Presidential Office Unlikely to Host, But Pashinyan-Zarukyan Meeting Will Take Place

Gagik Zarukyan, the leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK), held a press conference today with several media outlets. He addressed the tense political situation, recent events, and the possible meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan following the president's invitation. He reiterated that the solution is the resignation of the Prime Minister and conducting early parliamentary elections, emphasizing that nothing has changed on his end and that he stands by his previous statements.

In response to a question from Hraparak.am regarding his stance on President Armen Sarkissian's suggestion for opposition forces to meet with Nikol Pashinyan at the presidential office to find solutions to the current situation, Zarukyan stated that his view aligns with what Ishkhan Saghatelyan, a member of the Homeland Salvation Movement, declared yesterday. They would agree to a meeting if it follows their agenda, takes place in the National Assembly's chamber, and is broadcast live, as they have nothing to hide from the public.

The essence of the live broadcast is to prevent claims that they are negotiating in secret. “The president has sent us an invitation, but there is no programmatic clarification in that invitation regarding what we should discuss. If clear questions and points are presented, outlining the agenda, we will meet and discuss them. I don’t see the necessity of a meeting just to talk,” Zarukyan stated.

Regarding the potential for a separate meeting with Nikol Pashinyan, Zarukyan confirmed, “Of course, it will happen, as we have met with our partners in the Homeland Salvation Movement, and this topic has been addressed. I am the one who decides, and I have said that I will meet. I believe the meeting will take place soon, and you will all be informed—not through whispered conversations about having met or done this or that. To exit this situation, action must be taken, and we need a resolution of these issues promptly.”

The agenda for the meeting remains the same. “My viewpoints have not changed; the Prime Minister must resign, and early parliamentary elections should take place as soon as possible. The rest—we will meet with Pashinyan, and he will express his views,” Zarukyan concluded.

The press conference was recorded and will be broadcasted in the evening.