YEREVAN. - Fate of Armenia is decided today. Leader of opposition “Heritage” party Raffi Hovannisian stated the aforementioned at the around-the-clock rally against the constitutional amendments launched in Yerevan’s Liberty Square today. The rally is initiated by the “New Armenia” Public Salvation Front. (photos)
“New Armenia” is in birth pangs, while the [ruling] Republican Party [of Armenia] (RPA) is living its last days,” Hovannsian said.
According to him, the authorities want to strengthen their one-party state through a rigged referendum and have created an atmosphere of fear in the country for achieving that goal. Addressing the policemen, Raffi Hovannisian urged to disobey the illegal orders of the authorities and ensure the citizens’ security.
In Hovannisian’s words, power change cannot be achieved in one day, and they will try to achieve it in a peaceful and constitutional way. “We will stay in the square unless the authorities go away on their on volition or upon the demand of the people.”
Hovannisian finished his speech by the slogan “Nothing but victory.”
The organizers said they are launching around-the-clock rallies today, and will not go away unless they achieve change of power. Jirayr Sefilian urged the citizens to bring tents with them, although the Municipality of Yerevan refused the application of “New Armenia” requesting to allow installing tents in the Square.
The referendum on constitutional amendments will take place on December 6. Pursuant to the new draft Constitution, the country will make a transition from a semi-presidential to a parliamentary system of governance, and conduct completely proportional parliamentary elections.
