“Zhamanak” dismisses suggestions that Russia will handpick a new prime minister of Armenia next year. “The notion that Armenia’s top official is appointed in a foreign center -- and Moscow in particular -- must be driven out of the Armenian public consciousness,” writes the paper. “Even if this is the case, this sense of gloom and forgone conclusion not only must not take root among Armenia’s citizens but there must also be a great deal of intolerance towards it.”
“Zhoghovurd” reports that President Serzh Sarkisian on Wednesday completed the formation of Prime Minister Karen Karapetian’s new cabinet by reappointing it last four members. The paper points out that the government’s composition has not changed as a result of the April 2 parliamentary elections. “Generally speaking, this government is not motivated to do a good job,” it claims. “What is the point of improving the situation in the country and making things easier for the man who can can sack them and be the next prime minister? But if it is decided after all that Karen Karapetian will remain prime minister [in 2018,] they will have even less reason to provide anything to anyone.”
“Hraparak” says it is now even more evident that Armenia’s constitution was radically amended in 2015 for the sake of President Serzh Sarkisian’s political future. The paper also says that Sarkisian will keep everyone guessing his political plans “until the last moment.” “Nobody is fully aware of his scenario,” it says.
“Aravot” says that the failure of some major Armenian parties and alliances to win seats in the new parliament must not mean “the end of the world” for them. “If they have good ideas, they can use them while being outside the parliament,” editorializes the paper. “Especially given the fact that there are now many platforms for promoting ideas. If they are more original than formulas like ‘the country is collapsing’ or ‘this regime must go as soon as possible’ they could be of interest to the society or at least a certain section of it.”
Konrad Zasztowt, a Polish political analyst, tells “168 Zham” that Armenia cannot secure a visa-free regime for its citizens travelling to the European Union in the near future. “Yerevan has to prove that it is capable of modernizing the country and laying strong foundations for democracy, human rights and the rule of law,” he says.
(Anush Mkrtchian)
Facebook Forum