Justice Minister To Step Up Political Activity

JUSTICE MINISTER TO STEP UP POLITICAL ACTIVITY

Armenpress
Jul 6 2006

YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS: Armenian justice minister David Harutunian
has denied today media speculations that he is going to either join
a pro-government party, or set up his own party or contest the 2008
presidential election.

Speaking to journalists in the parliament premises, the minister,
nevertheless, did not rule out that he may contest a parliaments seat
on a ticket of one of the pro-government forces. "One thing is clear,
it is that I shall continue to deal with politics and this does not
mean to have a parliament member mandate or seek the post of the
country’s president," he said, but ignored questions about what party
he may join.

Though the minister had announced earlier that he had no plans to
join a political party, Harutunian said today he could not restrain
the temptation by watching how political developments were unfolding.

"I have my ideas on various issues and I cannot insist that my
interests are restricted only to justice administration," he said. The
minister spoke against the single-mandate election system to the
parliament adding that government ministers should also represent
a party.