No behind-the-scenes conflict
"I can't consider Alik Sargsyan a member of the second president's team," leader of "New Times" Party Aram Karapetyan said during a press conference today.
He is certain that the series of expected dismissals is not the result of the behind-the-scenes conflict between Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan.
Aram Karapetyan says he has the impression that Serzh Sargsyan is focusing on using methods to prepare for the pre-electoral period through dismissals.
"Sometimes there are cases that we don't understand. Karen Karapetyan's resignation came as a surprise," Aram Karapetyan noted.
His opponent, MP Artak Davtyan had nothing to say about the dismissals or resignations.
"As a citizen, I respect the mayor's decision," the Republican faction's MP said.
Aram Karapetyan says he is preparing for the upcoming elections, but isn't leading any negotiations over joining any force or having any force join him. According to him, there are no independent forces.
"There are no forces outside of the three presidents' triangle in Armenia," the NT Party leader said.
He gets the impression that Serzh Sargsyan will centralize power in his hands before the upcoming elections so that there will not be any danger of an upheaval.
According to Artak Davtyan, there won't be any convulsions, "especially since the radical opposition declares that it will be participating in the upcoming elections".
