Narek Karapetyan, head of the Strong Armenia parliamentary opposition faction, has called on political forces and public figures to unite against changes to Armenia’s Constitution, which he described as “Aliyev’s constitution,” and against further territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. Karapetyan made the remarks to journalists following a meeting of opposition representatives at the home of Samvel Karapetyan.

According to the faction leader, the meeting was supposed to be chaired by Samvel Karapetyan, but the authorities took preventive measures to prevent him from launching a process of nationwide unity.

“We have many differences and have taken different paths with the forces that came together to reach this agreement. But there is one thing we all agree on. I call on all political forces to unite around these ideas,” Narek Karapetyan said.

He outlined the main points that, in his view, should form a common platform for the opposition: rejecting “Aliyev’s constitution” and endless territorial concessions, protecting national values and the Armenian Apostolic Church, and restoring democracy in the country.

“We see that the main issues today are territorial concessions and ‘Aliyev’s constitution.’ I call on all public figures to unite around these ideas. We may follow different paths and have different priorities, but we must unite around these principles and prevent ‘Aliyev’s constitution’ from being implemented in Armenia and turning the country into a satellite state of Aliyev,” he said.

According to Karapetyan, once agreement has been reached on these issues, political forces will be able to continue pursuing their own programs and priorities.

Asked about the opposition’s next steps and the possibility of street protests, he said that all means permitted by the Constitution could be used. He identified the next stage as continuing talks with public figures and reaching a consensus with them. People whose opinions carry weight in society should join this effort, he added.

Commenting on Pashinyan’s actions, the opposition politician said the prime minister faced time constraints in carrying out his plans.

“Pashinyan has a problem with time. His client has set a deadline for him,” Karapetyan said.

He also agreed with a journalist’s suggestion that the prime minister’s actions could be driven by weakness and fear.