From 11 to 20 November, 2019, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the President of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Sargsyan’s personality and activities.
35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored.
In the specified period, 690 articles were declared, 23 of which were negative, 36 were positive and 506 were neutral.
Positive articles on President Armen Sargsyan prevail, though negative publications were also declared.
The press reports that President Armen Sargsyan awarded the Special Investigation Service (SIS) Deputy Chief Hovhannes Yenokyan with Mkhitar Gosh medal for his contribution to the strengthening of law and order. This award has been criticized because, according to the publication, there have been numerous negative publications on Hovhannes Yenokyan’s behavior stating that he is linked to the criminal world.
Armen Sargsyan has also been criticized for being permanently absent from the country. According to the press publication, either Armen Sargsyan’s powers should be increased or he should just leave. The publication notes: “The President of the Republic of Armenia, who is not fed up with outgoing visits, fails to fulfill his constitutional duty.”
President Armen Sargsyan’s visit to Qatar has appeared on the front pages of the local media. The three English-language daily newspapers of the country – The Peninsula, Gulf Times and Qatar Tribune have covered in detail the Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s meeting with the Armenian President Armen Sargsyan on their front pages. It is noted that he Sargsyan been warmly welcomed in Qatar.
President Armen Sarkissian spoke on the phone with Father Keshishyan of the Mekhitarist Congregation of St. Lazarus Island. The President expressed his concern with the situation resulted from the natural disaster and floods in Venice and at St. Lazarus Island and its surroundings in particular. Father Hamazasp Keshishyan expressed gratitude to President Armen Sargsyan for the phone call and noted that in the concern and care shown by the President of Armenia they see and feel the support of the Armenian state and the entire nation.
