Gyumri mayoral candidate awaiting clarification from Pashinyan

ArmInfo. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's statement made yesterday in Gyumri is defamatory towards  me, even though my name was not mentioned. This was posted on social media by Levon Barseghyan, the candidate of the  bloc and head of the Gyumri Journalist's Club .

, the Prime Minister said in Gyumri  the day before at an event of the ruling Civil Contract (CC) party.  Pashinyan emphasized that the elections involve "property worth  $300-350 million, acquired illegally, which is awaiting return." He  mentioned that it belongs to former ambassador Mikael Minasyan,  Vardan Ghukasyan, as well as the second and third presidents of  Armenia - Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan.

Nine political forces - six parties and three blocs - have applied to  participate in the snap elections to the Gyumri Community Council  scheduled for March 30. In his statement, Pashinyan, according to  Barseghyan, targeted all opponents of the Civil Contract candidate,  making a very serious accusation against them - "to protect stolen  property."

< Considering the fact that I am also a candidate in these elections,  and I was nominated 4 days before this speech, this accusation  applies to me as well. As a taxpayer, I am not obliged to explain to  the Prime Minister that such statements complicate the already  misinformational and manipulative propaganda atmosphere. For the sake  of the city, the Republic of Armenia and the high quality of  political culture, I feel compelled to make several calls: 1. A  high-ranking civil servant must be held accountable for his  statements and actions. In this context, his clarifying and regretful  statement regarding the above would be valuable. 2. Public  accusations with unambiguous references must be reasoned. Otherwise,  examples of failures (, , N.P.) discredit those who make such statements.  At the same  time, it is important not to harm possible lawsuits, investigations  and courts by making such statements. 3. Prior to making such  speeches, consult with knowledgeable people, advisers and assistants  to avoid awkward mistakes, unless, of course, they were intentional.>