Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan has denied any affiliation with former President Robert Kocharyan and has stated that he has no aspirations of becoming a prime ministerial candidate.
During today’s march toward universities in Yerevan, the Archbishop addressed rumors and accusations from members of Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract party. He clarified that his only meeting with former President Kocharyan occurred briefly in 2001 at the Vaskenian Theological Academy, stating, “The meeting lasted only five minutes.” He added, “They are promoting a false narrative. These people are liars; they are themselves fake,” while speaking to reporters.
Additionally, Archbishop Galstanyan stated, “I have no such aspirations,” in response to former Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian’s proposal for him to be nominated as the candidate for prime minister. He added, “The process will show who will be the candidate for Prime Minister. Everything is in God’s hands.”
On Friday, Galstanyan and his followers marched to several universities, including Yerevan State University and Brusov State University of Languages and Social Sciences, urging students to boycott classes and join the protest.
