After Luzhkov’s Removal from Office, Kocharian will Try to Become Prime Minister: Opinion

The news about ousted Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov have caused such a stir in Armenia, that, it seems the rumors about Armenia being seen as a Russian marz (province) after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s Armenian visit are confirmed, said New Times party leader Aram Karapetyan when speaking to journalists today on the latest developments in Armenia-Russia relations. 

“After Medvedev’s visit, it seems that it became clear to all that Russia’s the one that solves problems: people come and resolve specific issues, [then] leave. However, not having another opportunity to pass on or say anything to [Armenian President] Serzh Sargsyan, I advice him to always remember Luzhkov’s case; that is, yesterday’s friends can become today serious enemies,” said Karapetyan. 

He said that, in this region, political issues cannot be resolved on friendly relations.

Processes in Armenia go two ways, he said: first, the public becomes more oppositional tied to the increase in prices, and second, tied to “Luzhkovian incidents.”

“We will witness new developments in Russia in the future as well, which will be directly tied to Armenia. As you know, Robert Kocharian and Serzh Sargsyan were [members of] Luzhkov’s clan, they had serious businesses, through which reciprocal lobbying was taking place in the two states,” he said, asking, what is Robert Kocharian going to do now that he doesn’t have that lobbying in Russia?

“Probably he will attempt to become prime minister in Armenia,” said the New Times leader.