YEREVAN. – I myself will decide when we will pass to the next phase so we may record the unprecedented triumph of the people, stated Armenia’s opposition Heritage Party Chairman, former FM Raffi Hovannisian—who is declared runner-up to the winner, incumbent President Serzh Sargsyan, as a result of the presidential election that was conducted on February 18, but who claims to be the real winner in the vote and who declared a hunger strike on March 10 at capital city Yerevan’s Liberty Square—during Wednesday’s press conference at the square.    

He noted that the solution he sent to Sargsyan is indivisible and it is the minimum threshold for them. But, as per Hovannisian, this does not mean the President cannot offer any proposals.     

“If Mr. Sargsyan wishes to meet face to face to discuss the document I sent [to him], I am happy with that. But what is introduced [to him] is an indivisible, integrated approach to resolve our nationwide problem,” he noted.

Heritage’s leader expressed a readiness to meet with President Sargsyan at Liberty Square, or in the nearby café, and stated that he even agrees to a meeting on live broadcast. Hovannisian added, however, that he does not plan on leaving the square until the end of the final phase.         

The ex-presidential candidate also stressed that everything will be done openly and before the people, and noted that his conscience does not permit him to conduct any dealings. As per Hovannisian, either snap presidential elections will be held, or the authorities will decide to share power with the people; this, according to the opposition leader, is the minimum threshold. He added, however, that he himself will not assume any governmental position.      

As for President Serzh Sargsyan’s call to Raffi Hovannisian to end his hunger strike, the Heritage Party chairman noted that he alone will decide when to end his hunger strike.   

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am