YEREVAN. – Armenia’s opposition Heritage Party Chairman, former FM Raffi Hovannisian—who was 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—on Tuesday issued a statement to Armenia’s Police.

In it, Hovannisian notes that the Police have made assessments that exceed their power and, subsequently, made defamatory evaluations to his actions.  

“I inform Serzh Sargsyan—who performs the final day of his official duties—, the heads of law enforcement agencies under his subject, and the distinguished other respective officials that you cease to represent the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian people, as of noon today [Tuesday].  

“Based on the unconstitutional statement you have released, I demand your resignation. Otherwise, if the assembles I have organized are ‘unlawful,’ as you say, come to Liberty Square and arrest me today at noon! I truly am preparing to assume there the duties which the Armenian people have entrusted me on February 18.

“Let it be clear to the Armenian nation around the world that this is neither Raffi’s triumph nor Serzh’s defeat; but it is rather the resurrection of the Armenian people entire, the rebirth of the nation, the ascension of the state,” Hovannisian’s statement reads in particular.