‘I Would Advise You to Drink Coca-Cola to Get Refreshed’: Ruben Hayrapetyan to Journalist

At a press conference in Yerevan today, a dialogue took place between Football Federation of Armenia President, MP Ruben Hayrapetyan and a local daily Hraparak reporter:

– Recently you took [local daily] Haykakan Jamanak [“Armenian Times”] to court and demanded compensation for violating your honor and dignity. You uttered sexual profanities to the journalist and you haven’t admitted your guilt. It’s possible that you’re concerned that admitting your guilt will set a precedent and you will frequently be taken to court, since you have a habit of cursing often.

– How many times have I cursed at you that you know I have a habit?

– Not me, but you told the Haykakan Jamanak journalist otherwise.

– What did I say?

– She had asked you a question and you, I think, had said ‘You want to become pregnant by my son.’

– Well, is that an insult? I proposed something good: they will have good quality children from a healthy, genetic fund.

– Please respond to the first question.

– Court proceedings are underway, let the ruling be heard, then I’ll respond.

– And is it possible that the case will set a precedent and you will be respectful toward journalists from now on?

– I am always respectful toward journalists, when the journalist attempts to be respectful toward me. See, you’re all sitting here, whoever tries to infringe upon me, definitely I will again treat him or her badly.

The journalist continued to direct questions to Hayrapetyan, but the latter simply proposed, “Dear girl, I would advise you to drink Coca-Cola, you will become so refreshed.”

“Is that how maybe you get refreshed?” asked the journalist in return.

“Yes, that’s how I get refreshed,” responded Hayrapetyan.