YEREVAN. – Serzh Sargsyan is swearing-in pursuant to Armenia’s Constitution, whereas that of 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—is a violation of the constitutional order. Ruling Republican Party National Assembly (RPA NA) Faction leader, RPA Supreme Body member Galust Sahakyan told this to Armenian News-NEWS.am, reflecting on Tuesday’s expected events at capital city Yerevan’s Liberty Square and Hovannisian’s last statement.       

Sahakyan noted that nothing will happen; the opposition will continue to be opposition and the authorities will continue to be the authorities. In his words, they are concerned about the Armenian people, but he believes the people will come together in time.  

Reflecting on US-born Hovannisian’s statement to the Police to come to Liberty Square and to arrest him, the RPA NA Faction leader specifically said as follows:

“When little, they did not have children’s games to play in the environment where he [that is, Hovannisian] was born; he is attempting to play now in Armenia. And they are not finding a chief judge so he can be arrested; let him do his meeting at ease.”   

As Armenian News-NEWS.am informed earlier, Raffi Hovannisian 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,” Hovannisian specifically said in his statement.

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am