YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–The Aravot daily newspaper published–on Friday–a commentary by Karabakh Defense Minister Samvel Babayan regarding the article titled "Bzbzik" which appeared in a previous issue of the newspaper. The article alleged that Karabakh officials met in Kapan (Siunik region) with representatives of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and discussed with them a plan to overthrow the Ter-Petrosyan administration. The plan was allegedly initiated by Defense Minister Samvel Babayan.
In his response to the allegations–Babayan said: "First–I am wise enough not to allow other to make statemen’s on my behalf. It is possible–however–that some aspects of my stance on the Karabakh conflict settlement might have been used–but those points have nothing to do with the President of Armenia and his administration. It is known–that recently a delegation of Armenia’s Zangezour region visited Karabakh and we discussed with it a wide range of issues. This was followed by a visit of our delegation to Siunik. The delegation explained Karabakh’s standpoint regarding the conflict settlement–including differences in positions between officials of Karabakh and Armenia…As to the "scheme of toppling President of Armenia," it is Armenia’s internal affair and the people of Armenia’should settle such problems on their own. Peace and calmness is what we want for Armenia."