ROBERT KOCHARIAN DID NOT ATTEND ARF CONGRESS

A1+
[04:24 pm] 21 May, 2008

Today the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) convened its 30th
Congress in the conference hall of the Armenian Government. All the
three coalition partners /Orinats Yerkir, Bargavach Hayastan and
Republican parties/ were invited to the Congress. AZhM Leader Vazgen
Manukian, AZhK Leader Shavarsh Kocharian, Zharangutiun MP Vardan
Khacahatrian and Raffi Hovannisian’s father Richard Hovannisian were
also among the invitees.

Serzh Sarkissian’s addressing speech was read by the President’s
Adviser Manuk Topuzian. The President hopes that together with a
reliable partner – the Armenian Revolutionary Federation – they will
manage to build a more democratic, defended and firm state.

Representative of the ARF Bureau Hrant Margarian referred to
the deeply-rooted corruption, shadow economy, poverty, unequal
opportunities for economic competition and privilages of the upper
class.

Prime Minister Tigran Sarkissian found the answers to all problems. He
had come to the Congress to familirize the ARF delegates with the
Government programme once more. At the end of his speech the Armenian
Premier said, "We urge you to seize the historic moment and become a
key participant of the programme. We shall secure all grounds for it."

Tigran Sarkissian left the conference hall immediately after his
speech. He was escorted by the ex and acting foreign ministers.

BHK Leader Gagik Tsarukian noted that the ARF is an old and experienced
party. Today the "political sphere is rather tense and requires
speedy decisions." He expressed hope that the coalition will manage
to solve the problems the country is facing today and they will have
a prosperous country.

OYK Leader Heghine Bisharian said that the OYK has been cooperating
with the ARF since its foundation.

The collaboration is aimed at thriving the Republic of Armenia
as country’s interests prevail over interpersonal and interparty
ones. The party has always acted for the sake of the country. She
hopes their partnership will be fruitful.

Hrant Margarian informed A1+ that HZhK leader Stepan Demirchian had
also been invited to the Congress.

Asked why Robert Kocharian didn’t attend the Congress, Margarian said
the former President is in England.

The Congress will continue its work in Tsakhkadzor.