YEREVAN. – The US ambassador’s statement, with respect to The Civilitas Foundation founder, former FM, and Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) MP Vartan Oskanian’s money laundering, only increased the suspicions. Why Japan’s or China’s ambassadors did not make and statements?, ruling Republican Party (RPA) National Assembly Faction leader Galust Sahakyan said during a press conference on Friday.       

“Was Oskanian the only one in Armenia? They should have given 200 dollars to somebody else, too, and told [him(inlove) ‘go and do charity work!’ If Oskanian is able to prove his innocence, I will apologize to him, [but if] he cannot [prove his innocence], the corresponding effects will ensue,” Sahakyan stressed.      

Also, Galust Sahakyan is of the view that it is highly unlikely that second President Robert Kocharyan, PAP leader Gagik Tsarukyan, and Vartan Oskanian will run for next year’s presidential elections. “I saw no aspirations from Gagik Tsarukyan to assume office and become president. I didn’t see it in Oskanian even more so. He didn’t have it with any policy during his tenure [as FM]. He just played the role of the FM. He was alienated from domestic politics. He is solid in his role, which doesn’t mean [, however, that] he could become a president, or a poet,” the RPA National Assembly Faction leader added.  

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan