YEREVAN. – New details have come in with respect to the recent meetings and talks held between ruling Republican Party (RPA) Chairman, President Serzh Sargsyan and Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) leader Gagik Tsarukyan, Hraparak daily reports. 

“This refers to Prosperous Armenia’s position on the forthcoming presidential elections and the place it will hold after the elections.

The authorities prefer that PAP would announce that it will support Serzh Sargsyan [in the elections] in return receiving several posts. At present, they are discussing about giving three ministerial positions as well as the office of the Deputy PM to PAP. At the same time, they are speaking about the option of specifying, by way of a constitutional referendum, the Deputy PM’s office and status. If a constitutional referendum is held, greater powers may be set, which would satisfy the PAP.      

Analysts believe the referendum could be held on the very same day as the presidential elections, [that is,] on February 18. The President could sign the respective decree [anytime] between mid-December and the end of the month, but, before this, the ‘expected’ memorandum must be ‘signed’ between RPA and PAP, [and] with respect to supporting the ‘incumbent President,’” Hraparak writes.