Manvel Grigorian Denies Supporting Ter-Petrossian

RFE/RL reports that controversial general and former deputy defense minister Manvel Grigorian has denied supporting former president Levon Ter-Petrossian. The surprise announcement comes a little over a month after his dismissal and despite claims to the contrary from Ter-Petrossian during and immediately after the 19 February presidential election in Armenia.

“I declare with all responsibility that Yerkrapah never engaged and will engage in politics,” he said in a written message to thousands of members of his once powerful organization. “Let nobody exploit the name of Yerkrapah.”

Grigorian was relieved of his duties and forced to retire from the Armenian military by outgoing President Robert Kocharian on April 2. The sacking came just over two weeks after Kocharian’s controversially elected successor, Serzh Sarkisian, said that the general “tried to get into politics and disobey the commander-in-chief” in the wake of the February 19 election.

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In his message, Grigorian stressed that unlike the Test of Spirit, Yerkrapah did not officially endorse Ter-Petrosian or any other presidential candidate. “I want to say for the last time that I am the kind of a person who does not give anybody the right to speak and act on his behalf,” he said. “I myself am able to speak and act for myself.”

Grigorian claimed that “thousands” of other war veterans campaigned for Sarkisian’s victory in the presidential ballot in their personal capacity. He also said he holds no grudge against Sarkisian and Kocharian.