Hovik Abrahamyan says he learnt about his resignation 15 days before

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS:

Chairman of the National Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan had a briefing today with reporters.

Q: Have you reached your goal of increase of parliament’s role?

Hovik Abrahamyan: I think I am not the one to assess it. I think yes. At least we managed to make it an arena of multiple opinions. The doors were open for all - the public, political, student circles, schools. People managed to form an idea about parliament in practice and as to me, it was a very important step. We tried to make the National Assembly available for all the clusters.

Q: Do you know who will replace you?

Hovik Abrahamyan: It is not correct to discuss such issue as I have not submitted my resignation application yet. I must present it at the sitting of the National Assembly, November 14. In five days the resignation will enter into force and from November 21 we will be able to discuss the issue of the new candidate.

Q: Whom do you see in this office?

Hovik Abrahamyan: Worthy people always exist, we will find.

Q: In what office do you see yourself after elections.

Hovik Abrahamyan: I am sure it will be a good office.

Q: Are there more in-depth reasons of your resignation?

Hovik Abrahamyan: There is no in-depth reason, I assure you and again reiterate my resignation will not change anything.

Q: Is it possible that you will assume the office of prime minister after elections?

Hovik Abrahamyan: I do not want to exclude anything, but there was no such discussion. I would advice the reporters not exclude anything. For instance who would think that I will resign? You have probably discussed all the resignations but not mine.

Q: Did you know about it? Wasn’t it a surprise for you?

Hovik Abrahamyan: I have learnt about it 15 days before. Only me and the president knew about it.

Q: How do you explain the current staff changes?

Hovik Abrahamyan: You know that the two Karen Karapetyans resigned on their own. I do not know the reasons.

Q: Will you put down your mandate?

Hovik Abrahamyan: I will be a parliamentarian. I headed the headquarter in 2007-2008, I have not even preserved my office. I have headed the headquarter and we won at the parliamentary and presidential elections. After it I became head of staff and I have never thought I would become chairman of the National Assembly. Nothing must be excluded. I promise I will intensively work with you in the headquarter.