Former Foreign Minister of Armenia Vartan Oskanian’s statement on membership to the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) made public on Tuesday, caused discussions over the new configuration of political forces. Oskanian’s decision is viewed as “a mutually beneficial deal”, which accommodates space for second President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan’s return (to big politics).

Many people are sure that Oskanian has not made this decision alone, moreover remembering the assessments made by Oskanian and the Civilitas Foundation (headed by him) about Armenia’s present economic and political situation and voiced for several years.

“Most probably, this is a self-sacrifice for his [Oskanian’s] chief – Kocharyan,” says political analyst Anush Sedrakyan ironically.

Stepan Safaryan, head of Heritage parliamentary faction, believes that Oskanian’s membership to PAP confirms the widely-spread viewpoint that PAP is Kocharyan’s political support base and a party that was de-facto created by the then president.

However, it is hard to forecast what influence the strengthening of this viewpoint, as well as Oskanina’s membership to PAP would have upon PAP’s rating; some believe that it will fall, judging by the mere assumption that “people have not forgiven Kocharyan yet.”

Political technologies expert Armen Badalyan, however, is sure that PAP needs political figures, and Oskanian is one of the best well-educated political figures among them.

“As a political force PAP has problems, there are no political figures there, and in this respect, Oskanian’s membership can be viewed as an important achievement,” Badalyan says.

The issue of PAP’s not being a political force has been voiced since last week, when three parliamentary parties – the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), the Orinats Yerkir (Country of Law) Party, and the Heritage Party were elected members of the European People’s Party, whereas PAP’s membership was declined reasoning that it is not a party but is rather a political platform which serves its leader.

“In this respect, no matter how strange it may seem, involving political figures in PAP this party tries to be a political force, and it will only benefit by this achievement,” says public relations specialist Karen Kocharyan.

Political analysts are sure that Oskanian will also benefit, getting an opportunity to finally realize his Rural Development Program presented yet since 2007, which caused suspects that Oskanian has ambitions to become either a prime minister or a president.