YEREVAN. – Rumors have begun in the political circles that Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) ex-Chairman Gagik Tsarukyan has vowed President Serzh Sargsyan to close the party, Haykakan Zhamanak daily reported.

“Those leaving the PAP are doing that upon the instruction of Gagik Tsarukyan, who also continues demanding the return of the office furniture from the party organizations,” Haykakan Zhamanak wrote.

As reported earlier, speaking at the February 12 meeting of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) Board, President Serzh Sargsyan, who is also chairman of the RPA Board, had stated that then-PAP Chairman, MP and oligarch Gagik Tsarukyan had become a vice for the country as a political player. He also relieved the PAP leader from his status as a National Security Council member, and promised that a process will begin in connection with Tsarukyan’s frequent absence from the parliament sessions.

In response to President Sargsyan’s remarks, Gagik Tsarukyan issued a statement, on February 13, noting that the incumbent authorities must be removed from power immediately. In addition, he urged to achieve Serzh Sargsyan’s resignation by way of lawful political methods.

On February 17, however, Serzh Sargsyan and Gagik Tsarukyan held a brokered talk, and on the next day, the then-PAP leader issued a milder statement. He also called off the rally that was slated for February 20.

And on March 5, Tsarukyan announced that he is quitting active politics, PAP National Assembly Faction Secretary Naira Zohrabyan was elected new leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party, and she declared the latter—which had been a non-pro-government force—an opposition party. Subsequently, however, numerous members have started quitting the party.