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YEREVAN. - Prime Minster of Armenia Karen Karapetyan was as usual emotional during his first press-conference in 2017 on Friday.

He was nervous when responding to certain “painful” issues, occasionally making jokes to weaken the tension.

Asked whether he will remain in the post of the prime minister after 2018, Karapetyan noted:

“I have answered this question so many times…Let’s speak [about this] when 2018 comes. Are you now most concerned about my being a prime minister or not?”

Turning to his advisor Shushan Sargsaryan, the PM joked: “I gave a good answer to this question, Shushan.”

Later Karen Karapetyan urged not to hold a Doomsday for the officials for underperforming the budget.

“We will imprison everyone…hang them…I would very much like our talk to be substantive. If a man has done something wrong, he or she should be held accountable. But very often I hear from journalists: “Who will you imprison? Who will you punish?” Is this your main task?”

The PM absolutely disagreed with the claims about the New Year price hike. Listening to the examples of one or two goods, he said: “And why don’t you ask about the goods which have become cheaper? I insist on that your purchasing capacity has not dropped this winter.”

He grew impatient when hearing about shadow agreement in the banana import market, and that the new importers are drawn out of it.

“Now one is asking who the banana importer is, others ask about the sugar importer. Still others inquire about jam importers. Should I know all of them?

Do you, for example, know anyone who has turned to the law enforcement authorities and not got a response? If yes, then tell me. But this gossips…”

To the observation that people do not turn to law enforcement authorities, the PM said: “What do you suggest? Should I run after everyone asking them to submit an application?”

By the end of the press-conference the PM asked the journalists not to feel nervous about his words.

“I’m sorry if I was a bit emotional: I didn’t imply anything by that. I am ready to have regular meetings with you. There can be no close topic with you.”

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