October 26, 2011 - 19:09 AMT
PM warns: those refusing to cooperate with RPA will be back to square one

Armenian Prime Minister commented on rumored conflict between the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) and Prosperous Armenia party.

“Those who cooperate with us will only gain by it; those who refuse, will be back to square one,” Tigran Sargsyan told journalists at National Assembly.

The PM characterized RPA as the axis that the other coalition partners spin around, the position that the party aims to develop further.

“The coalition memorandum signed in February consolidated the view above. Coalition parties will unite around president Serzh Sargsyan, without attempting to strengthen their own positions through their partners,” the PM said.

“Rumour-mongers are grossly mistaken about our possibilities. Today, RPA is the strongest political force in Armenia, capable of retaining and strengthening its position. However, we’re always open to cooperation with other political forces,” the Prime Minister noted.

According to Hraparak newspaper, RPA executive body gathering focused on further cooperation with Prosperous Armenia party. The newspaper said that some RPA members considered Prosperous Armenia leader Gagik Tsarukyan’s refusal to publicly announce support for Serzh Sargsyan’s candidacy at next presidential race to be unacceptable. Despite coalition memorandum signed, Tsarukyan spoke of the party’s intention to initiate a separate presidential campaign. RPA executive body gave Prosperous Armenia till next week to specify its position, expressing support for Sargsyan’s nomination.

Following the meeting, RPA members refused to reveal any detail, with the party spokesman Eduard Sharmazanov noting domestic situation as the theme of discussion held.