A.G.SARGSIAN: "ROBERT KOCHARIAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EVERYTHING THAT
WILL TAKE PLACE IN ARMENIA DURING ELECTIONS"

YEREVAN, JANUARY 25, NOYAN TAPAN. Aram Sargsian, the Chairman of
the Democratic Party of Armenia excludes the existence of agreement
between the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) and "Bargavach Hayastan"
(Prosperous Armenia) party, two political forces controlled by
President Robert Kocharian and Defence Minister Serge Sargsian
and the fact of the coming parliamentary elections results’ being
predeterminated. The Democratic Party Chairman stated at the January
25 press conference that he would be happy if those two forces unite
as, it would be found out as a result that the "Bargavach Hayastan"
party is not a new political force." A.Sargsian mentioned that if
the pro-ruling forces were headed by one person during the 2003
parliamentary elections, the situation has changed at present. In
his words, not the opposition but a clash among pro-ruling forces
may become a cause for a possible force majeur situation during the
parliamentary elections. In the Democratic Party Chairman’s words,
R.Kocharian is responsible for everything that will happen during the
nearest months in Armenia "as he founded this system, he sponsored
it and he must reap the fruits." A.Sargsian stated that the getting
stronger influence of the outer factor on the innerpolitical situation
is a result of the complementary policy being carried out by the
country head. He mentioned that Russia, having big interests in the
region is interested in keeping today’s authorities. The U.S. which
allocated 6 mln dollars for holding the elections in Armenia also has
its goals. In the Democratic Party Chairman’s words, 70%-75% of the
country population either is not oriented or will not participate
in the coming elections. In his opinion, in these conditions the
opposition may unite and make the people sure to make a choice not for
money but for other ideas. A.Sargsian mentioned that the Democratic
Party will have active participation in the parliamentary elections,
but it is not clear yet with what forces it will cooperate. In his
words, the Democratic Party of Armenia has good relations with the
"Constitutional Right Union," "National Re-Birth" party and the
People’s Party of Armenia.