ANC rally summary: Armenian opposition, like S-class Mercedes, won't be stopped by 40C heat

 August 2, 2011 - 22:47 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - ANC marks its birthday at the rally

The rally of the opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC) started at Yerevan’s Liberty Square despite 40C heat. The rally brought together several hundred people, with the Square watered beforehand to make the heat tolerable.

Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper editor-in-chief Nikol Pashinyan opened the rally at Liberty Square.

As the oppositionist noted in his opening speech, “neither heat nor snow will stop ANC.” ANC stays true to its main goal, Pashinyan said, urging current authorities to resign.

On the occasion of ANC formation 3rd anniversary, Pashinyan briefed those gathered on Congress achievements.

“3 years ago, we had over 100 political prisoners, we have none at present; 3 years ago, the Liberty Square was banned for opposition rallies, yet here we are today; 3 years ago the authorities were trying to avoid investigating March 1, 2008 events, now they have to address the issue,” Pashinyan said, crediting ANC’s struggle for all those achievements.

As he further noted, current authorities have to negotiate with the opposition rather speak the language of force.

Addressing to those unsatisfied with the pace of ANC activities, Pashinyan said, “even an S-class Mercedes can’t always move with the same speed.”

Opposition accuses authorities of increased migration rate

The Armenian National Movement (ANM) board chairman Aram Manukyan expressed his disbelief for the authorities at ANC rally, referring to opposition –coalition dialogue. Manukyan noted migration as one of the key issues in Armenia. “350000 Armenians died in World War II; current migration rate will soon reach the figure cited,” Manukyan stressed.

Last warning of opposition

Unless the authorities finalize the issue of pre-term elections, the opposition will consider the terms set as fully expired, ANC leader said.

As Levon Ter-Petrossian noted, in that case, immediate resignation of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and ruling coalition will be the only issue on the agenda. “The statement above is just a warning. Yet a time for ultimatums may come too, as they don't run counter to Armenian Constitution. I have no doubt that a serious and final breakthrough will be made in September-October to prevent a political crisis,” Ter-Petrossian said.

The quality of the next parliamentary and presidential elections will depend on the results of March 1, 2008 events investigation, ANC leader said.

As Ter-Petrossian stated, should the regular elections be allowed, the perpetrators of the events will not be punished, and “we'll be left to face the next falsified elections in a row.”

As he noted, “ANC, authorities and people have so far gained nothing from the dialogue. However, Armenia, as a state, gained much, raising its authority as a civilized country in the eyes of international community. In addition, Armenia strengthened its position in Karabakh talks. Clearly, the majority of people support peaceful and open settlement of current issues.”

Next opposition rally in Yerevan due September 9, unless any emergency occurs

Ter-Petrossian announced September 9 as the next rally date.

“The next rally is scheduled for September 9, unless any extraordinary event, requiring immediate response occurs,” ANC leader said.

After the rally, the demonstrators marked 3rd anniversary of Armenian National Congress formation.