Armenia’s ruling Republican Party and the ARF finally signed a deal today paving the way for “political cooperation”; in essence forming a coalition in which the ARF will become a junior partner in the government.

The agreement was signed by Armen Ashotyan on behalf of the Republican Party and Aghvan Vardanyan, a representative of the ARF-Armenia’s Supreme Body.

While an official English version of the agreement hasn’t yet been made available, here are some translated excerpts.

General Provisions

-       Given the internal and foreign challenges faced by Armenia, there was the need for the uniting of the potential of the two parties

-       With the aim of strengthening the security of Armenia and Artsakh and the establishment of democracy, to guarantee the fast-track development of the country, to improve the dominant moral-psychological atmosphere of society

-       Taking into account the opportunities provided by changes to Armenia’s Constitution and the assumption of constitutionalizing public life

-       Being guided by the approaches enshrined in the Pan-Armenian declaration on the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

-       Based on the approaches raised by the president of Armenia in his speech of February 12, 2016, as well as commonality of the political agenda of the Republican Party of Armenia and the ARF

-       Jointly assuming responsibility for implementing the programs of the government of Armenia

The two are signing this political cooperation agreement in the name of an independent, democratic, social and legal state.

P.S. As a result of the agreement hammered out between the two parties, the ARF will take over three ministries -  MP Aghvan Minasyan will become Minister of the Economy, Davit Lokyan will become the Minister of Territorial Administration, and Levon Mkrtchyan the Minister of Education and Science.

The ARF will also take over two provincial governments – Shirak and Aragatzotn.  

Photo: ARF Bureau Rep Hrand Margaryan and Serzh Sargsyan