“Homeland Salvation Movement” Continues Blocking Baghramyan Avenue
The night was calm on Baghramyan Avenue. Gegham Manukyan, representative of ARF Dashnaktsutyun party, announced that nothing extraordinary had taken place and the dawn had been peaceful.
G. Manukyan: "What is going to happen will happen".
The supporters of “Homeland Salvation Movement” (transl.) blocked Baghramyan Avenue and demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Leader of Homeland (Hayrenik) Party Artur Vanetsyan claimed he could have solved many issues, including the return of the prisoners of war, in a few days if he were in the position to do so.
Vanetsyan: "I officially promise that in case I come to power, the issue of returning the POWs will be solved in a few days. Personal connections…"
Journalist: "With Azerbaijan?"
Vanetsyan: "Personal connections generally have a very important role…"
Journalist: "Your personal connections with Azerbaijan?"
Vanetsyan: "No, why Azerbaijan? How can it be Azerbaijan? With Russian Federation, other countries. I have personal relationships with various people and I am sure I will be able to solve these issues".
Vazgen Manukyan, the PM candidate of the Movement, called on the army and the police to rebel. Later, he said that if it were necessary for lifting the martial law, they would bring the members of “My Step” (Im Qayle) to the National Assembly from their homes one by one. Manukyan talked about Onik Gasparyan, Chief of the General Staff of Armenian Armed Forces, insisting that the supporters of opposition parties (”17+”) oppose the military coup.
V. Manukyan: "The army will rebel, we call on the army to rebel. The army cannot obey any illegal order. If the army is standing strong, the police will not be able to do anything. Secondly, I know many honorable police officers. All of them are against this. In ’88, we wanted a Supreme Council session, but the MPs wouldn’t arrive. We brought them all from their homes one by one. We will do the same thing now".
The PM has sent the decree of dismissing Gasparyan to the President. Manukyan announced about their intention to walk to the presidential palace, calling on him to refuse signing the decree. The members of the Movement arrived at Baghramyan 26. The presidential office announced that Armen Sarkissian would receive them.
“The President will receive our delegation at 3:40 pm.”
Before the meeting, the “Homeland Salvation Movement” marched along Proshyan Street to the Republic Square, then returned to the National Assembly. Vanetsyan announced that during the meeting with the President they had asked him as a guarantor of the Constitution to find a solution within his powers to the extraordinary situation in the country. They agreed to prioritize and to be guided by the interests of the state.
Vanetsyan: “The President didn’t promise anything concrete. He heard our clear demand and said he will meet the Chief of the General Staff and the top officers of the Armed Forces and will make a decision during the upcoming days”.
The PM candidate from the “Homeland Salvation Movement” announced the beginning of the most decisive days for Armenia. He said that if Pashinyan obtains Onik Gasparyan’s dismissal, the army will stand up. He stressed that if it doesn’t, they will make it so.
V. Manukyan: "The army must stand up. And now the most decisive days for Armenia begin".
Others made speeches from the platform, addressing the population of the provinces and insisting that the decisive days are ahead and tangible steps must be taken. At night, they are going to stay in tents put up along the avenue, where warm coffee and tea are distributed.
