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—read, on Tuesday at capital city Yerevan’s Liberty Square, the text of his “oath of office,” and those gathered at the square repeated it.   

“In the name of the Republic of Armenia, I, a citizen of Armenia, today sever my ties with the present-day illegitimate authorities [of the country], state that I do not recognize today’s leaders, will not obey false laws, unlawful commands, I am protected by my right, Constitution, and I am not afraid, I am not sold, and I am not moving back.     

“We, the citizens of Armenia, vow that we will fight, and we will not grow weary, become disenchanted, we will give hope, strength to one another, and we will triumph. 

“We, the proud citizens of New Armenia, will build our true homeland, where all Armenians and Armenian citizens [will] return,” the text of Raffi Hovannisian’s “oath of office” reads in particular.    

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am