Representatives of ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) and Prosperous Armenia coalition parties confirmed that a meeting took place between President Serzh Sargsyan and Prosperous Armenia leader Gagik Tsarukyan.

According to RPA parliamentary faction leader Galust Sahakyan, draft laws, recently submitted for parliamentary discussion were on meeting agenda. “No political issues were covered,” the faction leader noted.

As Prosperous Armenia member Naira Zohrabyan, in turn, noted, representatives of coalition parties including Orinats Yerkir participated in the meeting, which focused on tax package submitted for parliamentary confirmation as well as budget- related issues.

According to Hraparak newspaper, the recent gathering of the RPA executive body 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 a week to specify its position, expressing support for Sargsyan’s nomination.

Also Armenian Prime Minster Tigran Sargsyan was quoted to say, “those who cooperate with us will only gain by it; those who refuse, will be back to square one.”