YEREVAN. - Authorities keep repeating that oppositional Armenian National Congress (ANC) predictions are not realistic but, sadly enough, they are and State Budget of 2012 is another proof that Armenia is in a grave crisis, said former Mayor of Yerevan, economist Vahagn Khachatryan at the opposition rally.

“Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan says the Budget means transition from stability to development, whereas the expectations of welfare are totally vain in this context. They are intentionally leading the country to destruction. Armenia cannot afford more debts. After the Moody’s report nobody will lend us, although they hope to get $300 million. State Budget of Azerbaijan for 2012 is $22 billion, while Armenia’s Budget hardly exceeds $2 billion. Do they really want to become leading country in the region?” said Khachatryan.

In turn, statesman Tigran Paskevichyan drew parallels between Armenia and Georgia, stressing that before Rose Revolution the situation in Georgia was pretty much similar to what we have now.

“We have to stay steady. Nobody ever laid carpets before revolutions. We have to fight for our cause,” he said.