YEREVAN. – With such a government makeup, [President] Serzh Sargsyan put Armenia’s first and second presidents plus the four non-ruling parliamentary factions (Armenian National Congress, Prosperous Armenia (PAP), ARF Dashnaktsutyun, and Heritage) in a deadlock.

Opposition Heritage Party Board Secretary Stiopa Safaryan stated the aforementioned at a press conference on Friday.

“The [ruling] Republican Party appointed as ministers those individuals who are considered the personnel of [second President Robert] Kocharyan. Now, Kocharyan has two options: either to be silent, or to criticize his own personnel. [But] whatever Kocharyan does, it’s convenient for Sargsyan.

“The same can be said about the [parliamentary] four. Sargsyan foiled their powerful three-day rallies with one move,” Safaryan noted.         

He expressed a conviction that Hovik Abrahamyan’s appointment as PM also made PAP leader—and Abrahamyan’s in-law—Gagik Tsarukyan meet an impasse.

“By appointing Abrahamyan two matters are put before Tsarukyan: to wait and see how Abrahamyan’s government is ‘sinking,’ or help so it would not ‘sink.’ [But] whatever happens, it’s convenient for Sargsyan,” Heritage’s official added.