Former Heritage Party MP Hakob Hakobyan denied allegations that he has given up on politics following defeat last year in the Etchmiadzin race for mayor. When asked why he has been keeping a low profile, Mr. Hakobyan replied, “Who says I’ve left the political arena. I’m a member of the Republican Party and continue to work with our team. I don’t understand what else I should be doing or showing my face. I can’t help it if the Republican Party isn’t too active in Armavir Marz.” Mr. Hakobyan added that he still strives to elected office, but not as mayor. “I only ran for mayor of Etchmiadzin since the people demanded it and they regarded me better suited for the executive post than in the legislature. I told voters back then that if elected I would only stay in office for two years and that I would make such changes that each resident of Etchmiadzin would feel that the mayor was actually serving them. I said that afterwards I would go back to the legislature because I feel more at home there.” He concluded by telling “Hetq” that he would soon re-enter the political fray on an active basis.