LEVON TER-PETROSYAN TASTES HARISA

A1 Plus, 24 September, 2007

“Let’s welcome Armenia’s first President Levon Ter-Petrosyan!” the announcer was heard to say during today’s official ceremony dedicated to the Musaler (Musa Dagh) battle. Levon Ter-Petrosyan was welcomed with warm applauses and shouts, “Levon, President!”

The first Armenian President tasted Armenian traditional harisa and visited the museum of Musaler Heros. Meanwhile the announcer, the chairman of “Musaler” Patriotic Union, called on the presentees to welcome the first president once more. The officials of Armavir marz didn’t like the announcer’s words. The latter tried to correct his mistake by saying, “Let’s farewell Levon Ter-Petrosyan.” This time he simply omitted the word “president.”

The ceremony was attended by Armenian politicians among them Ararat Zurabyan, Aram Sargsyan, Smbat Ayvazyan, Nikol Pashinyan and others.

http://www.a1plus.am/en/?page=issue&iid=52561

THERE IS NO POINT IN LINGERING

A1 Plus, 24 September, 2007

On September 24, 2007, the Supreme Council parliamentary club came up with a proposal. The Club suggests RA democratic forces allying under a united board. The programme highlights,

election monitoring

calling election falsifiers of 2003-2007 to account

presenting legislative proposals.

propaganda of a united candidate

disclosure of illegal authorities

collaboration with international democratic structures

According to the club chairman Ruben Torosyan, they join RA former president Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s team introduced two days ago.

“The authorities’ untimely and illegal campaign through state apparatus testifies to the fact that the presidential election will hardly differ from the parliamentary one.”

“There is no point in lingering,” Ruben Torosyan said.

Of course, it’s worth pointing out that the Ter Petrosian family has some kind of link with the village, but anyway. Regardless, all but one of the educated young (24-30) professionals and activists I’ve spoken to in Yerevan say they would vote for Ter Petrosian as opposed to Sarkisian.

Of course, not a scientific study or poll, but at least some kind of measure from those involved in civil society in Armenia. Only about two of 12 people I spoke to thought that Levon wouldn’t run, and one of those was against him doing so anyway. Doesn’t mean much for now at least, but it is interesting.