new promising era New Promising Era "President" & VP Nikol Pashinian

[Yervant1]

New Jersey Herald

April 14 2018

Protest paralyzes center of Armenia's capital
The Associated Press

Posted: Apr. 13, 2018 8:00 am Updated: Apr. 13, 2018 4:10 pm

YEREVAN, Armenia (AP) — Thousands of demonstrators are crowding the square in Armenia's capital where four main streets intersect, paralyzing traffic in the center city.

The crowd on Yerevan's France Square is protesting Armenia's recent change of government form that they see as a move for former President Serzh Sargsyan to stay in power. Leaders vowed late Friday to conduct the protest around the clock.

Armen Sarkisian took over as president from Sargsyan on Monday, inaugurated under a new system in which the president's powers will be weaker and the prime minister will dominate. Sargsyan, whose party holds a majority in parliament, is expected to be nominated for the premiership on Saturday.

Protest leaders say they will demonstrate outside the building where Sargsyan is expected to be nominated.

http://www.njherald.com/article/20180413/AP/304139738

[Yervant1]

JAM News

April 14 2018

Armenian opposition breaks into Public Radio of Armenia demanding a live broadcast

JAMNews, Yerevan

April 14, 2018

The live broadcast was provided by representatives of other media outlets

Nikol Pashinyan, an opposition MP and leader of ‘Civic Contract’ broke into the Public Radio of Armenia building today along with dozens of supporters who demanded to do a live broadcast.

Guards attempted to prevent the crowd from entering the building but were unable to hold them back.

This is a continuation of the protest movement against the former president of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan and his potential appointment as prime minister of the country. The demonstration began last night on Freedom Square.

Read more about the protest here:

Ереван: оппозиция начала круглосуточные акции против продолжения власти Сержа Саргсяна

 

Nikol Pashinyan demanded a meeting with Mark Grigorian, the head of Public Radio of Armenia. Unable to meet with the latter nor to go live on Public Radio of Armenia, Pashinyan began speaking in front of other media outlets. The Radio-Free Europe/Radio Liberty Armenian Service provided live coverage of his speech and of the events inside the building.

He then requested journalists to give him some time to prepare for a speech which was short. Pashinyan called on the people to come out onto the streets and join the protestors and the demonstrations which is continuing today on Freedom Square in downtown Yerevan. The aim of the round-the-clock demonstration is to prevent ex-president Serzh Sargsyan from becoming the leader of the country again by becoming prime minister.

Pashinyan referred to Serzh Sargsyan’s statement saying that he would not run for a third term, nor would he attempt to run for the position of prime minister. Because Sargsyan did not keep his promise, the opposition leader and his supporters believe it their duty to do all they can to prevent Sargsyan from coming to power again after the country recently transitioned to a parliamentary system of governance.

Pashinyan ended his speech with the words: “Take a step forwards, and Serzh Sargsyan will step back. Our children must live in a free country.”

The purpose of the demonstration is thus: to gather as many people as possible on the streets and to surround the parliament building on 17 April which is the date set for the electing the prime minister.

If the elections fail twice, then the current parliament will be dismissed and new parliamentary elections will be scheduled. In such a way, the opposition hopes to change the composition of the parliament and to break the majoritarian party’s hold on power, and thus, Serzh Sargsyan’s accession to prime minister.

Pashinyan has announced over the past few days that if he is unable to achieve his goal, he will leave politics.

He started this movement two weeks ago with an initiative called ‘My step’. Together with supporters, he walked some 200 kilometers across the country, from Gyumri up to the capital and called on people to come out in protest against Serzh Sargsyan.

A large-scale demonstration took place last night, during which participants shut down traffic in downtown Yerevan and spent the night outside.

Pashinyan says that there were less than 200 people. For that reason he believes that the demonstration must use all its resources to spread information to the public and get them onto the streets.

The ruling Republican Party of Armenia, led by Serzh Sargsyan, put the latter forward today as its candidate for prime minister. The party’s meeting was held in Tsaghkadzor, not far from the capital.

https://jam-news.net/?p=96934

[Yervant1]

Ten years is enough, give others a chance and go away and enjoy the wealth that you accumulated during that time, God knows how?

News.am, Armenia

April 14 2018

Armenian Public Radio resumes broadcasting

18:59, 14.04.2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YEREVAN. – Armenian Public Radio resumed broadcasting after the protestors headed by Civil Contract Party leader Nikol Pashinyan left the building of the Armenia’s Public Radio and marched along the streets in downtown Yerevan.

Earlier it was reported that the protesters broke into the building of the Public, demanding airtime to voice their protest against Serh Sargsyan's nomination for the seat of a prime minister.

Being rejected airtime, Pashinyan said he would make a statement for the media.

He urged the Armenian citizens to gather at France Square at 6:30 p.m. “to take care of the power that belongs to the people”.

The politician left the building and promised to pay compensation for a broken door.

The Civil Contract and their supporters have been marching throughout Armenia starting from March 31. On Friday they finished their action by a rally at Liberty Square. Later in the evening, Nikol Pashinyan announced the decision to spend night at France Square as a protest against ruling party’s decision to nominate Serzh Sargsyan for the post of a Prime Minister.

On Friday the protesters shut down France Square, one of the busiest intersections in downtown Yerevan, and promised not to leave the square until the problem is solved.

https://news.am/eng/news/446369.html

 

 

[Yervant1]

News.am, Armenia

April 15 2018

Armenia opposition to start nonviolent civil disobedience on Monday

17:12, 15.04.2018

YEREVAN. – My Step initiative leader, opposition Civil Contract Party member and National Assembly (NA) “Way Out” (Yelk) Faction head Nikol Pashinyan, announced during Sunday’s rally at France Square in Armenia’s capital city of Yerevan that the first phase of their plan has been completed, and therefore they will start nonviolent civil disobedience.

Also, Pashinyan said volunteers—pedestrians, protest car rally participants, and cyclists—will be signed up because active actions will begin on Monday.

On March 31, the Civil Contract Party, led by Pashinyan, had started a protest march through several towns of Armenia—and whose objective is to prevent the third term in office by ex-President Serzh Sargsyan; but this time as the next likely Prime Minister—and which concluded on Friday with a rally at Liberty Square in downtown Yerevan, and then with a round-the-clock sit-in at France Square.

Also, the protesters had announced that they plan to block the NA building as well as the houses of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) MPs on April 17, so as not to enable them to take part in the next PM’s election at the special parliamentary session on that day, and during which the RPA will nominate Sargsyan as candidate for the next PM.

https://news.am/eng/news/446485.html

[Yervant1]

EurasiaNet.org

April 15 2018

Sargsyan officially nominated for office amid continuing protests

The protests in Yerevan showed little sign of slowing down, and they forced ruling party officials to move a meeting out of the capital.

Grigor Atanesian Apr 15, 2018

Officials of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia formally nominate Serzh Sargsyan as their candidate for prime minister. The meeting took place in a ski resort as protesters in the capital vowed to disrupt the meeting. (photo: Republican Party of Armenia)

Leaders of Armenia's ruling party decamped to a ski resort as protesters in Yerevan have taken over central parts of the city in an attempt to disrupt longtime leader Serzh Sargsyan from continuing his rule.

Protests, which began on Friday, April 13, with an estimated 4,500 people, continued the following day with crowds that appeared roughly similar in size. Following the previous day's political speeches, Saturday's demonstrations had more of a carnival atmosphere: Traditional Armenian line dances were followed by hip-hop and pop music, interrupted from time to time with “Make a step, reject Serzh!” chants, which have become the slogan of these protests. Teenagers, young urbanites, and middle-aged Yerevan residents could be seen dancing side by side.

The demonstrations didn't go unnoticed by the ruling Republican Party of Armenia. Protesters had vowed to block the party's headquarters on April 14, where leaders were going to gather to formally nominate Sargsyan – until a week previous, the country's president – as its candidate for prime minister. Instead, the Republicans abruptly canceled the meeting in the capital and convened in Tsaghkadzor, a ski resort some 35 miles away from Yerevan. There, the faction unanimously voted to formally nominate Sargsyan for the PM’s office.

Sargsyan’s only potential rival from inside the party, outgoing PM Karen Karapetyan, enjoys a much higher rating than the ex-president. However, he never opposed the party’s leader and was the one to formally introduce Sargsyan’s candidacy. On a photo published on the party website, Karapetyan is captured sitting next to Sargsyan and raising his hand to vote “yes.”

On the same day, the ARF Dashnaksutyun Supreme Council of Armenia officially endorsed Serzh Sargsyan. ARF is Republican Party’s partner in the governing coalition, although it holds only seven seats in the National Assembly.

Being outfoxed by those in power, the opposition retreated to irony. “He was taken to Tsaghkadzor … Serzh Sargsyan was subjected to trafficking,” said Gyumri Municipal Council member Levon Barseghyan as he addressed protesters gathered in France Square, the central node of the demonstrations in Yerevan. Dropping the irony, he then called on all opposition forces to unite against Sargsyan’s prolonged rule. “I guess they can sort out other issues later,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nikol Pashinyan – the opposition MP who led the first day of demonstrations – kept making headlines. Joined by a group of protesters and the press, he stormed the headquarters of Armenian Public Radio on Alek Manukyan street in Yerevan. In the building lobby, they were met by police guards armed with assault rifles, and Pashinyan and supporters held up their hands in a sign of peaceful resistance. Security eventually let them through, and Pashinyan made it to the studio where he accused state broadcasters of ignoring the protests and demanded live airtime to call on Armenian citizens to join in.

The request was denied, and power supply to the building was cut. Nevertheless, sitting in dark studio surrounded by supporters and media, Pashinyan appeared triumphant. “This is what civility brings,” he said. The protesters eventually left the building and returned to France Square. Later in the day, the police issued a statement saying that Pashinyan’s action “may entail criminal responsibility.”

About 100 protesters had stayed overnight on France Square after the first day of protests, and an equal number did the same Saturday night, some sleeping in tents, others gathered around fires. As of Sunday morning, the Armenian police had made no effort of disrupting demonstrations, in significant contrast to the police's handling of mass protests in the summers of 2015 and 2016, when they dispersed crowds violently.

The mood among the protesters appeared celebratory. “I like it here, and I’ll come tomorrow at 6:30 pm again,” wrote Marine Mamikonian, a young architect who moved from Russia to Yerevan last year, in a text conversation with Eurasianet on Saturday night.

“I feel like this generation is a little bit bolder,” she said of the young activists driving the “Reject Serzh” movement. “So many people would never show up just because of Nikol [Pashinyan].”

“All the older people I know insisted I shouldn’t go,” she added. “It’s a different generation, really.”

https://eurasianet.org/s/sargsyan-officially-nominated-for-office-amid-continuing-protests

[Yervant1]

Asbarez.com

Thousands Rally Against Serzh Sarkisian’s Premiership Prospects

• Armenia
• Featured Story
• Latest
• News
• Top Stories

April 13, 2018

http://asbarez.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/C17ABC76-CFD9-4A05-A521-1139B7FA7BAB_w1597_n_r1_s.jpg

Yelk Party Nikol Pashinyan speaks during a protest organized by ‘My Step’ and ‘#merjirserjin’ initiatives at Liberty Square in Yerevan on Friday (Photo by Photolure)

YEREVAN (RFE/RL)—Thousands of people occupied a key street junction in the center of Yerevan late on Friday at the start of nonstop opposition demonstrations against former President Serzh Sarkisian’s apparent plans to continue to govern Armenia.

The main organizer of the protests, Civil Contract party leader Nikol Pashinian, said he will block more streets in the coming days in a bid to prevent Sarkisian from becoming prime minister.

“This is a campaign again Serzh Sarkisian’s third term in office and against the [ruling] HHK. This is a campaign against hopelessness and for dignity,” Pashinian declared in a fiery speech delivered at nearby Liberty Square earlier in the evening.

“We will blockade everything that is possible to blockade,” he said. “Our actions will be taken around the clock.”

Immediately after his hour-long speech the protesters marched to the intersection of three avenues forming Yerevan’s sprawling France Square and blocked traffic through it. Pashinian urged them to stay there through the night, saying that riot police will not attempt to disperse them in that case.

Pashinian told the crowd to occupy the square despite being warned by a senior police officer not to block streets. He at the same time urged his supporters to avoid any violent actions even if security forces move to break up the protests.

“We must rule out violence not only as action but also as counteraction,” he said.

There was little police presence in and around the occupied area. But large numbers of riot police were deployed several hundred meters away, on a street leading to Sarkisian’s private residence and the former presidential palace.

The Republican Party of Armenia’s governing Council is expected to meet and formally nominate Sarkisian for prime minister on Saturday. Armenia’s Republican Party of Armenia-controlled parliament is due to vote for the next premier on Monday.

In his speech, Pashinian said the protesters will march to the Republican Party of Armenia headquarters and try to disrupt that meeting. He also called for a march to the parliament building that will be aimed at preventing lawmakers from appointing Sarkisian as prime minister.

“He must feel besieged in Yerevan,” Pashinian said of Sarkisian, who completed his second and final presidential term on Monday.

Pashinian voiced a damning indictment of Sarkisian’s presidency, alleging widespread corruption, economic mismanagement and a failure to meet security challenges facing Armenia. And he again accused Sarkisian of breaking his 2014 pledge not to extend his rule if Armenia becomes a parliamentary republic.

The ex-president’s allies claim that he never explicitly pledged not to become prime minister. They also say the Republican Party of Armenia has a popular mandate to pick the next premier because it won the parliamentary elections held in April 2017.

Sarkisian offered similar arguments last month. He cited the increased risk of renewed fighting in Artsakh and other security challenges facing the country.

Other major opposition groups have so far declined to join the anti-Sarkisian campaign spearheaded by Pashinian. They include the Bright Armenia and Hanrapetutyun parties that make up, together with Civil Contract, the Yelk alliance, the third largest force in the parliament. Bright Armenia and Hanrapetutyun leaders have been skeptical about the opposition’s ability to pull large crowds.

Pashinian reached out to these and other opposition forces when he addressed the demonstrators in Liberty Square. He urged them to put aside their differences and join his movement.

[MosJan]

chgitem yexpayr chgite,..... Sirts kayruni yerkris tsavov... vorqan tarapanq astvats im chors dees

[gamavor]

Serj must abandon plans of becoming prime minister if he wants to safe the little respect he gained as a president.

[Yervant1]

Go away Sargsyan and take your brother with you!

Deutsche Welle, Germany

April 16 2018

Armenia: Protesters rally against ex-president's power grab

Opposition leaders have threatened to prevent a two-term president from becoming Armenia's premier under a new system. But police have warned protesters against taking further action, saying there could be consequences.

http://www.dw.com/image/43406392_303.jpg

 

Armenian police on Monday clashed with protesters rallying in the capital Yerevan to stop a political transition largely seen as a power grab by former President Serzh Sargsyan.

Earlier this year, Sargsyan ended his second and final term. However, parliament is set to approve him as prime minister on Tuesday as the former Soviet nation shifts to a new parliamentary system of government.

Protesters have accused the former president of designing the transition to continue his hold on power but with a new job description. Thousands of people blocked traffic in the capital, chanting slogans such as "Armenia without Serzh" and "Serzh is a liar."

"Our goal right now is to prevent Serzh Sargsyan from becoming the country's leader for a third time without violence and the use of force," said Nikol Pashinian, an opposition leader who led protesters in Yerevan.

But police warned protesters against violating public order, saying there would be consequences. "Such actions can lead to crimes against the citizens' life, health and property," police said in a statement.

http://www.dw.com/image/43406378_401.jpg

Police established barricades to prevent protesters from reaching the parliamentary building

'A familiar tactic'

Sargsyan rose to power in 2008, when he won the presidential election, an event that triggered mass protests and deadly clashes. Since then, he has managed to balance his pro-Kremlin policy with closer EU ties.

Analysts have described his transition to the prime minister's office as a move practiced often in former Soviet countries.

"Obviously, this is a mechanism that allows Armenia's current ruling elite to stay in charge. It's a familiar tactic in the post-Soviet space, where leaders endlessly tinker with their constitutions to perpetuate their power," said Thomas de Waal, a senior fellow at Carnegie Europe think tank.

"Vladimir Putin made a similar gambit when his second term ended in 2008, even though in the Russian case there was no new division of powers."

During Putin's time as prime minister, Russian law was changed to allow a former president to return to the post after a hiatus.

The ruling Republican Party and pro-government Dashnaktsutyun Party formally nominated Sargsyan on Monday for the premiership. Parliament will put his nomination to a vote on Tuesday.

http://www.dw.com/en/armenia-protesters-rally-against-ex-presidents-power-grab/a-43406929

 

 

[Yervant1]

TASS, Russia

April 16 2018

At least 46 injured in Yerevan clashes, says Armenian Health Ministry

World

April 16, 19:35 UTC+3 YEREVAN

YEREVAN, April 16. /TASS/. 46 people required medical assistance as a result of street protests in Yerevan, among them 6 police officers, Armenian Health Ministry said on Monday.

 

"As of 16:30 (15:30 Moscow time) 46 people have required medical assistance in Yerevan, including 6 police officers," the ministry reported. Some of the injured were released from the hospital after receiving ambulatory care.

"For the most part, civilians have received surface injuries of their lower limbs," the Health Ministry added. "The police officers have received injuries caused by blunt or sharp objects."

One of the police officers had to undergo surgical treatment. There have been no life-threatening injuries, the ministry reported.

On Tuesday, Armenians will go to the polls to elect the nation’s prime minister. The ruling Republican party of Armenia nominated Serzh Sargsyan, who on April 9 had concluded his 10-year tenure as president of the country. The opposition is launching acts of protest in order to undermine the election.

http://tass.com/world/1000140

[Yervant1]

Morung Express

April 16 2018

Thousands protest Sarksyn’s PM bid in Armenia, several hurt in scuffles

April 16, 2018

http://morungexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Armenia-2.jpg

A demonstrator is detained by police during a protest against Armenia’s ruling Republican party’s nomination of former President Serzh Sarksyan as its candidate for prime minister, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 16. (REUTERS Photo)

YEREVAN, April 16 (Reuters): Around 6,000 gathered in Armenia’s capital on Monday in protest at what the opposition calls a power grab by former president Serzh Sarksyan and several people were injured in scuffles with police.

Hundreds of opposition activists have held rallies in recent weeks to protest at Sarksyan’s campaign to become prime minister after a constitutional amendment approved in 2015 that transfers governing powers to the premier from the presidency.

The number of protesters has grown to thousands in recent days with protesters blocking the centre of Yerevan, capital of the former Soviet republic.

A Reuters correspondent saw at least three protesters with blood on their hands and legs after scuffles broke out in the city centre. Local media quoted a hospital doctor as saying three policemen and one protester had been injured.

Police warned demonstrators they would use tear gas and other means to disperse protesters if they did not leave the Opera House square and unblock the city centre.

The ruling Republican party nominated Sarksyan, who served as president for a decade from 2008, as its candidate for prime minister on Saturday.

Sarksyan’s ally Armen Sarkissian, a former premier and ambassador to Britain, was sworn in as president last week after being elected by parliament in a vote that was meant to herald the start of a power shift to the premier and parliament.

Under the terms of an amended constitution approved in 2015 by referendum, the presidency will become largely ceremonial.

Parliament, which is dominated by the ruling party, is to decide on Tuesday whether to install Sarkysan as prime minister.

The Dashnaktsutsiun Party, the Republicans’ coalition ally, also backs Sarksyan’s candidacy, meaning he should easily secure the simple majority needed for election. No other candidates are running.

Opposition leaders have accused Sarksyan of changing the nation’s political system to ensure he can remain in power.

Sarksyan had denied any intention of becoming premier until March, when he said his appointment would allow him to share the benefit of his experience as president.

Armenia, a country of three million people in the southern Caucasus, seceded in 1991 from the then-Soviet Union but still relies on Russia for aid and investment. Many Armenians accuse the government of corruption and mismanaging the economy.

http://morungexpress.com/thousands-protest-sarksyns-pm-bid-in-armenia-several-hurt-in-scuffles/

[Yervant1]

 

A1+

 

Minutes later, Serzh Sargsyan to present documents to National Assembly

• 13:30 | April 16,2018 | Politics

• Հայ
• Рус

http://en.a1plus.am/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/azgayin-joxov-2-472x265.jpg

The ruling coalition’s joint session has just ended. As the NA Vice Speaker Eduard Sharmazanov said to journalists, Serzh Sargsyan’s candidacy was unanimously approved .

The session lasted five minutes.

Mr. Sharmazanov also noted that in a few minutes Serzh Sargsyan would present the relevant documents to the National Assembly.

http://en.a1plus.am/1272212.html

[gamavor]

The thick heads in Yerevan must understand that Armenia is neither Russia, nor Azerbaboonistan, and the cheep tricks with the new parliamentary system wont pass.

[Yervant1]

Deutsche Welle, Germany

April 17 2018

Police detain protesters in Armenia as anti-Sargsyan demos escalate

Opposition leader Nikol Pashinian declared the start of a "velvet revolution" in Armenia as protesters blocked government buildings in Yerevan. The ex-president was confirmed as the new prime minister despite protests.

http://www.dw.com/image/43426231_303.jpg

 

Police detained 80 protesters in the Armenian capital in Yerevan hours before the national parliament confirmed the former president Serzh Sargsyan as the new head of government on Tuesday.

Tens of thousands of protesters took part in Tuesday's demonstration, staging sit-ins outside of government buildings, including the central bank and foreign ministry. Russian news agency Interfax reported that the area around the parliament building was cordoned off by police.

Anti-Sargsyan protesters took to the streets of Yerevan last week and have been staging rallies against the former president ever since.

'Velvet revolution'

On Monday, opposition leader Nikol Pashinian called on supporters to "paralyze the work of all government agencies."

"I proclaim today the start of a peaceful velvet revolution in Armenia," he told a rally.

But police warned citizens against violating public order, suggesting that such actions could "lead to crimes against citizens' life, health and property." Security forces on Monday used stun grenades to disperse the rallies, with 46 people seeking medical help, including Pashinian.

Protests are expected to grow larger after Pashinian called on people to take part in "the largest rally in Armenia's history" on Tuesday evening.

http://www.dw.com/image/43417955_401.jpg

Nikol Pashinian has long urged a democratic revolution in Armenia

Still in power

Despite protests against his rule, Sargsyan enjoys continued support from the ruling coalition.

The ex-president stepped down last week after completing his second and final term. He is succeeded by career diplomat Armen Sarkissian.

Serzh Sargsyan, a former military officer, previously served as prime minister from 2007-2008, before winning his first term as president in a disputed vote.

He has repeatedly faced mass protests in the following years but remained the dominant politician of the landlocked ex-Soviet state. In 2015, his administration initiated a constitutional reform that transfers key elements of presidential authority to the prime minister, including the command of the army and the oversight of the security apparatus.

dj/msh (dpa, Interfax, AFP)

http://www.dw.com/en/police-detain-protesters-in-armenia-as-anti-sargsyan-demos-escalate/a-43420253

[Yervant1]

We need a honest prime minister, not a puppet for Russia or the West. Someone who looks after the interests of Armenians only.

[Yervant1]

Armenian citizens should have the right to demonstrate peacefully without police intervention. The police should upheld the rule and order and not become enforcers of the government against unarmed people. The Armenian people deserve better politicians than what we have.

[Yervant1]

Eurasia Daily

April 17 2018

Pashinyan: Tomorrow, whole Armenia should take to the streets

The leader of #MyStep movement, opposition MP Nikol Pashinyan has addressed the protesters at the Square of France in Yerevan downtown and called them to continue blocking the streets and hamper tomorrow’s parliamentary voting on election of Armenian prime minister. Pashinyan returned to the protesters after having treatment in hospital: he had been wounded in clashes at the Baghramyan Avenue.

He called today’s protest actions a success, adding that the demonstrators managed to achieve a U-turn in the political situation in the country and prove that the people would not tolerate “Azerbaijanization” of Armenia.

The politician called to block tomorrow all streets leading to the National Assembly. He said, all possible means are to be used for it. He also addressed residents of Yerevan suburbs calling them to close down interstate roads and come to the capital to participate in the action.

“We need to start right now, streets are to be blockaded this night. Tomorrow, the whole Armenia should take to the streets; we should let this cursed session,” he stressed. He also announced that the actions must be decentralized, so that police could not concentrate in a single place.

As EADaily reported earlier, after the constitutional reform was approved at a referendum in 2015, the country switched from the presidential to parliamentary system of governance. On April 9, Armen Sargsyan became president of the republic, while Serzh Sargsyan’s term was completed. Serzh Sargsyan can be the new Armenian prime minister who will accumulate all power levers in his hands. He is the only candidate of the ruling party that has a majority at the parliament.

https://eadaily.com/en/news/2018/04/16/pashinyan-tomorrow-whole-armenia-should-take-to-the-streets

[Yervant1]

Mr. Sargsyan retire, go away! The presidents credibility is diminishing!

News.am, Armenia

April 17 2018

Armenian President meets with PM Serzh Sargsyan

20:15, 17.04.2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YEREVAN.- Armenian President Armen Sarkissian issued a decree on Tuesday appointing Serzh Sargsyan as Prime Minister of Armenia, on basis of the decision of the National Assembly of Armenia to elect Serzh Sargsyan as Prime Minister of Armenia on April 17, 2018, the presidential press service reported.

Congratulating Serzh Sargsyan, the President said, “considering the path you have passed, great organizational experience and skills, personality, I am convinced you will use all your potential in this responsible post for the development of our motherland and raising the welfare level of the people”.

Armen Sarkissian wished the PM success and fruitful work.

https://news.am/eng/news/446862.html

 

 

[Yervant1]

ArmInfo, Armenia

April 16 2018

Pashinyan asked his supporters to greet policemen with applauding

Yerevan April 16

Tatevik Shahunyan. Oppositionists led by MP Nakol Pashinyan are now marching back to the "France" square.

Before that, they had made a short stop on the Victory Bridge, where they were met by police. But Pashinyan urged his supporters not to offend the policemen: "They are our brothers, they are not to blame for being forced to carry out round-the-clock duty on the grounds of our actions, I apologize for the inconvenience, but we do this for your sake," Pashinyan said. , urging his supporters to applaud the police. At the same time he appealed to the police with a call not to use force against the people.

The Armenian authorities still do not resort to any response actions, according to ArmInfo, Serzh Sargsyan ordered to wait "until the first sabotage." Meanwhile, Pashinyan himself stated that his actions will be exclusively peaceful. The Armenians of the Diaspora also expressed solidarity to the opposition, organizing protests in various countries and sending out financial assistance.

[Yervant1]

If Sargsyan uses extreme force, it will be his eventual downfall and disgrace, so please avoid the bloodshed and resign you have enough money to retire.

[gamavor]

The Republican party instead of coming up with excuses as to why it is necessary to keep Serjik in power should have left Karen Karapetian (he is doing good job as PM)to finish its mandate and then decide what to do. I think people wouldn't mind if the Republican party have had appointed as PM someone different from Serj and that would have been end of the whole ordeal. Now it appears that the only way out is parliamentary elections.

[Yervant1]

A1+

It is impossible to endure Serzh Sargsyan anymore – student (video)

• 18:50 | April 17,2018 | Social
  
• Հայ


• 
  
  
  

http://en.a1plus.am/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/usanox-472x265.jpg

By announcing a boycotting of classes, students joined the movement of civil irregularities. They not only joined “Do Step, Reject Serzh “movement, but also conduct campaigns and close streets.

Each and every student has reasons to come to the French Square or to participate in protests in different parts of the city. They are particularly frustrating that Serzh Sargsyan is breaking the promise that he made during the constitutional reforms.

Young people point out that the imperfect political system and the poor state of the country have a direct bearing on their education.

“The student should be a political but not a party member. The president of the Board of Trustees of my university is ex-President Serzh Sargsyan and his activity has a direct impact on the development of my university- YSU, its ruling party affects my country and my university, it sees any student. As a result of its power, emigration has reached enormous numbers, and not to mention the republicanization of the university,” said student Anna Rafyan.

http://en.a1plus.am/1272341.html

[Yervant1]

 

A1+

 

Armen Sarkissian comments on protest rallies

• 18:59 | April 17,2018 | Politics

• Հայ
• Рус

http://en.a1plus.am/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Armen-Sargsyan-472x265.jpg

Armen Sarkissian said in an exclusive commentary for ARMENPRESS that the opinion of every citizen of Armenia is important for the country, however violence, illegal actions and the restriction of rights of others should be ruled out during freedom of _expression_.

“Under the Constitution, parliamentary forces are entitled with nominating a candidate for Prime Minister of Armenia. The opposition can oppose the candidate of the parliamentary majority through its votes.

It is also the right of any political force or citizen to freely express their opinion, approval or disapproval over a given political development, within the circle of their Constitutional rights – be it through a rally, demonstration or other peaceful means.

The right to freedom of speech and free _expression_ of will is one of the most important values of democracy. The opinion of every citizen of the Republic of Armenia is important for the country.

At the same time, violence, illegal actions and restriction of the rights of others must be ruled out during free _expression_ of will.

The security of our country and national solidarity should be a primary and undisputed necessity for all of us.

And, of course, I would like to once again emphasize that the health and life of every citizen of Armenia, from students, protesters to police officers, is valuable for us,” Sarkissian said in his first commentary to ARMENPRESS news agency as President.

Details are available here.

http://en.a1plus.am/1272343.html

[Yervant1]

Asharq Al-awsat English (The Middle East)

April 19 2018

Dozens Arrested in Anti-Government Protests in Armenia

Thursday, 19 April, 2018 - 17:15

Dozens arrested in anti-government protests in Armenia. (Reuters)

Asharq Al-Awsat

Dozens of protesters rallying against former President Serzh Sarkisian's election as prime minister were arrested on Thursday.

Protesters held up a huge, upside-down official portrait of Sarkisian and shouted anti-government slogans.

Led by opposition MP Nikol Pashinyan, more than two thousand protesters marched towards government headquarters in the afternoon where a cabinet meeting was under way.

"Serzh Sarkisian...we came here to tell you that the people hate you!" Pashinyan shouted.

"Armenians are ready to fight for their future, we will not stop, our victory is imminent," 26-year-old protester Misak Mesropyan told AFP at the rally.

Another protester, pensioner Ruben, said: "Protests must continue if we want Serzh (Sarkisian) to finally step down."

The influential head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Catholicos Garegin II, expressed concern over the political turmoil.

"Inciting hatred and enmity as well as any form of violence are unacceptable," he said in a statement.

New President Armen Sarkisian, who is not related to his predecessor, said in a statement he invited "all parties to start dialogue to find the best way out of the situation".

Earlier, several hundred demonstrators attempted to blockade the entrance to the government building before riot police intervened, arresting dozens and taking them to a local police station.

Controversial constitutional amendments approved in 2015 have transferred governing powers from the presidency to the premier.

Pashinyan -- who earlier announced the "start of a peaceful velvet revolution" –- has said the movement's objective is to bring about a change of leadership in Armenia through a nationwide campaign of civil disobedience.

But the number of demonstrators has dwindled, down from roughly 40,000 on Tuesday evening -- the largest protest Armenia has seen in years.

Sarkisian stepped down because of term limits, but he will continue to play the dominant role as prime minister under the new political system that envisages a mostly ceremonial role for president.

About 15,000 rallied Wednesday at Yerevan's central Republic Square under slogans: "Make a step and reject Serzh." Smaller protests also have swept Armenia's second-largest city of Gyumri and a few other cities.

Protests that began Friday have been mostly peaceful, except for Monday's clashes with police that left 46 people injured, including six police officers.

On Wednesday, police unblocked some of the streets cut by protesters and detained 84 demonstrators, according to police spokesman Ashot Agaronian. He said that 30 of those detained already have been released and would face administrative charges.

Protests began in Yerevan on Friday and have since spread to the country's second and third largest cities, Gyumri and Vanadzor.

A former military officer, Serzh Sarkisian, 63, has been in charge of the landlocked South Caucasus nation of 2.9 million people for a decade.

He also held the office of prime minister from 2007 to 2008.

After he was first elected in 2008, 10 people died and hundreds were injured in bloody clashes between police and supporters of the defeated opposition candidate.

https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1242921/dozens-arrested-anti-government-protests-armenia

[Yervant1]

RFi, France

April 19 2018

What now after a week of protests in Armenia?

By Matthew Kay Issued on 19-04-2018 Modified 19-04-2018 to 17:07

http://scd.en.rfi.fr/sites/english.filesrfi/dynimagecache/0/0/768/433/1024/578/sites/images.rfi.fr/files/aef_image/000_1425qt.jpg

People shout and raise their hands as they face police forces during an opposition rally in central Yerevan on April 16, 2018KAREN MINASYAN / AFP

Dozens of protesters have been arrested in the Armenian capital Yerevan after trying to break through a police line, protecting the entrance to government headquarters on the seventh day of anti-government protests.

http://en.rfi.fr/20180419-what-next-after-week-protests-armenia

Demonstrators took to the streets a week ago in anticipation of the election of former-president Serzh Sarkisian to the position of prime minister on Tuesday.

He amended the constitution in 2015 making Armenia a parliamentary system - leaving the president with a largely ceremonial role.

Protesters say it is a cynical move to remain in office after serving his two presidential terms.

The leader of the protests, opposition MP Nikol Pashinyan, is calling for nothing less than a 'peaceful velvet revolution'.

"Pashinyan has been calling for change for many years," says Armine Ishkanian, an associate professor in the department of social policy at the London School of Economics.

"Not everyone who is out in the streets necessarily supports him, but I think everyone who is protesting is sick of the regime and tired of the status quo."

Pashinyan is urging protesters to continue their campaign of civil-disobedience. After seven days of demonstrations and dozens of arrests he has called on police to stop protecting government buildings.

Fighting the fear

Observers say the biggest problem with the protests, is that they have no clear goals.

"And that's the problem," says Juliana Melkumyan, associate professor of sociology at Yerevan State University. "When you protest against something you have to have alternatives."

Armine Ishkanian agrees: "The people who are leading the movement need to have a plan for day three.

"We saw this in Tahrir Square, we've seen this in lots of places where you can push in the square for revolutionary change but that doesn't mean you have a plan for action."

As the protests spread to Gyumri and Vanadzor, the second and third largest cities not everybody believes that the protestors need a clear-cut objective.

"They have an agenda for the future," says Vartan Kaprielian, director of AYP FM, a Paris-based Armenian language radio station.

"They are preparing new generations for the change. They are creating the environment for the necessary change in mentalities. They are fighting the fear that exists in many former Soviet states."

http://en.rfi.fr/20180419-what-next-after-week-protests-armenia