SPEAKER OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE PREPARING
GROUNDS FOR JUSTIFYING THEIR DEFEAT IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, NOYAN TAPAN. The speaker of the RA National
Assembly, deputy chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA)
Tigran Torosian is convinced that there are all opportunities for
holding the presidential elections in accordance with international
standards. He stated this at the December 27 press conference. At the
same time, he said that there are already some negative opinions
concerning the quality of the upcoming elections. "It shows one thing:
there are people who are preparing good grounds for justifying their
defeat," he said.

Speaking about recent statements of the first Armenian president Levon
Ter-Petrosian, T. Torosian expressed an opinion that these statements
pursue two goals. First of all, "an attempt is made to present certain
accusations to the current authorities – moreover, with obvious
distortions". In his opinion, L. Ter-Petrosian "has a good memory", so
it is not a result of forgetfulness but a "well thought-out propaganda
step". Secondly, it is the only way to make the authorities respond in
some way or other and "he will be in the center of attention and
notable among the other opposition candidates".

In response to the question about whether the parliament will cooperate
with L. Ter-Petrosian if he wins the elections, the speaker of the
National Assembly replied that the parliament will work "with the
Armenian president just as it has efficiently worked for years". At the
same time, T. Torosian expressed confidence that it will not be L.
Ter-Petrosian. "I think it is easy to suppose who this person will be,"
he added.

The NA speaker stated that all international parliamentary
organizations, which were invited as observers by him, have already
responded and will participate in the parliamentary elections in
Armenia. According to T. Torosian, there will be long-term observer
missions as well but international organizations will announce it after
New Year – during the first ten day of January.