A. Mihranian excludes Kocharian becoming PM after end of his tenure

Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Oct 12 2007

ANDRANIK MIHRANIAN EXCLUDES THAT PRESIDENT KOCHARIAN CAN BECOME PRIME
MINISTER AFTER END OF HIS TENURE

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, NOYAN TAPAN. Exact repetition in Armenia of the
developments proceeding in Russia’s domestic policy, in particular,
the fact that President Robert Kocharian will wish to become a Prime
Minister like Vladimir Putin is excluded. Andranik Mihranian, a
political scientist from Russia, stated at the October 12 press
conference.

According to him, the situation is absolutely different in Armenia.
According to A. Mihranian, similar processes would take place in
Armenia if R. Kocharian during the years of his tenure acquired the
image of "people’s father" like "political figure V. Putin enjoying
confidence of 70-80% Russians and loved by the people." And in
Armenia, as A. Mihranian said, there are people, who have their
resources and structures irrespective of the President. "Certainly,
President’s participation in political processes is of much
importance, but it is not decisive."

Excluding the possibility of Kocharian’s becoming a Prime Minister,
the political scientist at the same time found it difficult to say
what political role Kocharian will assume, motivating this by the RA
President’s reserved character. According to him, R. Kocharian should
remain in the political sphere, as he has enough experience to be an
active politician in solution of important issues regarding his
people.

In A. Mihranian’s opinion, as a result of the parliamentary elections
held in May the Republican Party "has no other variant but to offer a
candidate for presidency of its own." According to him, everybody
knows the name of that candidate, "this name is known even in
Moscow."

Author: Petrosian Susanna
Editor: Eghian Robert