MATHEMATICS PROFESSOR PREDICTS ‘BRIGHT’ OPPOSITION FUTURE FOR EX-PARLIAMENT CHAIRMAN

Armenpress
Jun 15 2006

YEREVAN, JUNE 15, ARMENPRESS: A professor of mathematics and chairman
of a tiny party predicted a dramatic change in Armenia’s opposition
landscape today saying two major opposition forces, the National
Unity of Artashes Geghamian and the People’s Party of Armenia of
Stepan Demirchian would be shoved to the background by the Orinats
Yerkir party of ex-parliament chairman Arthur Baghdasarian.

Aram Harutunian, who apart from teaching mathematics at Yerevan
University also heads a tiny party called the National Accord, argued
during a news conference that Baghdasarian’s decision to opt his party
out from the governing coalition and move to the opposition camp has
wreaked havoc to the country’s opposition forces.

The professor went on to argue that while the National Unity and
the People’s Party will continue their course of action separately
the Orinats Yerkir will transform into what he called ‘accumulation
point’ and may win over the Zharangutyun (Heritage) of ex -foreign
minister Raffi Hovhanesian and the radical Hanrapetutyun (Republic)
of Aram Sarkisian and other forces.

Harutunian said he was sure that the chairman of the Orinats Yerkir,
Arthur Baghdasarian, whom he described as ‘a skilled and seasoned
politician’ would be able to materialize this plan and welcomed the
party’s ability to purge itself from undesired elements, meaning a
mass defection of its businessmen members.