YEREVAN. – The protest action of Raffi Hovannisian’s supporters kicked off in Liberty Square of Yerevan (photo).

Addressing the participants, Hovannisian, the main rival of incumbent Sargsyan during the 2013 presidential race, spoke about the imminent threat to Armenia’s sovereignty and independence.

He harshly criticized Serzh Sargsyan “for ballot-rigging, signing of Armenia-Turkey protocols, imposing of the Madrid Principles and making a sole decision on Customs Union.”

The opposition leader noted that people gathered in Liberty Square to express concerns over situation ahead of the 22nd anniversary of independence.

Hovannisian assured that the protest movement will continue up to the victory that implies recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh by Armenia and creation of a true democratic country.

“Those recognizing Armenia’s rights are our allies, unlike those who are imposing their will,” he added.

Hovannisian compared joint statement issued by the presidents of Armenia and Russia with “Turkish-bolshevik anti-Armenian conspiracy of 1921”.

Heritage party led by Raffi Hovannisian is the only authoritative political force that openly opposed Armenian leadership’s decision to join the Customs Union.  

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am