AZG Armenian Daily #172, 21/09/2007

Elections in Armenia

PEOPLE’S PARTY OF ARMENIA EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE OF JOINT CANDIDATE FOR
NEXT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

"People’s Party of Armenia emphasizes the importance of a joint
candidate from the opposition forces for the next presidential
elections," Grigor Haroutiunian, member of the opposition People’s
Party of Armenia (PPA), said in the course of a press conference at
"Pastark" club. He stated that the party can nominate its own
presidential candidate for next year’s ballot, adding that their
candidate is as skilled and seasoned as other opposition leaders who
have presidential ambitions. At the same time, Haroutiunian added that
the People’s Party of Armenia is for an alliance of all influential
opposition forces and a single candidate.

Grigor Haroutiunian, a member of the PPA’s governing board, also said
at the press conference that ex-president Levon Ter-Petrosian can
become a unifying factor, too. He said his party stands ready to
cooperate with all opposition forces which are ready to unite.

As for his party’s participation in the recent parliamentary election,
Haroutiunian said the party did not see a defection alter its setback
in the May 12 parliamentary elections in which it failed to overcome
the five percent barrier and win a seat in the National Assembly.

By Gohar Gevorgian, Translated by K.A.