YEREVAN. – The traditional New Year’s event for the representatives of Armenia’s sports was held recently, Haykakan Zhamanak daily reports.  

“[The event] which, along with the Ministry of Sport [and Youth Affairs], is organized by [non-pro-government Prosperous Armenia Party] PAP leader, [National Olympic Committee of Armenia] ARMNOC President [and oligarch] Gagik Tsarukyan, was quite interesting. 

“[Armenia’s] second President Robert Kocharyan attended the event. [But incumbent President] Serzh Sargsyan, who usually participates in this annual event [organized] by Tsarukyan, was not present for obvious reasons.    

“Tsarukyan presented to Kocharyan a horse sculpture which, as it is rumored among political circles, is [made of] diamond.

“The PAP leader presented the same gift to Serzh Sargsyan by handing it, at the event, to [Presidential Chief of Staff] Vigen Sargsyan, and drinking a toast for Serzh Sargsyan while standing and in a festive manner.

“The event was held at Tsarukyan’s [new] entertainment center,” Haykakan Zhamanak writes.