Raffi Hovannisian Visits Metsamor, Takes Campaign to the Regions
Politics, Daily news | ankakh | January 26, 2013 22:57
Yerevan—Raffi K. Hovannisian kicked off his campaign tour of the provinces today with a visit to the town of Metsamor, where the scheduled town hall meeting had to be moved outdoors to accommodate the hundreds of supporters who had turned out to listen to the presidential candidate.
Hovannisian took the stage to offer his vision on sustainable development of rural and urban communities, strengthening of local self-governance, and improving legislation, and in doing so strongly criticized the ruling authorities for ignoring the needs of the people.
“We cannot continue on this path of unemployment, poverty, and exodus,” Hovannisian declared. “On February 18, we must put an end to this national embarrassment.”
Hovannisian pointed out that the Armavir region, and particularly Metsamor, offer vast opportunities to develop the agricultural sector and increase production. “We must begin by subsidizing the price of irrigation water by 70 to 80 percent, and in certain cases—development of new lands, production of high value agricultural goods, and setting up new gardens—up to 90 percent. As of now, this precious resource flows uselessly out of the country’s borders,” he said.
Hovannisian further called for a significant increase in salary and benefits for the staff of the Metsamor nuclear plant, who have been delayed compensation under the current regime and deserve pay commensurate with the high risk of their jobs.
Hovannisian explained that his Heritage Party made several budget proposals targeted at Metsamor high school renovations, all of which the government denied. Schools in Metsamor and other communities are in strong need of repair, furniture, and academic materials.
The event closed on a lively exchange with the voters, during which Raffi Hovannisian urged them to actively participate in the upcoming elections, and to vote freely and without fear for their preferred candidate.
Raffi Hovannisian Campaign Headquarters
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