Russian Newspaper Publishes Letter Endorsing Hovannesian

YEREVAN (Yerkir)--The Russian newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta Thursday published an open letter by a group of Russian Armenians endorsing the candidacy of ARF Bureau Member Vahan Hovannesian in the upcoming Armenian presidential election. The letter outlines Hovannesian's appealing attributes. His background is inspiring, it states. He is from a family of intellectuals. He is a smart, honest and educated person who speaks foreign languages and is able to express his thoughts clearly. He is trying to give a reasonable and balanced assessment of the political situation in Armenia and build a future for the country, the letter continued. The letter admired Hovannesian's level of tolerance, especially his belief that political struggles should not be fought between individuals but ideas. A county elects a leader that fits the time during various periods. Today, Armenia needs a president who does not feel indebted to illegal structures. It is time Armenia became a modern civilized country, the letter states. The ARF was the "hidden love" for Armenians for over a hundred years. After a forced exile during the Soviet era, the party returned to the homeland and reinvigorated the freedom fighters of the Karabakh War, according to the letter. The letter goes on to explain that Hovannesian is a candidate that will be accepted in any circles. He will be seen, both in the East and the West, as an equal partner and the leader of a strong and prospering country. The letter has been signed by 200 Armenian intellectuals residing in Moscow.