Prosperous Armenia will use the pause to develop a new strategy and a new party line.
On February 23 the Prosperous Armenia Party decided to boycott the four-day session of the Armenian parliament. A senior party member Naira Zohrabyan said the faction will discuss the current situation and come out with a statement. Later the party said it will hold an extraordinary congress on March 5. There were reports claiming that Tsarukyan may resign as party leader.-0-
