Today Raffi K. Hovannisian formally announced his candidacy for the Armenian presidency. In advance of the elections, scheduled for February 2013, he publicized his decision during a Citizens' Assembly convened at the Armenia Marriott Hotel.

The town hall meeting opened with the Armenian national anthem, «Mer Hayrenik», and was followed by short addresses of civil society and Heritage Party representatives. The Chairman of the Heritage Party then addressed the public, introducing his vision of the futureArmeniaand the policy priorities that he, as an ordinary Armenian citizen nominated to become President, is prepared to fulfill together with all the citizens ofArmenia.

"All of us must become more citizen than civil, more nation than nationalistic, more liberty than liberal, more spirit than spiritual, and more Republic than republican. Because Armenia is free, independent, and united through us, our will power, and our common path. Armenia: the one and only. On February 18, 2013, our people finally must take action--one time and together," he said.

Upon conclusion of Raffi Hovannisian's keynote remarks, the previous day's decision of the Heritage Party's executive board was presented to the assembled citizens for affirmation. The civic assembly and the  Heritage Party delegates, as one, raised their hands in unanimous approval.

"In full respect of Heritage founder Raffi K. Hovannisian's decision to offer his candidacy, as a rank-and-file citizen, for the presidency of the Republic of Armenia, the Heritage Pary Board hereby determines to support the candidacy of its chairman Raffi Hovannisian in the presidential elections on 18 February 2013."

The public meeting concluded with a video greeting to Hovannisian and Heritage by Chairman Wilfried Martens of the European People's Party.                                                                                                         

Heritage Party Press Service