LET THEM SPEAK, SERGE SARGSYAN SAYS

Public Radio, Armenia
Nov 6 2006

Today in the National Assembly RA Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan
responded to a number of questions about some rumors.

The journalists tried to clarify the Minister’s opinion about the
statement of "Orinats Yerkir" President Arthur Baghdasaryan that the
next President of Armenia should be from Armenia. Serge Sargssayn’s
response was as follows: "I repeat once again. The Armenian President
cannot be a Mexican. Of course, he must come from Armenia."

In response to the question about Aram Karapetyan’s accusations
that Serge Sargsyan orders and organizes a black PR against him,
the Minister said, "Some people have an exaggerated opinion about
themselves. As if I do not have other affairs, other topics of
investigation. Why do I need it? What kind of danger does he
comprise? Everyone considers it his duty to accuse me of something.

Let them speak. It was 7-10 years ago that one’s eye could be plucked
out for speaking. But now, let them speak if they want."

As for the 2007 budget, of its being pre-election, Minister Sargsyan
said that pre-elective means social, since expenses increase.

Furthermore, the Minister said he would like all the budgets to
be pre-election.

Was there a quarrel in the crashed A-320 jet? Was there fighting and
shooting in the plane? Serge Sargsyan said this information has already
been refuted. Besides, the results of the crash are being investigated
not only by our specialists, but also by Russians and French.

"Specialists form Russia and France are participating in the
investigation. Do you believe they would not tell the whole world if
there was the slightest suspicion of it? There must be at least some
logic in any gossip," Serge Sargsyan noted.