ANC opposition rally: flowers, Italian tenor, millions, “30-sec. revolution”

 April 20, 2012 - 22:53 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Yerevan’s Liberty Square hosted Armenian National Congress (ANC) opposition block rally despite previous announcement new venue was considered.

Earlier, on arriving at rally site, ANC leaders faced a hindrance: a stage was installed at Liberty Square for April 22 concert of Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.

Roses in the dark

As the rally launched, ANC leader Levon Ter-Petrossian was met with loud greetings and given roses. The power at Liberty Square was cut off, which caused the opposition’s outrage.

At the rally, parliamentary candidate Gayane Arustamyan signaled the start of opposition vs. regime struggle.

“The time’s come to decide on the future of generations. The regime must be toppled and May 6 elections are our chance to do it,” she stressed.

“As a majority electoral system candidate, I’m deprived of the chance to voice my views on air. While visiting voters at heir homes, I learnt that people have full realization of current situation. People fear the names of the deceased may be added in electoral lists,” the politician said.

In conclusion, Ms Arustamyan urged rally participants to vote for ANC as the only opposition force struggling against “fascism.”

Topple authorities in 30seconds

Parliamentary candidate, Haykakan Zhamanak daily editor-in-chief Nikol Pashinyan called on voters to show courage.

“Cameras in voting cabins are mere rumors. When asked about your party of choice, you don’t have to name ANC, but as soon as you’re in the cabin, make the 30-second revolution happen,” the oppositionist said.

Pashinyan urged those present to vote for ANC to secure their children’s life in a free and independent Armenia.

Parliamentary race accounting

At the rally, Armenian National Movement leader commented on the cost of Armenian parties’ electoral campaigns.

“The following sums were spent: ANC – AMD 4 million, ARF Dashnaktsutyun – AMD 20 million, Orinats Yerkir – AMD 17 million, Heritage – AMD 37 million, Republican Party of Armenia – AMD 50 million,” Aram Manukyan announced.

“However, if RPA has TV and school directors at its disposal – why would it spend that kind of money? I’ve been to 800 homes and realized no one in this country will vote for RPA,” he stressed.

Chasing Karabakh

ANC parliamentary candidate pointed out current authorities’ negligence for Karabakh conflict settlement.

As Vladimir Karapetyan noted at ANC rally, “the document signed April 3 in Baku suggests that Karabakh conflict must be resolved “based on territorial integrity principle”.” “However, no reaction followed from either Armenia, or Karabakh,” he said.

“Recent European Parliament-backed decision stipulates against Armenian conscripts’ military service in Karabakh. One more step, and we’ll be announced invaders,” the politician said.

In conclusion, Karapetyan urged those gathered against voting for regime to disallow further omissions on the issue.

Stepan Demirchyan’s pessimistic forecast

At the rally, the leader of Democratic Party of Armenia blamed current authorities for “the crisis the country is facing.”

“Coalition is the one responsible for poverty and emigration. Should current authorities become re-elected, they’ll continue to use power to attain personal goals, which will lead to further emigration and moral decay. To live in a democratic country, we must achieve the change of power,” Stepan Demirchyan stressed.

“ANC has the will and potential necessary to take the country out of crisis. On May 6, we’ll lay a foundation for the changes our country needs,” Demirchyan concluded.

Hrant Bagratyan on people’s economic burden

Armenian National Congress member, ex-Prime Minister Hrant Bagratyan slammed current economic downturn in Armenia.

At ANC rally, the politician refuted authorities’ reports of doubled incomes among the population.

“Every year, we’re told about increased number of jobs, with unemployment still persisting. The load of economic crisis is shifted onto people’s shoulders while oligarchs are the ones to enjoy foreign donations meant for Armenian citizens,” the MP stressed.

As he noted, the names of those who fell victim to the authorities’ economic crimes will be collected.

Armenian National movement leader Aram Manukyan, in turn, noted to have received video materials with reports of Diaspora’s Armenian community support for ANC.

Dialogue and envy of world opposition

Armenian National Congress leader said a dialogue is the highest achievement in Armenia’s political ethics.

As Levon Ter-Petrossian stated at ANC rally, “the dialogue enabled the release of political prisoners, allowed to gain access to Liberty Square. Any opposition in the world would envy ANC’s achievements.”

Commenting on the joint headquarters for election monitoring, involving Dashnaktsutyun, Prosperous Armenia and ANC, Ter-Petrossian said that some have joined the headquarters to paralyze its work.

21st century Armenian Genocide, re: Charles Aznavour

ANC leader accused current authorities of triggering emigration of 1 million- the figure comparable to the number of Armenian Genocide victims.

“Those demanding Genocide recognition are responsible for similar genocide in their own country. It’s not me who said that. I’m citing Armenian Ambassador to Switzerland Charles Aznavour, appointed by President Serzh Sargsyan,” Levon Ter-Petrossian said during ANC rally.

Ter-Petrossian further noted corruption as another result of current regime’s activities. “Are those robbing their own people hoping to gain another victory over Azerbaijan?” ANC leader questioned.

“The government fails to provide its citizens’ security, with the police and court, bribed by the criminals, taking sides against a person who hoped to find protection,” Ter-Petrossian said, also condemning current suicides in the army.

Next ANC rally scheduled for May 3

A member of Armenian National Congress (ANC) opposition bloc Aram Manukyan announced May 3 as the date for the next ANC rally.

On April 24, ANC will march to Tsitsernakaberd monument in commemoration of Armenian Genocide victims.