YEREVAN.- President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said “nurturing” rivals is not the government’s job.

In an exclusive interview with RFE/RL, Sargyan said he willnot face weak opponents during the presidential election on February 18. He added that the government managed to create a fair electoral environment.

“I don’t agree with those who say that there are no strong competitors or people who could poll a significant number of votes,” Sargsyan told RFE/RL. “And who has said that [former Foreign Minister] Raffi Hovannisian, [former Prime Minister] Hrant Bagratian, or [Soviet-era dissident] Paruyr Hayrikian, who have merits and a track record, are easier competitors or have less experience in debating or in speaking in public?”

Sargsyan said he never considered election candidates his rivals, adding they are his competitors. He insisted that their [Republican Party of Armenia] struggle has never been in favor of something. They competed to get support for their ideas.

 

 

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