If Kocharian Does Not Enter the Race, We Will Have a Problem – Alen Simonian

During a briefing with journalists in the National Assembly, Speaker Alen Simonian struggled to answer the question of which political force he considers their competitor. "This is very trivial. Indeed, I find it difficult to name anyone," he said and requested journalists to provide names so he could respond to them in turn.

Regarding the second President of Armenia, Robert Kocharian, he remarked, "In Robert Kocharian's case, I think he might withdraw, not run for office; in that case, we will have a problem."

Commenting on the third president, Simonian said, "In Serzh Sargsyan's case, I believe he will do everything to ensure that at the last minute, even on the last day of the election campaign, he does not benefit us and brings us benefits."

He gave a rather harsh assessment of the leader of the 'Homeland' party, Arthur Vanetsyan. "Arthur Vanetsyan has his place at home, among his small circle, and those people surrounding him who think about how to be around him, so he can give them a little money to set their lives in order. Arthur Vanetsyan has never been, is not, and will never be a political figure. That is my imaginary character," he said.

At the same time, Simonian confirmed that he had good relations with Vanetsyan. "He proved that I was gravely mistaken. It would be good for all those who think he is their friend to reconsider their approaches because, in a timely manner, I will tell so much that people might see him on the street and not greet him," he noted.

When asked why they lost the last local self-government elections if there is no opposition, Simonian quipped, "If we go by that logic, then the Communist Party is our main opposition. It is the second city of the country and has a mayor." He then added, "I set aside this sarcasm, do you see that we have no opposition? Indeed, there is none."