“Zhoghovurd” reminds readers that two years ago to the day President Serzh Sarkisian unexpectedly announced after talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held near Moscow that Armenia will join the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). “Until that time Armenia’s leadership ruled out the possibility of joining the EEU, saying that such a move would not be beneficial for the country,” writes the paper. “But after Serzh Sarkisian’s Moscow capitulation his propagandists started singing the EEU’s praises and promising tremendous benefits for Armenia.” The paper says that now, two years on, it is already evident that Armenia has not gained anything from its membership in the EEU. It claims that the economic situation has actually worsened since the country formally became an EEU member in January.
“Hayots Ashkhar” says that the leaders of opposition parties campaigning against President Sarkisian’s constitutional changes are first of foremost motivated by their “personal interests.” “While opening up new prospects for the country’s development, the constitutional reforms will hit hard the personal interests of many politicians,” says the pro-presidential daily. “We are witnessing a defensive aggression [on their part.]”
“Chorrord Ishkhanutyun” claims that Sarkisian and his entourage are behind the latest rumors about former President Robert Kocharian’s impeding return to active politics. The paper says they want to make Armenians fear that Kocharian will return to power if the current president’s constitutional reform drive fails. “This is simply absurd,” it says. “Why? First of all, because Robert Kocharian’s approval ratings are close to zero and he therefore has no chance of being accepted by the public. Secondly, Robert Kocharian and Serzh Sarkisian have the same support base. Namely, the oligarchs, criminal elements and those who have a share in the government pie.”
“Zhamanak” dismisses as a fraud official statistics showing that the Armenian economy grew by 4.4 percent in the first half of this year. The paper says that “only fruits have grown well” in Armenia in 2015 thanks to very favorable weather conditions. “In a country where the economy is on the brink of collapse, not only the authorities but also political forces are discussing constitutional changes, instead of changing the government,” it complains.
(Tigran Avetisian)