Authorities, opposition launch rallies in Yerevan

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan brought supporters to the streets after the military urged him to resign on Thursday, February 25, a move he described as "a coup attempt."

Not far from Pashinyan's rally at the Republic Square in downtown Yerevan, the opposition headed by candidate for PM Vazgen Manukyan gathered at the Freedom Square and marched towards the National Assembly, demanding the PM's resignation.

The country is facing a serious political crisis after the top military brass demanded Pashinyan's resignation. The PM, however, claims he had already dismissed the chief of the Army General Staff. The parliamentary opposition has already weighed in on the matter, urging against bloodshed and calling for a peaceful transition of power.

Addressing his supporters, Pashinyan said he though about leaving the PM's post following the war, but added that "only the nation can make him go."

"All attempts to provoke a civil war must be stopped by the National Security Service, the police and the people," Pashinyan said at the Republic Square.

"Why do you think we suggested holding snap elections? We wanted the nation to restore its power after all, but the 17 [opposition] parties, the parliamentary forces rejected our proposal."

The Premier said he expects Gasparyan to resign, or else, he added, the President should sign the decision to sack him.

Pashinyan also called for a dialogue with the opposition and said he will initiate consultations to find a way out of the situation.