"Zhoghovurd": PAP name not to be announced in the European People’s Party (EPP)?

The paper says it has learned from sources that the European People’s Party (EPP) may grant three Armenian political parties an observer status at its upcoming session on February 9.

The Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), Rule of Law and Heritage may become EPP observer members, the paper says, adding that only the coalition Prosperous Armenia party (PAP) may be denied membership.

According to the paper, Armenia’s Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan has done everything possible to prevent Prosperous Armenia’s name from being heard at the party’s session in Marseilles. The premier has reportedly alleged that the PAP leader, Gagik Tsarukyan, backs Alexander Lukashenko who is considered a despot in Europe.

Naira Zohrabyan of the PAP faction in parliament declined to comment on the report, says the paper.

“But if a serious and authoritative party like the EPP relies on gossips and false allegations, I am really sorry for EPP,” she was quoted as saying.

Zohrabyan, who is the head of the NA Standing Committee on European Integration, told the paper that Tsarukyan’s relationship with Lukashenko is not politically motivated.

“Those who heard my PACE speech on the situation in Belarus have to think seriously before circulating such rumors. All the rest is up to EPP to decide,” Zohrabyan said, according to the paper.