YEREVAN.- The leader of Heritage Party Raffi Hovannisian announced his intention to run for Armenia’s presidency.

Hovannisian’s statement was made on the eve of Armenia’s Independence Day. Stressing that his intention is explained by a desire to change the situation in Armenia for the better, Heritage leader added for this purpose he is ready to withdraw from the presidential race if necessary.

In a statement on the 21st anniversary of Armenia’s Independence, Raffi Hovannisian recalled that the country has been in a blockade since 1991, noticing there have been no democratic elections since then.

The new administration (if Raffi Hovannisian is elected) will work only during one presidential term. According to him, during the next five years, Armenian people will convene the Constitutional Assembly, declare a parliamentary republic, separate branches of power and make them accountable. Authorities will protect the rights of citizens, officials’ immunity will be eliminated, corruption and bribery will disappear.

In addition, Hovannisian said that any person living in Armenia, whether he is an ethnic Armenian or a representative of minorities or Diaspora, should be provided with equal rights of granting Armenia’s citizenship. They should be provided with all the responsibilities and rights, including the right to vote.

“The fourth President of Armenia will recognize Nagorno-Karabakh,” said Hovannisian.

The politician believes as soon as Armenia has de jure legitimate authorities, Turkey will find the courage and recognize the Genocide by April 24, 2015. Armenia in this case, will announce its own demands and conditions. A monument to all Turks and Kurds who helped Armenians in the days of genocide must be erected in Yerevan.

After delivering his speech, leader of Heritage Party left, promising that he would answer the questions on October 1.

Photo by Sona Barseghyan