YEREVAN (Armenpress)–During recent unrellated events–Armenian President Robert Kocharian made two important statemen’s on matters that may become presidential campaign issues: the territorial issue of Meghri–and the matter of dual citizenship.
During a meeting with pre-election campaign leaders that took place at the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia on Tuesday–President of Armenia Robert Kocharian was once again asked about the territorial issue of Meghri in connection with the Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR) negotiation process.
"This is the same question I was asked during my interview with German Wave TV–whether we still discuss territorial exchange issues during the negotiation process," said Kocharian. "I want to repeat one more time that the answer is no." Kocharian emphasized.
Kocharian also added that regardless of the official stance on the matter–some issues including the territorial issue of Meghri–will nevertheless reemerge and be used as political tools during pre-election campaigns for upcoming presidential elections.
He added that opponents will attempt to use the tragic events of October 27 and possibly his recent visit to Russia against him as well.
During an interview on the Russian TV program Zerkalo broadcast January 19–Armenian President Kocharian stated that–though the current Armenian constitution bans dual citizenship–a constitutional reform referendum–scheduled to be held simultaneously with parliamentary elections next May–does not contain any provision banning it.
"Given the initial successful response to the referendum–the law on dual citizenship may be passed by the parliament of Armenia," he said.
He added–however–that full application of the law on dual citizenship would require formulation of bilateral agreemen’s.
