Artashes Geghamyan, Leader of the National Unity Party (AMK) who was elected to the National Assembly under the proportional list of the ruling Republican Party (HHK), voted for Hovik Abrahamyan's candidature as Parliament Speaker. A few years ago, it was difficult to imagine that the then opposition leader [Artashes Geghamyan] would be included in the HHK proportional list or support Hovik Abrahamyan as Parliament Speaker. A1+ has interviewed the former opposition leader.
- Could you imagine a few years ago that one day you would back Hovik Abrahamyan's candidature as Parliament Speaker?
- Could the Japanese imagine in 1945 that the US would deal with their security issues a year later? Life is changing.
- Do you consider Hovik Abrahamyan to be the best candidate for the position?
- I expressed my opinion during the vote. If necessary, I can substantiate my decision. I found it immodest to express an opinion after the speech of HHK faction head [Galust Sahakyan].
- Could you account for your decision now?
- During the vote I was guided by my convictions.
- Do you mean to say that your convictions have changed?
- Surely, they have. If a politician's convictions stay the same, it means he has survived his political requiem.
- Do you approve of Mr. Abrahamyan's political approaches?
- I approve President's program which is to be realized by the HHK faction and government officials. I like the program provisions; if you look closer you find a lot of similarities with the AMK program.
- If, as you say, there are so many similarities between the two programs, why didn't you join the HHK and dissolve your party? What is the use of having a separate party?
- Theoretically, your question has a right to live. I shall discuss it with the 28 500 members of the AMK and if my teammates find that our affiliation [with the HHK] is beneficial, we shall follow your advice. But I am not authorities to answer such absurd questions on behalf of 28500 people.
- You do not rule out that you are likely to join the HHK, do you?
- In the past five years, we have been supporting each other on some ideological issues. If you hint at closer cooperation, I think that it will be clear in the course of time.
- Mr. Geghamyan, don't you think you have already exhausted your political capital by gifting it to Serzh Sargsyan and his Republican Party?
- I feel pity that you, journalists, are detached from real political life. ... I want to disappoint you, I have a high rating in reasonable political circles who deal with global issues. On an international level, I am perceived as an expert with profound knowledge, a person they can consult with on serious issues.
Marine Kharatyan