YEREVAN. – Now former member of Armenia’s opposition Heritage Party, Ruben Hakobyan, argued that his decision to quit Heritage has nothing to do with the proposed draft constitutional amendments.

To the query on what fundamental domestic political differences were there between him and Heritage’s chairman and former FM Raffi Hovannisian, Hakobyan responded: “I don’t want to go into details, but I believe those who have followed our political course would have observed [these differences].”

To the remark that his former political force, the opposition Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Dashnaktsutyun Party, seems to be willing to reaccept him to the party ranks, Hakobyan responded: “I’m grateful for the willingness of my friends.”

According to press reports, Ruben Hakobyan had left Heritage because he supports the new draft Constitution of Armenia, and does not wish to join the “No” front—which Heritage has joined—against these proposed constitutional amendments.

On late Thursday evening, Hakobyan announced about quitting the Heritage Party and stepping down as head of the “Heritage” National Assembly (NA) Faction.

The new draft Constitution of Armenia has been debated in the NA. Pursuant to this draft, the country will make a transition from a semi-presidential to a parliamentary system of governance.