Sefilian: Delay in negotiations over Erebuni police station seizure ex

[Yervant1]

Zhirayr Sefilyan urges political council of Sasna Tsrer to keep a close eye on processes around Karabakh conflict settlement

• by Nana Martirosyan

• Wednesday, August 17, 19:32

http://www.arminfo.am/images/StandardImage/%D0%91%D0%B5%D0%B7-%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8-12735.jpg

Zhirayr Sefilyan, Artsakh war hero and leader of the opposition Founding Parliament movement, who has been arrested for illegal keeping, transportation and sale of weapons, urges the political council of the Sasna Tsrer (Daredevils of Sassoon) group to keep a close eye on the processes around the Karabakh confliict settlement.

In his address sent from Vardashen penitentiary, Sefilyan says: "Given that Armenian people liberated a tangible part of Artsakh's territory at the expense of their lives, we should reasonably and vigilantly consider all proposals on Armenia's recognition of the NKR independence. In addition, given that our country is dependent on Russia, the recognition of the NKR can provide it with additional opportunities to expand its influence on the region due to the liberated territories and interests of Armenians".

He also thinks that recognition of Artsakh's independence may happen only in case this becomes an interim step towards its unification with Armenia, as well as "after the colonial regime of Serzh Sargsyan is replaced with a national government and achievement of real independence," he says.

To note, the political council of Sasna Tsrer was set up right after Sefilyan's teammate, member of the Founding Parliament movement Alec Yenikomshian dissolved the coordination council, which was organizing mass events. It is not yet reported what activities the new body will carry out.

http://www.arminfo.am/index.cfm?objectid=6EB72E00-6487-11E6-B0150EB7C0D21663

[Yervant1]

A Response to President Sarkisian

By Michael Mensoian on August 17, 2016 in Headline, Op-Eds // 0 Comments // http://armenianweekly.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-print/images/printer_famfamfam.gif

On Aug. 1, President Serge Sarkisian held a meeting in the Presidential Palace, during which he responded to the take-over of a district police station in Yerevan by a group of activists or terrorists—depending on your point of view—as well as addressing a perceived misinterpretation of his position on unilateral territorial concessions with respect to solving the Nagorno-Karabagh issue.

During his lengthy presentation to the assembled group, two statements made by our President are worthy of comment. He was emphatic in stating that “problems in Armenia will not be solved through violence.” And later on, he referred to Nagorno-Karabagh to allay fears of those who believe that in a recent visit to Stepanakert, he left the impression that unilateral territorial concessions of sorts might be contemplated. His visit was cut short by the aforementioned occupation of the district police station in Yerevan. His statement with respect to the future of the Karabagh Armenians was—to say the least—most interesting and troubling. President Sarkisian knows better than most that “Nagorno-Karabagh” is not Artsakh, yet with great emphasis said “I repeat once again: There will be no unilateral concessions in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabagh issue. Never. Nagorno-Karabagh will never be part of Azerbaijan.” However, this statement and the eschewing of violence in solving problems do require some thoughtful comment.

 

‘Problems in Armenia Will Not Be Solved through Violence’

Amen to that. However, when the economic ills plaguing Armenia are well known and the reasons for this long-existing economic malaise are also well know, why haven’t the peaceful, legal methods alluded to been employed to solve them? Our president is completing his second five-year term in office. There are political parties that have long sought to effect change through acceptable means, yet there has been no meeting of the minds between the leaders of these political parties and President Sarkisian to create change. To rail against violence to solve problems without providing a legitimate opportunity for citizens to effect change through constitutionally accepted processes is disingenuous.

Armenians, by and large, are law abiding and not easily aroused to engage in or support violent action. Unfortunately, violence becomes the last resort of citizens who are disillusioned or have become cynical and distrustful of their government. Just recently, the government announced that subsidies put in place a year ago, in response to demonstrations to reduce the high electric rate, will be removed. This one-year reprieve did not address the underlying cause of high electricity rates for the consumer. It was neither an honest nor a sincere response to their legitimate concerns, but a sop to pacify the people for the moment. Electricity is a basic utility that affects the quality of life. There are no small increases that can be acceptable to the elderly, pensioners, and the unemployed since they are either at the poverty level or at its margins. These Band-Aid approaches to problems only alienate the public from those who govern. Given this pervasive sense of hopelessness and betrayal, why should it be surprising if violence is the unfortunate consequence?

Armenia may be a small country in area and population, but it is rich in economic and human resources. It is our lack of entrepreneurial opportunity that limits unfettered foreign investment and job creation. There will be those, enjoying the better life, who will cite the developments that have taken place or that will or may take place. Assuming this to be so, why haven’t economic conditions for Armenians improved. Construction in Yerevan goes on almost unabated, yet affordable housing for our families—the bedrock of Armenia’s future—is pitifully lagging. Unemployment is still too high and poverty continues to increase. Families are disrupted when the wage earner leaves to work in a foreign country to support his family. And we continue to lose precious human resources when individuals and families are forced to emigrate in search of a better life. Evidently, none of these erosive conditions (as well as others) is deemed to be sufficiently egregious to warrant legislative correction.

The marketplace is warped by an oligopolistic and monopolistic structure that benefits the chosen few. A study would suggest that entering this marketplace is difficult and that costs are easily manipulated. This structure can be modified if there is a will to do so. Unfortunately, a symbiotic relationship exists between politicians and oligarchs (sometimes they are one and the same) who flaunt their ill-gotten wealth and status. It can best be compared to an incestuous relationship. This unholy alliance denies the worker from an equitable sharing of the wealth his labor creates. This wealth is all that which contributes to an improved quality of life for the worker and his family.

 

“I Repeat Once Again: There Will Be No Unilateral Concessions in The Resolution of the Nagorno-Karabagh Issue. Never. Nagorno-Karabagh Will Never Be Part of Azerbaijan”

This statement by President Sarkisian is troubling. He is well aware that his reference to Nagorno-Karabagh does not include the liberated territories. This was no oversight on his part. We are left to infer, contrary to his denial, that to solve the Karabagh issue, that concessions affecting the liberated territories must be considered.

If so, this has been the intent of the nations represented by the Minsk Group co-chairs who have continually stressed the importance of the Madrid Principles in guiding the negotiation process. Karabagh without the liberated territories would create a vulnerable Armenian exclave that will not survive more than a decade or two before it becomes another Nakhichevan while we lament the systematic destruction of our cultural sites by the Azeri. It will not matter what status Karabagh might be given because Azerbaijan will be awarded political jurisdiction. However, rather than dwelling on this reality that might be foisted upon us, every effort should be made to regain the small area of Artsakh seized by the Azeri during the four-day war in April. Doing so would send a powerful statement both to Azerbaijan and the countries represented by the Minsk Group co-chairs that we will not allow our lands to be taken piece by piece by anyone. It is a bold statement to make, but it is better than sitting on our haunches waiting for the “hammer to fall.”

As it is, Azerbaijan still occupies the Shahumian district north of Martakert and the border regions east of the cities of Martakert and Martuni. Yet, neither Yerevan nor Stepanakert has demanded that these areas be returned to Artsakh. It is possible that these occupied areas might be the basis for territorial concessions. However, that is for the Armenians of Artsakh to decide.

Excluding Shahumian and Kashatagh from Karabagh would be folly. Without these two districts Karabakh would be a vulnerable exclave connected to Armenia by only two tenuous roads: the Vardenis-Martakert Road in the north and the Lachin Corridor Road to the south. Both roads would pass through miles of Azeri controlled territory. Air flights would have to navigate through Azeri air space. Any agreements by Azerbaijan would not be worth the paper they were written on.

As an exclave it would be difficult to develop an integrated transport system with Armenia and it would also hinder economic integration. Both Shahumian and Kashatagh have great economic potential and are well endowed with important surface and ground water deposits. Water is a valuable resource in the south Caucasus that will only increase in importance in the years to come. These two districts, by effectively joining Karabagh to Armenia, would improve the defensive position of southern Armenia (Syunik and Vayots Dzor Districts) by limiting contact with Azerbaijan to their eastern borders where they have a common frontier with Nakhichevan.

Yerevan and Stepanakert must come to an agreement so both sides will be on the same page if and when this difficult phase of the settlement is ever reached. This is also the time to enlist the aid of distinguished international experts in the field to represent our cause. Our apparent nonchalance belies the fact that we are engaged in a struggle for national survival. Hanging in the balance is not only Artsakh’s future, but the future of a greater Armenia. War may be hell, but to allow Armenia to be condemned to political and economic subservience to its neighbors may well be worse than hell.

http://armenianweekly.com/2016/08/17/a-response-to-president-sarkisian/

[Yervant1]

Yenikomshian Calls for Parallel “Confidence Government” to Restore Armenia’s Sovereignty Diana Ghazaryan

 

http://hetq.am/static/news/b/2016/08/70109_b.jpg16:03, August 18, 2016

Arguing that Armenia is being pressured by the West and doesn’t enjoy total confidence by Russia, Founding Parliament member Alek Yenikomshian today told reporters at a Yerevan press conference that a movement has begun in Armenia, embodied by the SasnaDzrer movement, that seeks to form a “new, independent and sovereign Armenia”.

Yenikomshian said that, nevertheless, the regime in Armenia still enjoys the support of Moscow and might seek to create a “North Korea-like” version of governance in the country. This would only last a few months, given Armenia’s geographic position and the interests of the Armenian diaspora and other international players, he argued.

http://hetq.am/static/content/yerevan/Alek_Enigomshyan.jpgYenikomshian, who has been released from detention while awaiting trial for fomenting public disorder last month, said that the first step would be to “remove” the current regime and its leaders. This, he said, would just be a means to realize the movement’s primary objective.

To achieve this, Yenikomshian has proposed the creation of a “government of trust” parallel with the current regime.

The aim of such a body, according to Yenikomshian, would be to mobilize the people and incorporate such forces that would be able to assist in extricating the country from the existent situation and to present an ultimatum to the regime.

Yenikomshian promised to provide details on how he and his cohorts perceive the process of struggle and its tactics at a later date.

“The SasnaDzrer movement will organize the people around the principles it holds dear – the reestablishment of a sovereign Armenia and a principled stance on Artsakh, meaning ruling out any return of land to the opponent,” Yenikomshian said.

http://hetq.am/eng/news/70109/yenikomshian-calls-for-parallel-confidence-government-to-restore-armenias-sovereignty.html

https://youtu.be/MEyahs62KW4

[Yervant1]

Sassna Dzrer Divide the Armenian Apostolic Church

Կիրակի, 21 օգոստոս, 2016 - 22:36 | Սիվիլնեթ

Բաժիններ` REPORTS IN ENGLISH, ԼՐԱՀՈՍ, ՍԻՎԻԼՆԵԹ,ՔԱՂԱՔԱԿԱՆՈՒԹՅՈՒՆ

The armed takeover of the Erebuni Police Patrol Station by the Sassna Dzrer group in July countered civil society-government, Armenia-diaspora relations and even affected the Armenian Apostolic Church. Father Armen Melkonian was relieved of his duties as visiting preacher to Europe following his open support to the Sassna Dzrer group at a rally outside the Armenian Embassy in Amsterdam.

https://youtu.be/WZ7IO2d0Mio

http://civilnet.am/2016/08/21/sassna-dzrer-divide-the-armenian-apostolic-church/#.V7oM3pgrLa8

[Yervant1]

Khurshudyan: The earlier we get rid of these criminals, the better

22:35, 24.08.2016

http://www.groong.com/news/attachments/msg584210/pngRIKBtZmS5w.png

YEREVAN. - The Armenian authorities see no way out but isolating political opponents in jail.

Heritage Party member Hovsep Khurshudyan said the aforementioned after being released from Vardashen criminal-executive institution.

“The charges brought against me were absurd; that was a slander based on the fabricated testimonies of two policemen. It’s good that they have released me on bail, but this doesn’t reduce their responsibility before the political prisoners in jails,” Khurshudyan said.

He announced that the one-month arrest changed nothing in his life and he will continue the struggle. “The struggle should be carried out in two directions henceforth: first of all, to release the political prisoners and then get rid of the authorities in line with the demand put on the political agenda. The earlier we get rid of these criminals, the better,” the party member noted.

According to Khurshudyan, the authorities have targeted those whose political activity they consider to be dangerous. He added that during this one month he was also arrested as a political prisoner.

By imprisoning Khurshudyan, the authorities failed an international event, which was organized by him. In the party member’s words, there will still be developments on that occasion; a “surprise”awaits the authorities.

“A large conference dedicated to the Slovak Presidency of the EU, as well as youth and human rights issues, will be held in Bratislava. 150 representatives from different countries – the EU and Russia – as well as European Commission will attend it,” he said.

Hovsep Khurshudyan is going to appeal his arrest decision.

The Court of General Jurisdiction of Yerevan’s Arabkir and Kakaner-Zeytun Administrative Districts decided on Wednesday to release Heritage Party member Hovsep Khurshudyan on 1 mln AMD bail.

He was arrested on charges of organizing mass unrest in Yerevan on July 30-31.

http://news.am/eng/news/343192.html

[Yervant1]

Ոչ մի զիջում Սերժ Սարգսյանին
2016-08-25 15:44:48

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Ոչ մի զիջում Սերժ Սարգսյանին: Հենց սա պետք է լինի քաղաքական պայքարի կարգախոսը, որը պետք է ընկած լինի մեր Հայրենիքի ազատագրման հիմքում: Երկխոսության ժամանակն անցել է: Սերժ Սարգսյանը և իր գլխավորած խումբը բավականին ժամանակ ունեին իրենց ագահությունը զսպելու և ազգային շահերին համահունչ քաղաքականություն իրականացնելու համար: Դրա փոխարեն տարիներ շարունակ նրանք զբաղված էին անձնական հարստությունը մեծացնելով, ընդ որում դա անում էին ոչ միայն անտեսելով ազգային պետական շահը, այլև բացահայտ գործելով այդ շահերի դեմ:

Այժմ եկել է հաշիվ պահանջելու ժամանակը: Սերժ Սարգսյանին հաճախ մեղադրում ենք Ղարաբաղյան կարգավորման գործընթացում պարտվողական կեցվածքի և Ադրբեջանին Ղարաբաղը հանձնելու պատրաստակամության մեջ: Բայց մենք ի՞նչ ենք անում: Եթե Սերժ Սարգսյանը Ադրբեջանին է հանձնում Ղարաբաղը, մենք էլ Հայաստանն ենք հանձնում Սերժ Սարգսյանին: Այս երկու երևույթները պետք է դիտարկել նույն հարթության վրա, քանզի երկուսի հետևանքներն էլ նույնքան կործանարար են: Եվ եթե Ղարաբաղի հարցում ոմանք հույս են դրել «միջազգային հանրության» վրա, ապա Հայաստանում մենք միայնակ ենք ընդդեմ Սերժ Սարգսյանի և հույսը բացառապես մեր վրա է: Շեղվելով նշեմ, որ իրականում Ղարաբաղի հարցում էլ է այդպես:

Ինչևէ, առաջիկայում ՏԻՄ ընտրություններն են և Հայաստանի ազատագրումը պետք է սկսենք հենց այստեղից: Այսօր արդեն ՀՀԿ-ն Սերժ Սարգսյանի գլխավորությամբ մնացել է միայնակ: Նրանք այլևս իշխանություն ունեցող փոքրաթիվ խումբ են, որ ներկայացնում են բացառապես իրենք իրենց: Նրանց հետևում հասարակության որևէ խավ այլևս կանգնած չէ: Եվ ուրեմն եթե ոմանք նեղ անձնական շահից ելնելով դեռ շարունակում են պաշտպանել ու ծառայել Սերժ Սարգսյանին, դա իրենց գործն է՝ իրենք իրենց ընտրությունը կատարել են: Ժամանակն է, որ հասարակությունն էլ իր ընտրությունը կատարի: Իսկ տարբերակները երկուսն են. կամ պայքարում ենք մեր Հայրենիքի ազատության, բարեկեցության, սեփական երկրում արժանապատիվ ապրելու հնարավորության համար, կամ թողնում ենք, որ Սերժ Սարգսյանը վերջնականապես կործանի այն՝ մենք էլ՝ կամ լքենք մեր Հայրենիքը, կամ էլ մնանք այդ փլատակների տակ:

Եվ սա գիտակցելով մենք այս ընտրություններից արդեն պետք է տեր կանգնենք մեր ձայներին և անենք հնարավոր ամենինչ՝ թույլ չտալու, որ Հանրապետականը հաղթի ՏԻՄ, իսկ հետագայում նաև համապետական ընտրություններում:

Հ.գ. Այնուամենայնիվ մեկ հարց կա, որի շուրջ կարելի է համաձայնության գալ սերժ Սարգսյանի հետ և գնալ զիջման: Նրան պետք է հնարավորություն տալ ցանկացած պահի վերադարձնել իշխանությունը ժողովրդին և անվտանգ հեռանալ: Դա մեզ էլ շատ խնդիրներից կազատի, նրան էլ հնարավորություն կտա գոնե արժանապատիվ հեռանալ:

Հրանտ Ենոքյան

http://zham.am/am/news/68849.html

[Yervant1]

Rally kicks off in Yerevan’s Liberty Square

20:05, 26.08.2016
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The subsequent rally in support of Sasna Tsrer armed group has kicked off in Yerevan’s Liberty Square on Friday.

Several hundreds of citizens have gathered in the square, Armenian News - NEWS.am correspondent reports. Among them is also Armenia’s Founding Parliament radical opposition group member Alec Yenikomshian.

At the outset of the rally, the organizers announced that the speeches will be followed by a march to the Prisoners’ Hospital to demand to provide proper medical assistance to the wounded Sasna Tsrer members, who are currently under custody.

The plan of further actions is also expected to be presented today.

http://news.am/eng/news/343490.html

https://youtu.be/R-5PaRvkp-s

[Yervant1]

Outspoken Armenian Priest: ‘If Sasna Dzrer are terrorists, so are all of us’ Zaruhi Mejlumyan

 

http://hetq.am/static/news/b/2016/08/70304_b.jpg18:04, August 27, 2016

Father Armen Melkonian, an Armenian Apostolic clergyman dismissed as an Etchmiadzin parish priest in the Dutch city of Maastricht for calling the members of the armed Sasna Dzrergroup “heroes”, has told Hetq that he will be offering Divine Liturgy at the St. Garabed church on September 4.

The clergyman ruffled feathers in the church hierarchy when, during opening remarks at a demonstration outside the Armenian Embassy in Amsterdam in solidarity with the Sasna Dzrer armed group that seized a Yerevan police building in July, described its members as “heroes”, who have fought in defense of Artsakh in the past and are now struggling for justice in Armenia, and are now being persecuted by the authorities in Armenia.

While Melkonian was dismissed as a visiting parish priest for the small but growing Armenian community in Maastricht, he hasn’t been defrocked because he is a member of the Cilician See brotherhood.

“The church belongs to the community and the community regards the decision as unjust,” Father Armen told Hetq.

Levon Rafifi Sarkis, secretary of the Ani Armenian community organization in Maastricht, said that community representatives are planning to protest the dismissal decision on September 4.

On August 4, Sarkis received a letter from Bishop Vahan Hovhannessian, Etchmiadzin’s Pontifical Legate of Western Europe, saying that Father Melkonian no longer could serve in any parish in Holland but would remain on the sidelines.

Tomorrow, at the invitation of the Armenian Apostolic Church Diocese in Germany, Father Armen will offer the Divine Liturgy at the diocesan St. Sahag Mesrob Church.

On August 26, in Antwerp, Belgium, Armenian community representatives discussed the issue of Father Armen’s dismissal and the silence of the church regarding developments in Armenia.

“Yes, it is true that today we have a homeland and a state, but as Catholicos Aram has said we cannot be just spectators. We have obligations and a righto speak out. We send money [to Armenia]. Where does it go? We must send money. But when we learn that it fills the pockets of government officials, we will not send anymore. How should we punish those murderers who, instead of using that money to purchase weapons to defend the borders, use it against us,” Father Armen told the community representatives in Antwerp.

Regarding members of the Sasna Dzrer group, the clergyman noted, “If they call them terrorists, then I say we are all terrorists.”

http://hetq.am/static/content/churches/armen-christapor.jpg

Father Armen Melkonian and Deacon Kristapor

Deacon Kristapor Froundjian, who also spoke at the meeting, believes that Father Armen “had the courage to speak up and is being punished for it today.”

Talking about the role of the church, Deacon Kristapor said that the church could also use a bit of struggle.

“We want that our nation and the church be in good conditions. We are called to serve the people, to be on their side. Catholicos Aram showed us that the church isn’t dead,” the deacon said.

At the end of the meeting a prayer was said for the speedy recovery of the injured Sasna Dzrer members now awaiting trial in Armenia.

Top photo: Father Armen Melkonian, Deacon Kristapor Froundjian (photos taken from their Facebook pages)

http://hetq.am/eng/news/70304/outspoken-armenian-priest-if-sasna-dzrer-are-terrorists-so-are-all-of-us.html

[Yervant1]

Gurgen Yeghiazaryan: Armenian authorities should make serious changes to avoid a revolt

• by Nana Martirosyan

• Monday, August 29, 16:58

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If the Armenian authorities fail to draw serious conclusions from the July events, another revolt will shortly take place, former deputy head of the Armenian National Security Service Gurgen Yeghiazaryan said at a press conference in Yerevan on August 29.

He said that he does not support the steps of the Sasna Tsrer (Daredevils of Sassoon) group, but he thinks it is the authorities that made the society take such steps. The sense of despair in the Armenian society may cause disobedience, which, in turn, can result in numerous losses," he said. Yeghiazaryan thinks that the authorities should make serious changes, because it is a public demand.

He also urges the authorities to quit their revengeful ideas and to provide proper medical assistance to the injured members of the Sasna Tsrer group. "Their actions could have resulted in thousands of deaths, but they abstained from such inhuman measures and they demonstrated that they are no enemies of our country. Consequently, one should not treat them as enemies. They need treatment, desirably at civil medical institutions," he said.

To note, earlier a protest action was held in Yerevan for the support of Sasna Tsrer representatives. The protesters demanded providing the arrestees with an opportunity to receive due medical care from the doctors they will choose themselves. Previously, it became known that the twenty-four-hour duty conducted by Erebuni medical center doctors at the hospital for prisoners had been cancelled. The Public Relations Department of Criminal-Executive Department of Armenia's Justice Ministry clarified that there is no need in duty. This sparked discontent of the injured arrestees' relatives. It became known on August 29 that Aram Manukyan and Ashot Petrosyan have been moved from the hospital for prisoners to Erebuni medical center to undergo surgery. Hovhannes Harutyunyan's operation has been postponed.

http://www.arminfo.am/index.cfm?objectid=DDE4E900-6DDF-11E6-B4CE0EB7C0D21663

[Yervant1]

Jailed Opposition Rep Calls for Snap Presidential Elections and Aznavour as “Interim Prez”

13:41, September 1, 2016

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Arguing that Armenia faces a crisis of governance and that all efforts must be directed towards freeing the country from the “criminal-oligarch” regime, Andreas Ghukasyan, a member of theVotki Hayastan (Rise Up Armenia) civil initiative has called for snap presidential elections and proposes that the French-Armenia singer Charles Aznavour be nominated as interim president of a “government of confidence” during the election period.

Ghukasyan, arrested on July 29 during clashes between police and protesters in the Sari Tagh neighborhood of Yerevan, continues a hunger strike started on August 1.

His statement on how he perceives the current political situation in Armenia and his roadmap for change was released by his wife Anahit Tarkhanyan.

In his statement, Ghukasyan argues that Russia is working against Armenia regarding defending the security of Artsakh in favor of Azerbaijan. He says that Armenia, by servicing the interests of Russia in international tribunals, is being gradually deprived of assistance from civilized nations and is being isolated.

Such a foreign policy, Ghukasyan argues, means that Armenia is consciously heading to capitulating to Baku at the cost of Artsakh’s independence and the eventual depopulation of Armenians from the country.

Ghukasyan says that snap presidential elections remain the only way to fix this foreign policy nightmare and to bring Armenia out of its current morass.

When it comes to explaining how the opposition will force the current regime to agree to snap elections, Ghukasyan comes up short.

He says that Yerevan’s Baghramyan Avenue (where the presidential palace and parliament are located) must be open to peaceful marches and rallies.

Ghukasyan also calls for political parties to unite in support of snap elections.

http://hetq.am/eng/news/70405/jailed-opposition-rep-calls-for-snap-presidential-elections-and-aznavour-as-interim-prez.html

[Yervant1]

March in support of Sasna Tsrer ends in Yerevan

22:25, 02.09.2016

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YEREVAN. - The march in support of the Sasna Tsrer armed group ended in Yerevan’s Liberty Square. No incidents took place during the march.

The Sasna Tsrer (named after the armed group) movement Council decided to hold marches in support of the political demands of the armed group every Friday.

http://news.am/eng/news/344523.html

[Yervant1]

People showed yellow card – Robert Kocharyan

• 16:20 | September 3,2016 | Politics
• Հայ

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In his exclusive interview to Azatutyun.am, Armenia’s second President Robert Kocharyan referred to the Karabakh conflict, economic situation, as well as the moral and political atmosphere in the country.

Question: How do you assess military and diplomatic developments over Nagorno Karabakh in the context of regional processes?

Answer: Today we see that a number of unfavorable factors are accumulating, which gives rise to serious concerns. The disturbance of military balance because of the sale of Russian weapons, unpleasant resolutions and reports of international organizations on the Karabakh issue, formation of a new format of regional cooperation upon the initiative of Azerbaijan, the creation of the North-South Transport Corridor that bypasses Armenia… All these processes with their geopolitical consequences will have a lasting negative impact on the country’s economy and its weight and influence in regional and international affairs, as well as on our resources to have our say in the talks over Karabakh.

The authorities [in Armenia] should be able to analyze the causes of all those processes and find a practical solution to counter the existing challenges. By the way, we do not have much time to handle the situation.

Question: How would you assess the actions of the Sasna Dzrer group?

Answer: Radical activities can be displayed in any country, even in the most democratic ones. Everywhere there will be people who will see the solution to political and social problems in extreme methods. The question is how the society responds to the attempts to resolve internal problems by force I’m more concerned about peoples’ reaction to the recent events. Although there was a victim, a day after the seizure of a police station by the Sasna Dzrer group people perceived the armed group members as rebels who had thrown down the gauntlet to the acting regime.

This shows the general moods in public, people’s attitudes towards the authorities and pressure. It also speaks about political, economic and social problems have become chronic in public consciousness. A yellow card was shown to the country’s political system. Let me repeat it once again. I am not speaking about the seizure of the police station, I am speaking about the public reaction to the fact, public support for the group members in the streets and through social networks and glorification of the group. You cannot ignore such a phenomenon and you need to do something about it otherwise you will have a country “sitting on a powder keg.” We need radical reforms, people need to see political competition in the country and the possibility of changes. They want to see legitimate electoral processes.

For more details visit here

http://www.azatutyun.am/a/27965062.html

http://en.a1plus.am/1244414.html

[Yervant1]

Thomson Reuters Foundation / Reuters
Sept 7 2016


Armenian ruling party to discuss PM resignation on Thursday - source

by Reuters
Wednesday, 7 September 2016 16:29 GMT


YEREVAN, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Armenia's ruling Republican Party plans to
discuss a possible resignation of Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, a
source close to the government said on Wednesday.

"There are all indications that this decision (on resignation) will be
announced tomorrow," the source told Reuters. (Reporting by Hasmik
Mkrtchyan; Writing by Margarita Antidze; Editing by Lidia Kelly)

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__news.trust.org_item_20160907163100-2D7gjk0&d=DQIBaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=LVw5zH6C4LHpVQcGEdVcrQ&m=oz9le3tNTtrTdOLIb9RADL1h1jrM08ifMK3Ur0sPagA&s=nUkxCQdI9Q5YvgUNVI4Kwru6WQNw2-UgH2Vjp3fExQ0&e=

[Yervant1]

“Serzh must resign, and not Prime Minister” (video)

• 10:53 | September 8,2016 | Politics
• Հայ

http://en.a1plus.am/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Sl2H-CwNrnM.jpg

For already several days the rumors of Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan’s resignation have been circulated in the media. Our fellow citizens comment on this news in different ways.

Some people think that the rumors are a means to check the mood of the people; the others think that Serzh Sargsyan must submit a resignation and not Hovik Abrahamyan.

https://youtu.be/Sl2H-CwNrnM

http://en.a1plus.am/1244666.html

[Yervant1]

Armenians expect radical changes following resignation of government-
political analysts

YEREVAN, September 8. /ARKA/. Armenia’s citizens expect radical
changes following the resignation of Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan,
Sergey Minasyan, a political analyst from the Yerevan-based Caucasus
Institute, said today.

Hovik Abrahamyan announced his resignation at today’s cabinet session
‘in order to give way to a coalition government,’ promised by
president Serzh Sargsyan in the wake of a violent standoff at a police
station in Yerevan in July.

"The society expects radical changes; time will show whether they will
happen or not. Everything is possible in politics, even the
impossible," Minasyan said in an interview with Novosti-Armenia news
agency.

In his words, the resignation of the prime minister was quite logical,
as such rumors had been circulating for a long time and especially
after Serzh Sargsyan promised a government of national accord after
the surrender of the armed group that held the police compound in
Yerevan for two weeks.

"It was clear that sooner or later, Abrahamyan will have to step
down’, Minasyan said.

Reports in the local media named Karen Karapetyan as a likely
successor. Karapetyan is a technocrat and former mayor of Yerevan.
Before that he served as the head of a national gas distributing
company. His latest job was a senior position in one of Russia’s
largest commercial banks Gazprombank.-0-

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__arka.am_en_news_politics_armenians-5Fexpect-5Fradical-5Fchanges-5Ffollowing-5Fresignation-5Fof-5Fgovernment-5Fpolitical-5Fanalysts_&d=DQIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=LVw5zH6C4LHpVQcGEdVcrQ&m=Fgjb3f-XJBw48qIMbZk1rGRnwJf2J-G48-H0FhhKbxY&s=eDqd-oO3QeF2TJwm7caPc486_wGGe2iqIDUQUZ3gcBk&e=

[MosJan]

ok lets see

[Yervant1]

Armenian PM Hovik Abrahamyan resigns after weeks of unrest

Move follows standoff in capital Yerevan between police and armed men, and could pave way for a coalition government

Hovik Abrahamyan said he was stepping down as prime minister to ‘give a chance’ to a new government, following recent protests. Photograph: CTK/Alamy

RFE/RL and Associated Press

Thursday 8 September 2016 11.00 BST

The prime minister of Armenia has announced his resignation following weeks of civil unrest and a sharp economic downturn.

Hovik Abrahamyan told a cabinet meeting on Thursday that the country needs “new approaches and a new beginning,” and his departure should lead the way towards a coalition government.

Last month, Armenia’s president, Serzh Sarksian, promised to create a government of national accord after a two-week standoff at a police compound in the capital, Yerevan, that left two police officers dead and shook the nation.

Several dozen armed men stormed the building and demanded the release of the opposition activist Zhirair Sefilyan, the leader of a small opposition group named the New Armenia Public Salvation Front, who was arrested in June on suspicion of preparing to seize government buildings and telecoms facilities in Yerevan.

The standoff galvanised Armenia’s protest movement, triggering rallies in support of the gunmen and further clashes with police.

In recent months, there has been a flare-up of violence in Azerbaijan’s breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region. Karabakh is technically part of Azerbaijan, but it has been run by an ethnic Armenian government since the collapse of the Soviet Union. In April, This April saw the worst clashes since a 1994 ceasefire broke out between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Barricades, clashes and a white dog: two weeks of protest in Armenia’s capital

In comments reported by Russian news agencies, Abrahamyan said he was stepping down in order to “give a chance to a new government,” which will offer “new approaches in order to consolidate society”.

However, it was not clear from his statement who will lead the government.

Political analysts in Armenia have named the former mayor of Yerevan Karen Karapetyan, a top executive at Russian gas company Gazprom, as the likeliest successor to Abrahamyan.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/08/armenia-prime-minister-hovik-abrahamyan-resigns-unrest

[Yervant1]

Republican Party approves Karen Karapetyan as candidate for Prime Minister

21:55, 08 Sep 2016

Siranush Ghazanchyan

http://www.armradio.am/en/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/karen-karapetyan-620x300.jpg

http://www.armradio.am/en/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/arminegevorgyan.jpg

The Executive Body and Board of the Republican Party of Armenia unanimously approved Karen Karapetyan’s candidacy for the Prime Minister’s post, Vice-President of the Party Armen Ashotyan told reporters after the meeting.

He said the Republican party has decided to enter the parliamentary race with a new government.

Ashotyan added that the issue of Ministers was not on the agenda. “Obviously, the cabinet will be formed within the framework of the coalition agreement. But the issue was not referred to during today’s sitting,” he said.

Speaking to reporters before the sitting, the Head of Staff of the National Assembly Hrayr Tovmasyan said the government will be temporary and will work until the 2018 elections.

http://www.armradio.am/en/2016/09/08/republican-party-approves-karen-karapetyan-as-candidate-for-prime-minister/

[Yervant1]

Thursday, September 8 2016 17:28:10

Nana Martirosyan Armen Martirosyan: Hovik Abrahamyan`s resignation is an attempt to throw dust in eyes of Armenian society

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ArmInfo. Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan's resignation is an attempt to throw dust in eyes of Armenian society on the threshold of parliamentary elections; Deputy Chairman of Heritage Party Armen Martirosyan expressed this opinion to ArmInfo's correspondent on September 8.

"The wave of protest following seizure of police compound by Daredevils of Sasoun group and growing discontent in the society forced the authorities to make some changes in the pre-election period in order to create the appearance of readiness to do anything for people's well-being. However, in fact Hovik Abrahamyan and his government were made scapegoats" the Deputy Chairman of the Party stressed.

He also thinks that government of national accord will no matter meet current demands of the Armenian people and the country. "We need executive body, in which the people would trust, rather than a government of national accord", the politician said. Martirosyan also added that he does not rule out representation of "puppet" oppositionist forces in the new government.

Talking about the main candidate on the position of the Prime Minister, former mayor of Yerevan, Deputy CEO for Strategic Development at Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Karen Karapetyan Martirosyan noted that this person has nothing in common with the interests of Armenian people and the state. "He was earlier heading an agency, which was earning surplus profit at the expense of the citizens. We constantly have problems with Gazprom naturally there can be no expectations from him", he stressed.

At the same time Martirosyan stated that Karapetyan on the position of mayor has not made any fundamental reforms and he was just a good manager. "Moreover, he dismantled small shops and contributed to growth of number of supermarkets", he stressed. The politician stated that Karapetyan will never oppose the authorities. "Moreover, he has no political levers of pressure on the authorities or any support from the parliamentary majority", he concluded.

On September 8, Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan sent in his resignation. To note, earlier ArmInfo reported, citing its own sources that committed to his recent promise, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has started forming a so-called "government of national accord". For that purpose Karen Karapetyan, ex- mayor of Yerevan, Deputy CEO for Strategic Development at Gazprom Mezhregiongaz, has already been invited to Yerevan. The Armenian President is going to offer Karapetyan to head the "government of national accord". The incumbent Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan will resign to head the campaign headquarters of the Republican Party of Armenia in the run-up to the parliamentary elections of 2017.

http://www.arminfo.info/full_news.php?id=22007&lang=3#sthash.hnN1gy8Y.dpuf

[Yervant1]

You have independence thanks to political prisoners (video)

• 21:30 | September 21,2016 | Politics
• Հայ
• Рус

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‘We are only trying to tell our ministers, government, doctors, lawyers and businessmen that the independence they are enjoying today was achieved thanks to the political prisoners. So, be so kind as not to turn their lives into hell!” Gagik Sarukhanyan, a member of the Founding Parlaiment movement and a freedom fighter, told during “Ayb-Fe” information and analytical program of A1+ Company.

Details in the video.

https://youtu.be/q5d8C_33-zk

http://en.a1plus.am/1245892.html

[Yervant1]

Opinion: Authorities have done and will do everything to retain their places (video)

• 18:56 | September 27,2016 | Politics
• Հայ

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No matter who has become head of this or that community in the recent local elections, the authorities have not changed their work style. They have done and will do everything to retain their places, Alen Simonyan, a member of the Civil Contract Party, said during a discussion at the Media Centre NGO.

Republican lawmaker Lernik Alexanyan disagreed with him, saying, “I cannot say whether the change was a big one or not but it is a fact that we registered a change. The Republican Party is not struggling against parties. Local elections are more personalized, and it is important that the mayor get a majority of the electoral vote.”

Vahe Enfiajyan, Secretary of the Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK), presented figures according to which people voted for a single candidate in 125 communities of the total 237.

“The fact that in some communities mayors or headmen have been holding the position for 20 years in a row is not encouraging. No matter what political force they represent, many of them are continually elected, establishing monarchical regime in their communities.”

https://youtu.be/ajAiSZOUeZA

http://en.a1plus.am/1246357.html

[Yervant1]

SIS froze Alek Yenigomshyan’s bank account – Founding Parliament

• 13:03 | October 21,2016 | Politics
• Հայ

http://en.a1plus.am/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/himnadir10.jpg

The Founding Parliament movement has issued a statement saying the Special Investigation Service has frozen the bank account of FP member Alek Yenigomshyan.

“The regime continues persecution against members of Sasna Dzrer (Daredevils of Sassoun) group and their associates.

By a decision of the Special Investigation Service (SIS), Alek Yenigomshyan’s bank account has been frozen. In addition to the fact that the decision is illegitimate as the bank account has nothing to do with the ridiculous accusations, it is also a gross violation of human rights because that bank account is Yenigomshyan’s only financial source,” the movement said.

http://en.a1plus.am/1248379.html

[Yervant1]

Thursday, October 20 2016

Marianna Mkrtchyan Karo Yeghnukyan accuses President of Armenia of personal vendetta and U.S. Embassy of doing nothing

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ArmInfo. Karo Yeghnukyan, an arrested member of the Founding Parliament opposition movement, has disseminated a statement from the penitentiary, about the supposed reasons of persecutions against him.

The statement received by ArmInfo, particularly, reads.

"The political persecution against me by the authorities has been going on for almost five years and has deep roots. It all started when I decided to provide my three-story building, on Alek Manukyan Street, to be freely used by Founding Parliament and other civil society activities that needed the space. In addition I started becoming active in a number of civil initiatives, which naturally did not please the authorities.

The real persecutions against my family and myself began after my active participation for the preservation of Mashtots Park and Tzatzkatz Shuka. Within a few days, there were two attacks on my two vehicles. In one instance the four tires of one vehicle were slashed and in the second instance the hood of my car and the mirrors were violently broken. For my participation in the Founding Parliament, my third vehicle was set on fire furthermore, during the terrorizing attacks perpetrated by the authorities in Berdzor, all three of my vehicles were badly damaged.

For over a month, a large poster depicting my picture and containing statements which were discriminatory; and incited violence and hatred, was hang in the front of Tzatzkatz Shuka. Despite my many protests, not a single action was taken by the authorities to stop this criminal act. During the same period my family members and I were followed and intimidated to create an atmosphere of fear.

All of the above terrorizing feats were realized and sponsored by the authorities. More recently many friends and "people in the know" were trying to persuade me to sell all of my assets in Armenia and go back to the US before something happens to my family or my property is "taken" from me. They kept telling me to "think about my four daughters"! Naturally some of these people genuinely wished me well however most were sending me a "message". As the saying goes 'where there is smoke there is fire". This line of activity is well known and common in Armenia as many diaspora Armenians who have attempted various investments in Armenia have been treated similarly.

The authorities for some time have been trying to find an excuse to get rid of me on the thesis that if the individual does not exist then the problem is gone. Because I did not engage in businesses and so-called "dark" financial enterprises, the authorities did not have the levers to isolate me or limit my activities. Sasna Tsrer incident finally provided the authorities the excuse to isolate and punish me by false accusations.

Since I had committed no criminal acts, I was accused on trumped up charges of dissemination of information, organizing the free assembly of people and aspiring to provide radio communication. Despite the accusations, to date no evidence whatsoever has been provided. I am charged with assisting in keeping police members hostage however no one is actually charged in keeping police members hostage. I am charged with assisting in the illegal occupation of buildings but no one is charged with the illegal occupation of buildings. Effectively there are no criminals but I am charged in assisting to these not existing criminals!

The courts have ordered pre-trial detention of two months and now have extended it by another two months without any basis. When my lawyer has asked on what basis is the assumption that I may impede on the investigation, the judge has not mentioned the basis but has stated that it is still in investigation. Even the prosecutor did not bring any evidence except to say that they are under investigation and that they are "secret" and cannot be presented to the courts. The courts also rejected precedent setting high bail amount and ignored letters of recommendations and motions from over thirty individuals including members of parliament, previous human rights ombudsmen and prominent members of Armenian society.

Recently, the President of RA, in some circles, while discussing my case has mentioned that I am a national security threat! If there is even the slightest evidence to make such an assertion it should be made public. If not, then my only conclusion is that the President is on a personal vendetta. Furthermore, such a statement by the President preempts the assumption that I am innocent until proven guilty. In addition he is also avenging my brother who had the "audacity" to criticise the president on the issue of political prisoners in Armenia during one of President's appearances at Columbia University in New York. During the same appearance the President had also stated that Shant Harutyunyan "has committed a criminal act"; thus preempting his guilt prior to being proven guilty in court.

What is most incomprehensible is the position of the US ambassador in Armenia, who represents the US government. On numerous occasions I have asked and even pleaded with the ambassador to make a statement regarding the systematic abuse of the pre-trial detention system in Armenia and in particular for my case. I have never asked the ambassador to make a statement regarding my guilt or innocence, but only regarding the abuse of the pre-trial detention, something that the US State Department has already done in its annual report.

During my detention, my only direct contact with the US Embassy has been Adam Colvin, Vice Consul, who last visited me on the fifth day of my hunger strike. He did not even have the decency to ask how I was feeling, but insisted and repeated that the Embassy is in no position to make any statements. His position was not fact based and incomprehensible since the ambassador himself, in letters to us, has stated that the Embassy will make a statement if any one of the following three conditions exists:

1) If there is evidence that I am being politically persecuted;

2) If there is violation of due process as prescribed by Armenian Laws and International Treaties;

and

3) If I am being discriminated based on my US Citizenship

I and many other individuals and organizations have written numerous letters proving that all three conditions are in play. To date we have received no response that disputes our assertions except for the case of Mr. Mironov, as proof of discrimination, for which we have been told that the cases are not comparable.

The US ambassador has discussed my case with the President of RA who apparently has told the ambassador that any statement by the ambassador will be counterproductive and in fact may hurt my case. In addition the ambassador in one of his letters has shared with me that he has discussed the issue of making a statement with his team as well as members of the Armenian government. The fact that there were discussions whether to make or not to make a statement further illustrates that the ambassador was in a position to make a statement but has refused to do so. If he was not in a position to make a statement, then why were there discussions particularly with the members of the Armenian government? Since when does the ambassador of the only super power in the world, request permission from local authorities to make a statement about one of its citizens?

Nevertheless, for unknown reasons, the ambassador with his team has decided that a statement regarding me will be counterproductive and in fact may hurt my case, as Serzh Sarkisyan has "advised".

To date, it is not clear to me the nature of the discussions with the authorities, what was told to the ambassador and on what basis the ambassador, "trying to protect me" has not made a public statement. Although in his letter the ambassador mentions that he has met with the Chief Prosecutor, Chief of Investigative Unit, Minister of Justice and the Human Rights Ombudsman regarding my case; unfortunately he fails to inform me about what they have told him. In effect, everybody has been discussing my case however I am kept in the dark regarding those discussions.

Since there was no public statement forthcoming on the issue of illegality of my pre-trial detention, I pleaded with the ambassador to come forward on a humanitarian basis and write a letter to the court asking for my release on bail. Since the initial decision to implement pre-trial detention against me was based on the premise that Sasna Tsrer still occupied the buildings; the situation has now changed and releasing me on bail would have been substantiated. Therefore a letter from the ambassador would have been purely a humanitarian act with no legal or political intervention. Unfortunately the ambassador did not even take that step and again without an explanation.

I am certain that the ambassador realizes that the authorities are on a road of vengeance and reckoning with me and will keep me locked up for as long as they can or wish. It can extend to a minimum of three years even if I am found innocent by the courts (one year pre-trial detention and two year during trial) or in worst-case scenario up to 20 years if found guilty. I see only two options to stop this great injustice, (the third option of political prisoners going through the legal system has over the years been proven to be futile) the first is that the ambassador (meaning US Government) makes a public statement regarding the abuse of pre-trial detention and refusal of bail is unjustified while at the same time pressuring the authorities to release me and the second is regime change and consequently the release of all political prisoners.

The fact that the ambassador, knowing well the situation, is doing nothing is telling me that there is a sinister political collusion. I am hopeful the Embassy will review its stand and will take the just position in line with US history of fighting for the principles of justice, liberty and equality."

http://www.arminfo.info/full_news.php?id=22618&lang=3

[Yervant1]

Prime Minister Warns Serzh Sargsyan and Republicans

• http://www.lragir.am/upload/author/author140516246126.JPG
• • Hakob Badalyan, Political Commentator
  • Comments - 24 October 2016, 23:58

• Related
• http://www.lragir.am/upload/img/eng147733083895.JPG

  Karen Karapetyan's First Failure

• Republican Party's Threat to PM Karapetyan

• National Assembly Ratified Government Program

• Enterprises in Armenia Are in Despair

http://www.lragir.am/upload/img/eng147733910612.PNG

Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan has announced that if he fails, he will not stay one more day in the position of the head of government. At the same time, he did not mention any deadline, any indicator to help the society evaluate his success.

 

Perhaps, the reason is that the prime minister’s statement had not been done for the public. His statement was addressed to Serzh Sargsyan and the Republican Party. No doubt, in the context of this statement it was a matter of policy – tactics and strategy – not statistics.

 

Karen Karapetyan simply announced that if Serzh Sargsyan and the Republican Party do not provide the necessary support, he will merely leave.

 

Karapetyan, Sargsyan and the Republican Party know what support is meant. Or Karapetyan and Sargsyan may know, while the Republican Party may know less.

 

At first sight, Karapetyan’s statement seems trivial. And it even seems that if he fails, not he will leave but Serzh Sargsyan and the Republicans will remove him. At the same time, he does not seem to cling to the position, it seems to be the least thing from the point of view of propaganda that any Armenian figure is good at.

 

However, Karen Karapetyan’s statement is not part of this campaign triviality. By announcing that he will leave if he fails, Karen Karapetyan hints that he will make Serzh Sargsyan and the Republican Party face the fact.

 

In addition, he does not even mean that he will list some people’s names after he leave. He will not do it, indeed. Not because he lacks the courage but because it is meaningless. The point is that if Karen Karapetyan leaves and points to Serzh Sargsyan, it will not be a problem for him because the entire country is pointing to him, and if Karapetyan adds to them, nothing will change.

 

For Sargsyan the problem will be to find someone to appoint instead of him. No person is irreplaceable, of course, but Karen Sargsyan is irreplaceable for the ruling system and for Serzh Sargsyan.

 

In addition, the issue is serious not only because Sargsyan will not find anyone who will agree to be the next prime minister under the current difficult situation. The situation is also serious because Sargsyan will not find someone who would enable forming at least a slight hope for change in the society with certain success, at least at the propaganda level.

 

If we add to this that Karen Karapetyan leaves not “according to the plan”, Serzh Sargsyan will be startled. Karen Karapetyan’s message is he does not have a team of political majority and, as such, depends on Serzh Sargsyan and the Republicans but he has the ability to make an independent decision on leaving, and if the contract is breached, he is sabotaged, not supported, he will use this opportunity, placing Sargsyan and the Republicans in a difficult situation.

 

From this point of view, Karapetyan has warned Sargsyan and the Republicans or it was a so-called oral reprimand. It is hard to tell whether Karen Karapetyan did it for preventive reasons or based on specific worrying realities. However, it is notable that the warning sounds immediately after the adoption of the government program.

http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/comments/view/36459

[Yervant1]

Tuesday, November 22 2016

Marianna Mkrtchyan Arrested members of Sasna Tsrer group issue a statement

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ArmInfo. The arrested members of Sasna Tsrer (Daredevils of Sassoon) group have issued a statement.

 

The statement says that the political prisoners continue the liberation struggle with steadfast decisiveness. "We realize that we enjoy public confidence and express the public will, and the incumbent regime and the external forces cannot neglect this fact," says the statement sent to ArmInfo.

 

The arrested members of Sasna Tsrer express willingness to conduct nationwide resistance in accordance with the previously presented roadmap and to manage the process of creation of a new republic on the territory of constitutionally recognized Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia. The statement urges Armenian people to join the struggle and to pay no attention to false statements of Armenia's new prime minister "appointed by Moscow" to continue the "treacherous" course of Serzh Sargsyan.

 

"We call on our compatriots abroad to stop considering Sargsyan as the president of Armenia, to pin no hopes on the opposition that deceives people," the statement says, urging people to provide logistical support and to take part in a revolt. "We also urge the war veterans to put aside discrepancies and consolidate around the idea of creation of a new republic," the authors say, noting that Founding Parliament movement member Alec Yenikomshian coordinates all activities.

 

To recall, Sasna Tsrer's road map titled "Establishment of New Republic" was presented in Yerevan on November 1.

The roadmap envisages "liquidation of corruption, establishment of legitimate power, de jure recognition of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, and construction of a vital state". "The actions will be carried out in two stages: power shift through civil disobedience; establishment of a two-year transition period. Afterwards a new constitution will be elaborated and legitimate elections will be held in Armenia," Yenikomshian said.

 

To recall, on July 17 the Sasna Tsrer group seized a police compound in Yerevan. They demanded releasing Zhirayr Sefilyan, one of the Founding Parliament movement leaders, as well as a power shift. Thousands of people held demonstrations to support Sasna Tsrer. Dozens of people were detained during the demonstration. The group surrendered on July 31. As many as 31 members of the group were arrested. Three policemen were killed, more than a dozen members of the group were injured.

 

- See more at: http://www.arminfo.info/full_news.php?id=23059&lang=3#sthash.0HPDYuKx.dpuf