Next opposition rally due on July 4

PanARMENIAN.Net - The opposition rally finished in Yerevan late on June 20 evening.



Opposition leader, Armenia's first President Levon Ter-Petrosyan announced a minute of silence in commemoration of ten victims of March 1 events and conferred them the rank of national heroes, for "they died in the name of democracy and independence."



The rally had two objectives: first, to show that the national spirit is not subdued and second, to prove that the nation doesn't recognize Serzh Sargsyan as legitimate President, according to Ter-Petrosyan



"Today's rally is the evidence that people stand firm to protect their rights. Armenia's image is not damaged, but the prestige of the authorities is questioned," he said. "The opposition is ready to establish a dialog with the authorities but it will never be a haggling. We do not need posts, we have them thanks to our people."



Ter-Petrosyan reminded about several conditions PACE set before the Armenian government, namely independent investigation into March 1 events, annulment of amendments to the law restricting conduction of rallies and release of political prisoners. "I call on the authorities to fulfill the third and the most important condition," he said.



Ter-Petrosyan promised to call on PACE not to impose sanctions on Armenia if all political prisoners are released before the Assembly's summer session. He also called on the demonstrators not to believe rumors about "escape of the movement's leaders from the republic." "Believe me, I will be the last person to give up the struggle," he said, IA Regnum reports.



The next opposition rally is scheduled for July 4.