`Barev Revolution’ Leader outlines plans for the week
YEREVAN (A.W.) – Opposition leader Raffi Hovannisian addressed a large
crowd gathered at Freedom Square on Feb. 24, saying that a new flood
surges in Armenia today to cleanse the country.
Opposition leader Raffi Hovannisian addressed a large crowd gathered
at Freedom Square on Feb. 24, saying that a new flood surges in
Armenia today to cleanse the country. (Photo by Khatchig Mouradian)
`Today in the Ararat plain, in Noah’s world, surges a new flood – clear
and clean, and – at the same time – powerful, historic, and
forward-looking,’ said Hovannisian. `It comes to cleanse our country
of all its impurities and lies. And under the waves of which will
drown fear, hatred, evil, envy, and timidity.’
The breath of 1988, and the spirit of 2008 is here with us today,
Hovannisian said, noting that `this square does not recognize
political parties any longer. It is, first and foremost, the citizens
of Armenia that stand here.’
`This is not the Ottoman Empire, this is not the Soviet Union, and
it’s crystal clear, that those who betrayed the trust of the people
will be dethroned, and the Armenian people will ascend to the throne,’
Hovannisian noted.
A scene from the gathering at Freedom Square on Feb. 24 (Photo by
Khatchig Mouradian)
Hovannisian called on the police to avoid intimidating the public
during meetings and rallies. `They’re saying gatherings were illegal.
Let them look elsewhere for illegal acts,’ he said. `The Armenian
citizen is not afraid anymore. We have finally realized that our time
has come, and that we are finally becoming a nation, a state, a
republic!’
`Those who block roads [to prevent people from attending rallies and
meetings] will be held accountable,’ Hovannisian noted.
The week ahead
The opposition leader then outlined his plans for the week. He
announced that he will give a press conference on Feb. 25, an hour
after the Central Electoral Commission releases the final results of
the presidential election.
Hovannisian addresses the crowd (Photo by Khatchig Mouradian)
On Feb. 26, Hovannisian will visit Armavir, Medzamor, Etchmiadzin,
Masis, Ardashad, Ararad, Surenavan, Areni, Yeghegnadzor, and Dayk.
On Feb. 27, he will visit Akarag, Meghri, Kajaran, Ghapan, Goris, and Sisian.
On Feb. 28, he will visit Charentsavan, Byureghavan, Nor Hadjin, and
Abovyan. On the same day, at 5p.m., a rally will be held at Freedom
Square in Yerevan, featuring speeches by opposition leaders and
activists.
From: Baghdasarian