YEREVAN (Yerkir)–With the campaign slogan "Let’s Work Together," Armenian president Robert Kocharian began his reelection campaigning by visiting the town of Charentsavan on Wednesday. During his meeting with the residents–Kocharian declared that there would never be an unfavorable settlement to the Karabagh issue. "The struggle of Karabagh is a big part of my biography–and I never bargain with anyone about that." He revealed that though negotiations are quite active–they are sure to slow down due to elections in Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Known for its industrial complexes–Charentsavan was Kocharian’s first stop on a visit to the Kotayk region of Armenia. Kocharian was accompanied by ARF Armenia Supreme Body representative Armen Rustamian–leader of the NA "Miasnutiun" faction Galust Sahakian–Orinats Yerkir party leader Artur Baghdasarian as well as other representatives of parties supporting his candidacy.
Kocharian introduced his platform and mentioned that two to three thousand–of the 30,000 to 40,000 new jobs he has promised to create each year if reelected–would be in Charenstavan.
Speaking about economic and social issues–Kocharian stated "Economic growth figures for the past two years speak for themselves. . . From now on the government will be able to target the basic needs of ordinary human beings and families." He then responded to numerous questions from residents.
On his way to Hrazdan–Kocharian and those accompanying him–stopped at the villages of Kakhsi and Lernanist to meet with residents and address questions.
In Hrazdan–Kocharian mentioned that though Armenia does not possess any valuable natural resources such as oil and gas–it nevertheless is destined to be the most organized country in the region. "We have the most valuable resource–our people," he concluded.
ARF Supreme Body representative Armen Rustamian addressing Hrazdan’s population stressed that regardless of the challenges that country presently faces–Kocharian is the only president–who after five years–goes face to face with ordinary people.
Kocharian then stopped off at the Hrazdan power plant where he toured the plant and attended a working meeting. He promised that the government will find markets for exporting electricity in order to get the Hrazdan power plant to work at full capacity.