Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan recently took a decision on sending Governor of Kotayk province, member of the Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) under the proportional ticket Kovalenko Shahgaldyan off on a vacation from May 25 to June 6.
According to rumors about the new coalitional memorandum, Kotayk province might be handed over to Prosperous Armenian Party (BHK). Even the presses mention the name of the BHK deputy Mkhitar Harutyunyan as the new governor. In these elections, the Republicans garnered fewer votes in Kotayk province than the BHK. "A1+" sat down for an interview with the Republican governor of Kotayk province.
"A1+": Mr. Shahgaldyan, the Prime Minister has decided to send you off on a vacation. Does that have anything to do with your term in office? Perhaps you will be sent to the parliament? There are also rumors that the province will be under the BHK's leadership according to the new memorandum.
Kovalenko Shahgaldyan: As for handing the province over to the BHK, I must say there is no such thing. It is impossible. The province belongs to the Republic of Armenia. The BHK won't get any province. Neither the province nor the country belongs to anyone. I simply have personal issues and that is why I will be away for ten days. It has nothing to do with the Prime Minister's decision.
"A1+": It turns out that you won't become a deputy and will continue working as governor of the province.
K. S.: I have never wanted to become a deputy.
"A1+": Have you filed to not be a deputy?
K. S.: Yes.
"A1+": Rumor has it that the province will be handed over to the BHK and that BHK deputy Mkhitar Harutyunyan will be the new head of the province, according to the new coalitional memorandum.
K. S.: That is perhaps Mkhitar Harutyunyan's dream, which can never come true.
"A1+": So, is Kotayk province yours and you won't give it to anyone?
K. S.: Don't jump to such conclusions. I'm simply a governor and will continue to be in office.
"A1+": Mr. Shahgaldyan, it is a fact that the BHK garnered more votes in the elections and the province may be handed over to that party according to the coalitional memorandum.
K. S.: Don't rush. You will receive answers to your questions after the coalitional memorandum is signed.
"A1+": Are you certain that you will continue as governor of the province, even though the BHK won in the Kotayk province?
K. S.: We are in a state of war. What do you mean by winning? The BHK has only garnered a couple of more votes than the Republicans. The elections ended successfully. There will be a coalition, a memorandum, we will get acquainted with it and draw conclusions. For now, what you're saying is absolutely inaccurate.
"A1+": What do you think is the reason that the Republicans lost in the Kotayk province?
K. S.: That is a serious topic that requires serious analyses. Analyze it yourself.
Interview by Marine Kharatyan
