VAZGEN MANUKIAN ATTACHES IMPORTANCE TO EXISTENCE OF REALIZED PUBLIC MOVEMENT DURING ELECTIONS

Noyan Tapan
Sep 5, 2007

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, NOYAN TAPAN. "The government model formed in
Armenia hinders the development of the country, and the forthcoming
presidential elections are measures to change that model," Vazgen
Manukian, the Chairman of the National Democratic Union, stated at
the press conference held on September 5.

In his opinion, according to this model, which was created after the
Karabakh war, there is a group of selects inside the state, who enjoy
all the priviledges: they even remain unpunished for committing a
murder. Vazgen Manukian mentioned that first of all a realized public
movement is necessary during the elections in order to change that
model. "If there is no such movement, Serge Sargsian will be elected
President," he said.

About 10 candidates will take part in the forthcoming elections,
according to Vazgen Manukian, and only three or four out of them will
be "pivotal". In response to the question of why he does not take
part in the discussions concerning the common opposition candidate,
Vazgen Manukian said: "If the common candidate is not obvious, he
cannot be decided through drinking coffee and discussions."

He expressed conviction that Levon Ter-Petrosian will not run for
the forthcoming presidential elections. "He does not need to be
nominated, taking into consideration the public opinion. However, if
Levon Ter-Petrosian puts forward his candidature, I will not withdraw
mine all the same." Vazgen Manukian denied the opinion, according to
which there are problems between him and the first President, saying:
"There was a political and not a personal struggle between us."