Category: 2021

“It is not normal to have a person considering himself the prime minister of the country to wake up in bad mood in the morning and decide to dismiss the Chief to the General Staff,” politician, public figure Arman Saghatelyan told reporters during a protest outside the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense on Saturday.

No note, dozens of militaries, veterans and citizens are holding protest in support of the Chief of the General Staff Onik Gasparyan and the Army leadership amid the ongoing standoff with the government. 

In Saghatelyan’s words, the ongoing crisis has no easy settlement as the political leadership of Armenia lacks enough wisdom to perceive the state and national interests of Armenia, especially in a situation when all national institutions demand their resignation. 

Saghatelyan noted that the guarantees for immunity of the top military and the inviolability of the Defense Ministry in case of possible political developments are clearly enshrined in the Constitution of Armenia.  

“That is one thing that makes the Chief of the General Staff differ from other militaries and for that reason he is appointed for a term of five years. The Constitution does not envisage any other action other than the appointment. It is obvious that the direction taken by the capitulant authorities is not reasonable to settle the standoff,” said Saghatelyan. 

At a remark that during the recent pro-government rally Pashinyan issued instructions to the Chief of the General Staff, Saghatelyan said: “It was another example of populism. With that, he wants to rule. He in incapable of managing and wants to preserve his power through manipulations and putting the blame on others. This is a disgrace, and proponents of this type of discourse have recently activated. They try to present that not the diplomacy and negotiations failed but whether we need Artsakh at all as it didn’t belong to us.”

“The ongoing political crisis in Armenia will be settled within the Constitution and the laws,” the Head of Homeland party Artur Vanetsyan said at the briefing with reporters before the Saturday rally of the opposition Homeland Salvation Movement. 

Vanetsyan said that much expected changes are taking place as result of the rallies as people change their mood and perception. 

“At first, the authorities tried to present this struggle as a simple fight for power between the old and new authorities, yet the public realized that the matter is about a more serious thing and refers to the existence of our country and its well-being,” Vanetsyan stressed, adding even those citizens who do not support the Movement still visit Baghramyan avenue to voice their discontent. 

“Our agenda remains the same – to remove Pashinyan, form an interim government and then go to snap elections. The people of Armenia  will decide who will come to power in Armenia through a free will,” said the opposition politician, adding Pashinyan has proved his inability to ensure fair elections. 

“Our actions will continue. Baghramyan avenue is shut down. and our supporters are here. More rallies and marches are expected. As to concrete actions, those may result in Pashinyan’s forced resignation under increased public pressure,” added Vanetsyan.

“There is no risk for a new war as long as the enemy can put forward demands and get whatever they want without any efforts struggle and resistance,” political scientist Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan said ahead of the opposition Homeland Salvation Movement rally on Baghramyan avenue. 

The enemy, per Melik-Shahnazaryan, has a partner in Armenia in the face of Armenian authorities. “That is why there can be no war, as they simply express their wishes and put forward demands, consistency carrying out own plans.:  

The political scientist added that not ‘partner’ but the word ‘minion’ can better characterize the current authorities in their relation to the enemy. 

“The fact, that Aliyev freely speaks about Zangezur and says they would make Armenia open the road, comes to prove he is quite confident as there is no resistance from the opposite side. The country does not defend its interests, and Azerbaijan along with Turkey obviously strengthen their position, knowing this situation may not last long,” said the expert, adding the enemy sees the ongoing movement in Armenia and people’s demand to recover and remove the treacherous leaders. 

Melik-Shahnazaryan said that the present period is the most decisive to remove the authorities under public pressure. He also hoped the NSS and Police will join the people’s demand that may ultimately result in Pashinyan’s withdrawal.

“We are patient and quite educated nation for reconciling ourselves with the fact that we have lost a significant part of the motherland, our army is broken, we have lost thousands of young people, Aliyev speaks about Armenians with disdain. We are ignored,” the candidate for the post of interim prime minister Vazgen Manukyan stated during the rally on Baghramyan Avenue. 

He noted that those who demand Pashinyan’s resignation and are not attending the Saturday rally are more than the ones who are participating in the rally. “I call on you if you want to join, do so. If you want to cooperate, do so. Otherwise, start your own initiatives and make own decisions. There is no time to wait, as our state is dying in front of our eyes. Our nation is dying,” Manukyan stated. 

He once again pointed to the need of snap elections for the people to elect their leaders, but in elections not organised with Pashinyan in power. The latter, per Manukyan, has neither moral right nor ability for organizing fair elections. “What elections can be organised in a police state. Our country is no more a democratic state, but a police one,” said Manukyan. 

The opposition leader called on the Army, saying whole Armenia stands behind it and much depends on it. 

“You should not obey to any order as to what this Court may rule. Our state is dying and its salvation is above any law,” said Manukyan, adding: “Let us be civilized, patient but moderate. People are said have no right to rebel. Who said that? If people are being killed should they obey to that act? We should stand on our feet, recover, unite and win. Nation, Army, Victory!” Manukyan concluded his speech at the rally.

Aram Khachaturian concert hall will host a concert on March 18 at 19.30 to celebrate the 100th birthday anniversary of Arno Babajanyan, one of the greatest Armenian composers, pianist, People’s Artist of the USSR and a laureate of Government awards. As the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra reports, the concert will feature State Symphony Orchestra (Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Sergey Smbatyan) performing with pianist Alexander Ghindin, soprano Siranush Gasparyan, baritones Ilya Kuzmin, Gevorg Hakobyan. The concert will be conducted by Sergey Smbatyan. 

The programme features “Heroic ballade” for piano and orchestra  “Bring me back the music” for piano and orchestra, Nocturne (Concert piece for piano and orchestra) songs and film scores “Grateful to you”, “Ferris wheel”, “My heart is in the Highlands” and other famous works of the composer.