YEREVAN (A.W.)—The Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) announced today that the rally scheduled to take place on Feb. 20 at Yerevan’s Liberty Square has been canceled. The rally had been organized by the PAP, together with the Armenian National Congress (HAK), and the Heritage Party, as tensions escalated between PAP leader Gagik Tsarukyan and Armenian President Serge Sarkisian.
“Taking into consideration the extremely tense and emotional condition in [our] society, and to avoid potential provocations and clashes, the Political Council of the Prosperous Armenia Party has decided to cancel the Feb. 20 protest rally. As a result of political consolidation, we will—through all legal avenues—find political solutions, in order to come out of this situation and protect the interests of society,” read the PAP statement.
Tsarukyan also issued a short statement. “I cherish the life and pride of each of our citizens. No objective can justify the shedding of even one person’s blood… All issues must be resolved peacefully, legally, and through political avenues,” it read.
Soon after these announcements, Heritage Party leader Raffi Hovanissian told reporters that his party would still hold a rally on Feb. 20, as originally planned. “The fight is on…these are my words,” Hovanissian told reporters, adding, “Today, we have appeared in an unprecedented political and civil situation, which demands an immediate and complete solution.”
On Feb. 12, Sarkisian criticized Tsarukyan at a Republican Party of Armenia Council meeting, and announced that the PAP leader would be excluded from the National Security Council. Tsarukyan responded to Sarkisian’s criticisms and called on the citizens of Armenia to “prepare for struggle.” Tsarukyan also vowed to rid Armenia from what he called an “evil regime.”
After a meeting with representatives of the opposition HAK and the Heritage Party, it was announced that the three parties would hold a joint rally on Feb. 20.
On Feb. 17, a meeting took place between Sarkisian and Tsarukyan, mediated by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun (ARF-D). Following the meeting, ARF Bureau member Armen Rustamyan told 168.am., “We have continuously said that sharp edges need to be smoothed out, that we are on the side of improving relations, and that we have exerted our humble efforts in that regard. We are pleased that the meeting has finally taken place, that communication is advancing, and that the ice is melting.”
Whoever knocked some sense into the musclehead – did a great job.
And congrats to RoA-ARF for acting like adults, putting petty politics aside, and the interests of Armenian Nation first and foremost: late Vahan Hovannesian would be proud.
Kudos to our Great Armenian people in Armenia.
So now what?
The movement is dead?
Why was Tsarukyan the only one to meet with Sargsian?
Is this movement only about him?
First, he wasn’t the only one who met President Sarkisian.
Tsarukyan’s name was pronounced more than anybody else’s name.
Tsarukyan has the capability to do this.
But I’m glad they understand whats the best for the country right now.
Yes we need a change. But not this year.
We have to find a peacefull solution for 2015.
The enemy will be very happy , if we take serious steps and revolt the people.
Please hold your nerves.
Thankyou
Mihran. Canada
Thank you Avery, well said,
“Whoever knocked some sense into the muscle head – did a great job”.
Couldn’t wait 2 more months? He must be a “great “politician” pleasing the “enemy”.