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Armenia’s president not to run for prime minister - administration

Earlier, the local media reported that President Armen Sargsyan intended to run for prime minister in an attempt to resolve the crisis in the country

YEREVAN, May 2. /TASS/. Armenia’s President Armen Sargsyan has ruled himself out as the next prime minister, his aide Asmik Petrosyan told reporters on Wednesday.

"It cannot happen. It is absurd. The information is not true," Petrosyan said.

Earlier, the local media reported that President Armen Sargsyan intended to run for prime minister in an attempt to resolve the crisis in the country.

Since April 13, opposition’s widespread protests have gripped Armenia. On April 23, in the wake of protests Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan tendered his resignation. First Deputy Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan was appointed acting prime minister.

On Tuesday, Armenia’s parliament rejected opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan’s bid to become prime minister. Pashinyan was backed by 45 lawmakers but failed to obtain 53 seats he needed to have a majority. After that he called on his supporters to launch large-scale civil disobedience actions.

The next vote in the parliament on a new prime minister is scheduled for May 8.

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