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YEREVAN. - Leaders of Ohanyan-Raffi-Oskanian (ORO) bloc, Seyran Ohanyan, Raffi Hovannisian and Vartan Oskanian, have disseminated a joint statement on the detention of former Karabakh defense minister Samvel Babayan.

The statement reads as follows:  

''Former commander of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh) Defense Ministry and Defense Army, Artsakh hero, Lieutenant General Samvel Babayan has today been detained by the National Security Service (NSS) of the Republic of Armenia. 

This step of the authorities was predictable. The apparent provocation organized against the ORO bloc in Jrarat village of Armavir province, as well as the massive repressions against the bloc headquarters and deputy candidates aimed to create a climate of fear and hinder our work. Today they have already come to apply other methods.

It is noteworthy that the step against Samvel Babayan was prepared for many days on by certain figures, as well as media outlets providing obvious and concealed support to the authorities.

We assess this conduct by the authorities as a step aimed at creating a climate of fear in our country and influencing the results of the elections through illegal means. 

''Ohanyan-Raffi-Oskanian'' bloc continues its regular work. We won't succumb to provocations. Our institutions, deputy candidates and supporters continue their work with triplicated enthusiasm.

We call on the international community, observation missions and diplomatic representations to keep the case related to S. Babayan in the center of their attention, since it has obvious political implications and is aimed against the free expression of will by our citizens.

We call on the political forces, human rights organizations, civil society, as well as our Artsakh and Diaspora compatriots to give assessment to the occurrence.  

We urge the society and every citizen to make corresponding conclusions after this case, actively participate in the electoral processes, jointly support the changes and form new government on April 2.''

 

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