Armenia's Pashinyan a crusader who keeps democracy dream alive: TIMEJuly 12, 2018 - 16:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - In a compilation of what TIME calls crusaders who are keeping the dream of democracy alive, the magazine has spoken with four people, including Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who have fought to defend democracy in their countries, about what inspired them and what it takes. An opposition politician, Pashinyan led the protests that toppled then Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan in April and shortly after became the nation’s leader. "It was love for my people that forced me to get out of my comfortable office as head of a parliamentary faction and spend about 20 nights in the woods, the streets, in a tent, in protest at the government led by Serzh Sargsyan," Pashinyan said. "I had no personal motivations. All I wanted was to win freedom and happiness for my homeland and people. I said that if citizens took to the streets in the hundreds of thousands and power did not change, I would no longer engage in political activities. From the very first day, we kept saying we would not resort to violence against anyone, even if we were met with brutality. From the podium, I said we would be guided by a biblical verse: if someone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek too. We knew we would never retreat." Now that people have triumphed, Pashinyan said he will honor his commitment to ensure that their victory lasts. "I am convinced that we will move forward in building democracy, fighting corruption, establishing an independent judiciary and rule of law, and protecting human rights and economic competition," he said. "For us, democracy is not a component of regional interests or foreign-policy orientation but a reflection of values and convictions. I believe Armenia will be one of the world’s strongest democracies." The three other "crusaders" are Human Rights Defender Farida Nabourema from Togo, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ouided Bouchamaoui from Tunisia, and opposition leader Enrieth Martínez from Nicaragua. Top stories The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has visited the southern Armenian province of Syunik, the Defense Ministry reported on March 18. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |