ALLY DOWNPLAYS LACK OF DASHNAK SUPPORT FOR SARKISIAN
By Ruzanna Khachatrian

Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
Aug 27 2007

The refusal by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun)
to endorse Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian will not reflect negatively
on his chances of winning the approaching presidential election,
one of his top allies said on Monday.

Dashnaktsutyun leaders have repeatedly made it clear that they will
nominate their own presidential candidate despite being represented
in Sarkisian’s coalition cabinet formed as a result of the May 12
parliamentary elections.

Sarkisian reportedly tried hard to convince them to back his
presidential bid, mindful of the pro-establishment party’s political
clout and close ties with the worldwide Armenian Diaspora. Local
observers believe that Dashnaktsutyun’s stance will make it more
difficult for him to win the election, due in February or March,
outright and avoid a risky run-off with an opposition challenger.

However, Karen Karapetian, who leads the parliament faction of
Sarkisian’s Republican Party (HHK), insisted that the Armenian premier
is strong and popular enough to become the country’s next president
without Dashnaktsutyun’s backing.

"It would be very desirable for coalition forces to act with a
single candidate," Karapetian told RFE/RL in an interview. "But even
if Dashnaktsutyun fields its own candidate, there will be nothing
extraordinary. Let the party, which has a lot of experience, try
its luck."

"We consider our forces to be totally sufficient," he said.

The HHK swept to a landslide victory in the May elections owing to
his vast financial resources and control of many government bodies.

Sarkisian is expected to again heavily rely the so-called
"administrative resources" during the presidential ballot.

Karapetian was confident that Sarkisian will be endorsed by the
Prosperous Armenia Party (HHK), the HHK’s second, more influential
coalition partner, and "many other parties and non-governmental
organizations." He said the HHK’s power-sharing agreement with the
BHK stipulates that the two political groups must field a common
presidential candidate.

The BHK is officially led by millionaire businessman Gagik Tsarukian
and widely regarded as President Robert Kocharian’s new power base.

Kocharian has yet to publicly throw his weight behind Sarkisian’s
presidential ambitions.

Karapetian denied in that regard persistent speculation about friction
between Armenia’s two most powerful men. He refused to be drawn on
what the HHK think Kocharian should do after completing his second
and final term in office.

"It’s up to them to decide," Karapetian said when asked whether
Sarkisian will appoint Kocharian as prime minister if even becomes
president.