SERGE SARGSIAN REFUTES RUMOURS ABOUT CONFLICTS BETWEEN HIM AND PRESIDENT

YEREVAN, JULY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. "The Republican Party of Armenia is the
most influential political force. Of course, we have many problems but
I think we cannot compare Armenia of 2006 with Armenia of 2004 or
2002: the developments in the country are evident," Serge Sargsian,
Chairman of RPA Board, RA Defence Minister, declared at the July 22
press briefing held after the party’s special 10th congress.

He declared that he does not consider himself the factual head of
the party: "Starting this day I can be considered one of party’s
leaders." In response to the question, how he managed to lead to RPA
so many politicians and businessmen, Serge Sargsian advised to ask
them about it and at the same time added: "Maybe this is one of the
traits of my character."

As for the question, whether such strong personalities as he and
Andranik Margarian can "boil in the same copper" Serge Sargsian
answered "yes." In his opinion, the Armenian public needs a strong
team for orienting itself in complicated issues: "I think we laid
a basis for creating these forces."

As for his interrelations with the President, Serge Sargsian declared
that there are no conflicts between them: "I don’t understand why
there should be any conflicts. I have repeatedly said that RPA has its
program, its directions and we will work irrespective of the fact how
the others work. What conflict do you speak about?" He also emphasized
that he has never violated the subordination during 18 years of his
activity. Answering the question about the possibility of cooperation
between RPA and the Bargavach Hayastan (Prosperous Armenia) party,
the Defence Minister said that nothing should be excluded.

It was unexpected for the Defence Minister that RA President Robert
Kocharian did not address a greeting to the congress. According to
Serge Sargsian, now the President is on a short leave and after
his return will show his attitude to the congress. He refuted the
rumours that the President is not ill indeed and assured that the
President has an influenza.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress