Will Republicans accept Ruben Hakobyan in their ranks (video)
Ruben Hakobyan, who quited the Heritage party yesterday, had long been a member of the ARF-Dashnaktustyun before affiliating with the Heritage. He left Dashnaktustyun at his own request which means he did not betray his party. “We do not consider Ruben Hakobyan a betrayer. Nor has he been expelled from the party,” says Aghvan Vardanyan, Secretary of the ARF-Dashnaktustyun. Republican lawmaker Gagik Melikyan does not see Mr Hakobyan in his party but he will ‘never say never.’ “We consider all applications in our sittings,” he said. Ruben Hakobyan is believed to be seeking ‘a safe’ party to ensure his seat at the next parliament. Secretary of the Republican Party (BHK) faction Gagik Melikyan refrained from commenting on the rumours. Asked whether he would like to see a professional like Ruben Hakobyan in his party, he said, “It is up to him to decide. Does he have such a desire? I do not know anything.” Mr Hakobyan has not discussed his intentions with Melikyan though they are on good terms with each other. “We are on good terms with everyone,” the Republican MP said. Yet, it does not mean that the party is ready to replace Manvel Grigoryan who hardly ever utters a word at the National Assembly, with Ruben Hakobyan. “Never make such comparisons again. Never,” said Melikyan.
