FORMER NA SPEAKER TO RUN FOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

Noyan Tapan
Dec 3, 2007

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 3, NOYAN TAPAN. At the 8th special congress of the
Orinats Yerkir (Country of Law) party, it was decided to nominate the
candidature of party Chairman, former NA Speaker Artur Baghdasarian
for the 2008 presidential elections. All 650 delegates taking part
in the congress unanimously voted for this decision made by the party
Board on December 3.

A. Baghdasarian assured that he enters the election campaign not
with the olympic principle, "to participate purely for participation"
but with the intention of winning. A. Baghdasarian stated that he is
going to start a series of meetings with the candidates nominated,
also proposing public discussions with participation of all candidates.

Pointing out to the two main poles of the presidential elections,
A. Baghdasarian stated that he cannot support the current authorities,
who try to reproduce themselves at any price. Appreciating former
President Levon Ter-Petrosian’s contribution in establishment
of Armenian statehood, A. Baghdasarian meanwhile spoke against
the approach of "completely disorganizing the state-governmental
system." A. Baghdasarian stated that he is ready for active cooperation
with L. Ter-Petrosian, as well as "all forces, which really strive
for fighting for improving the country."

Representatives of 16 parties took part in the congress. Hrayr
Karapetian, the Head of the National Assembly ARFD faction, Vazgen
Manukian, the Chairman of the National Democratic Union, Vardan
Khachatrian, the Political Secretary of the Zharangutiun (Heritage)
party, Gurgen Arsenian, the Chairman of the United Labor Party, among
congress participants, spoke. G. Arsenian said that the party headed
by him has not made up its mind yet in the issue of supporting some
candidate for presidency, and such a decision will be made at the
congress of the United Labor Party to be held in January.