YEREVAN. – Armenian Police Chief Vladimir Gasparyan on Wednesday visited opposition Heritage Party leader, former FM Raffi Hovannisian—who is declared runner-up to the winner, incumbent President Serzh Sargsyan, as a result of the presidential election that was conducted on February 18, but who claims to be the real winner in the vote and who declared a hunger strike on March 10 at capital city Yerevan’s Liberty Square. Formally, of course, this was portrayed as a visit of courtesy, 168 Zham daily reports.   

“It is clear, however, that Vladimir Gasparyan’s visit was solely political. The matter is Vladimir Gasparyan’s formal and informal role within the makeup of Armenia’s authorities. First, as Chief of Police, Vladimir Gasparyan was engaged in the coordination of the electoral process. In addition, Vladimir Gasparyan is considered a representative of President Serzh Sargsyan’s close circle.  

That is, in all likelihood, Serzh Sargsyan sent a message to Raffi Hovannisian by way of Vladimir Gasparyan. It is not ruled out [that] the Police Chief could have conveyed to Raffi Hovannisian that the president makes this or that proposal, whose acceptance will have a ‘constructive’ continuation, [but whose] refusal, [a] forceful [one].

It also should not be ruled out that Vladimir Gasparyan could have discussed with Raffi Hovannisian the conditions for Serzh Sargsyan’s possible visit to Liberty Square,” 168 Zham writes.