IS "RAT RACE" IMPOSSIBLE?
A1+
11 February, 2008
Republican Party (HHK) members Sasun Michaelian and Hakob Hakobian
voiced support for candidate Levon Ter-Petrossian at the upcoming
presidential election.
"We shall consider their behavior later. Currently, we are seriously
engaged in the pre-election campaign.
After the election of February 19 the party will draw conclusions on
their step," HHK Press Secretary Edward Sharmazanov told A1+.
In reply to A1+’s question whether the party is concerned over a
possible "rate race," Sharmazanov said, "We don’t fear it as the HHK
is a mighty, strong and unflinching party. You will make certain of
it during the February 19 election."
Asked whether his statement didn’t run counter to the events of
February 9, Sharmazanov said, "The party cannot bear responsibility
for the decision of 2-3 members. It won’t affect the party’s activity
and ideology. The Republic of Armenia is a democratic country and
each person is free to make a choice. And yet, it is difficult for
me to understand people you say one thing and another."
Asked whether the party will apply sanctions against the members,
Sharmazanov said, "All members who disobey the party rules and
decisions of the Supreme Board, incur a penalty. They are even
"fired." Their fate will be decided after the election," he added.
In response to our question if censorship is exercised on Armenian
TV Companies as they cover presidential candidate Serzh Sarkissian’s
campaign with delay, Sharmazanov said, "The epoch of censorship has
passed away."