YEREVAN. – Criticism voiced on my address is weak enough and I accept it quite natural, the nominee for the next president and the leader of the opposition Heritage party Raffi Hovannisian told the journalists on Thursday. His comments came after the criticism regarding the methods of holding election campaign. At the same time, any criticism makes Hovannisian stronger, he believes.

According to him, the upcoming elections scheduled for Feb. 18, will be special accounting for the fact that the nation will fight against not only authorities but also for returning the power to people.

“It will be the most competitive elections and the second round is not ruled out. I do not share the opinion that the election results are already predetermined. No one has the right of making people desperate and depriving it of hope,” he stated.

 During the election campaign Hovannisian visited the chess house and talked with the chess players. In response to the journalists’ question, whether he will resign the incumbent president of the Chess Federation Serzh Sargsyan in case the Heritage party leader wins them, Hovannisian said that he is against any official to be appointed a head in the field of science, sport and education. After having retired, an official may take such office.

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan