KOCHARIAN THINKS THERE WILL BE NO DESTABILIZATION AHEAD OF Elections

Russia & CIS Presidential Bulletin
November 6, 2007

Armenian President Robert Kocharian has said he does not think that
the situation in Armenia could destabilize ahead the 2008 presidential
elections in the country.

I have always said in my speeches that I see no dangers here,
Kocharian said at a meeting with teachers of the Yerevan State
Medical University.

Life is getting better year after year. Problems, that we have had,
are now disappearing, the president said.

The status of the country has changed and today there is no anger or
depressed state of mind, he said.

Previously, some opposition politicians had tried to use this to push
people to rioting and illogical steps, Kocharian said.

The Armenian National Assembly elections that took place this May
showed that politicians who assume the most aggressive positions were
not elected to the parliament, Kocharian said. Political forces or
politicians that will show aggressiveness will just go bankrupt.

There is no place for them in politics. I am aware of this, the
Armenian president said.

Opposition is needed in country’s political life and it should
criticize, while the absence of opposition has a negative influence
on the country and weakens its competitiveness in the international
arena, the president said.

Kocharian’s speech was broadcast by the Armenian Public TV channel.