Raffi Hovannisian, Heritage Supports Levon Ter-Petrossian

In the most important news of recent weeks so far, it was today announced that the Heritage Party of U.S.-born former foreign minister, Raffi Hovannisian, has decided to back former president Levon Ter-Petrossian in the presidential election next week. Such support was considered vital for Ter-Petrossian by some observers and certainly makes the 19 February vote more likely to be held in two rounds.

Although Heritage only polled 81,048 votes during last year’s parliamentary election, some believe it actually attracted twice as much. However, more importantly for Ter-Petrossian, perhaps, is that Heritage’s support affords him a certain amount of credibility with a significant number of voters who were confused, undecided or wavering before.

However, it remains to be seen how many or if it puts a first round victory in reach, but it certainly makes the possibility of second round more likely. Incidentally, the last time Hovannisian joined with the opposition was during street protests staged after the 2003 presidential election although Kocharian still secured a second term in office.

Heritage opposition party declares its official support of Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s candidature for president of Armenia

ArmInfo. Heritage opposition party has declared its official support of Levon Ter- Petrosyan’s candidature for president of Armenia, Tuesday.

Press Secretary of Heritage party Hovsep Khurshudyan and parliamentarian Vardan Khachatryan declared at Friday Club the party made a relevant decision on Monday late in the evening.

Of course, rumors that Ter-Petrossian and his former foreign minister were in Moscow yesterday can only lead to other possibilities, and not least since it is believed that the outcome of elections in Armenia have to be first agreed upon there. Although I haven’t seen any mention of it yet in news reports, there are rumors from one journalist with IWPR that Ter-Petrossian met with Putin or Medvedev.

If true, along with Heritage’s decision, the whole dynamics of the pre-election campaign period might just have changed overnight. Regardless, A1 Plus also carries the news of Heritage’s endorsement:

RAFFI HOVANNISSIAN SECONDS LEVON TER-PETROSSIAN

A1 Plus, 12 February, 2008
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The “Heritage” Party will back Armenia’s First President Levon Ter-Petrossian at the presidential election scheduled for February 19, 2008. The Party Board made the decision on February 11 through an open vote.

The “Heritage” Party calls on the Armenian people “to vote for presidential candidate Levon Ter-Petrossian during the upcoming presidential election which is to serve the interests of the state and people.”

“We bear full responsibility for the decision as the Council empowered the Board to make decisions, “Heritage” member Vardan Khachatrian said today.

“We couldn’t simply hold a passive stance at the election. Our decision is well-grounded. Levon Ter-Petrossian is the only candidate enjoying public feedback. The recent large-scale rallies testify to this belief and had a direct influence on our decision,” said Spokesman for the Heritage Party Hovsep Khurshudian.

“We haven’t agreed on some major points, for example the Karabakh conflict resolution. Besides, we have ideological differences. We shall soon convene a sitting to consider these issues,” added Vardan Khachatrian.

“I think that Levon Ter-Petrossian is capable of overthrowing the power and bringing about changes in the system. That’s why the authorities wage a smear campaign against Levon Ter-Petrossian by all TV Companies,” he said.

In reply to A1+’s question why “Heritage” Leader Raffi Hovannissian didn’t make public the party’s decision, Vardan Khachatrian said, “As you know, Raffi Hovannissian is very busy participating in various meetings on an international level. By the way, Levon Ter-Petrossian’s team will learn about our decision from mass media. The Party has decided to share its stance with the public and then inform political parties, centers, etc.”

“We do not nurse expectations from the alliance. Like our society we long for changes which have become a must in the country,” Hovsep Khurshudian said in answer to a reporter.

Photo © Onnik Krikorian / Oneworld Multimedia 2003