ARMENIAN POLITICIAN BLAMES LACK OF UNITY ON OTHER OPPOSITION LEADERS

Armenian newspaper 168 Zham, Yerevan
1 May 07 p 1

Text of an unattributed report in Armenian newspaper 168 Zham published
on 1 May headlined "Demirchyan and Geghamyan, toss a coin"

Aram Zaven Sargsyan the leader of the [opposition] Republic party
blamed the opposition’s failure to unite on specific people, while
speaking with voters in [the village of] Vardenis [in Gegharkunik
Region] yesterday [30 April].

Sargsyan said that it were the opposition politicians who are to blame
for the failure to unite. He also named specific names. "When you
tell them, let’s unite guys, let’s write a joint list of candidates,
[chairman of the National Unity Party] Geghamyan says, ‘No, united is
no good.’ Why? Because all he needs is five per cent [the threshold to
be elected to parliament], and to go make speeches in Strasbourg. If
you have a problem with whom to make the number one or two, then
[chairman of the People’s Party of Armenia] Stepan Demirchyan and
Artashes Geghamyan, toss a coin."

Meanwhile, Aram Z. Sargsyan said that the Republic and New Times
parties and the Impeachment bloc will coordinate all their activities
beginning 3 May. "Beginning 3 May we will hold all our meetings and
visits jointly. I can say this much today. What will follow, what
steps we are going to make is under discussion currently," he said.

The three organizations will hold a joint rally in Liberty Square
[of Yerevan] on 3 May.