Standoff between Republican Party of Armenia and Prosperous Armenia is
an indication of serious problems- expert

YEREVAN, February 27. / ARKA /. The bitter standoff between the
governing Republican Party of Armenia of President Serzh Sargsyan and
the Prosperous Armenia Party of tycoon Gagik Tsarukyan is an
indication of serious socio-economic and political problems in the
country, a political expert Khachik Galstyan told in an interview with
Sputnik-Armenia radio station.

President Sagsyan, speaking at a February 12 meeting of the executive
board of the Republican Party of Armenia, lashed out at Gagik
Tsarukyan describing him as ‘a scourge for the country who lacks
intelligence, skills and education to govern Armenia.’

The following day he signed a decree expelling Gagik Tsarukyan from
the National Security Council and also ordered authorities to
investigate Tsarukyan, one of Armenia’s richest men, for alleged
tax-dodging and failure to attend parliament sessions.

Tsarukyan, in turn, accused Sargsyan of trying to punish him over his
refusal to back a constitutional reform that would allow Sargsyan to
remain Armenia’s leader beyond 2018 when his current presidential term
ends.

Khachik Galstyan praised today the governing party and the Prosperous
Armenia for deciding to settle the dispute peacefully after a meeting
between Sargsyan and Tsarukyan, which has diffused tension. Galsatyn
said this shows the wisdom of the politicians.

He said the Prosperous Armenia will use the pause to develop a new
strategy and a new party line.

On February 23 the Prosperous Armenia Party decided to boycott the
four-day session of the Armenian parliament. A senior party member
Naira Zohrabyan said the faction will discuss the current situation
and come out with a statement. Later the party said it will hold an
extraordinary congress on March 5. There were reports claiming that
Tsarukyan may resign as party leader.-0-