YEREVAN (A.W.)—The outpouring of support for Heritage Party chair Raffi Hovannisian continued today, while questions were raised regarding Armenian National Congress (ANC) head Levon Ter-Petrosian’s lack of vocalized support for his fellow opposition leader.
Among those who visited Hovannisian were members of the ARF Parliamentary bloc Lilit Galstian, Ardzvig Minasyan, and Vahan Hovhannesian, as well as ARF Eastern U.S. chairperson Antranig Kasbarian. Numerous other party leaders, politicians, and activists also stopped by Hovannisian’s bench. They included Armenia’s Justice Minister Hrayr Tovmasyan, and singers Roupen Hakhverdyan, Forsh, and Vahan Artsruni.
Meanwhile, the vice chair of the ruling Republican Party, Galust Sahakyan, reportedly said Hovannisian was making abstract statements and that his hunger strike was baseless.
On March 18, when a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reporter asked Hovannisian what he thought of Ter-Petrosian’s stance, he said each politician has a different perspective, approach, and moral compass, and that he had no expectations from the ANC. However, “If the roles were reversed, and if it was the first president [Ter-Petrosian] or any other activist who was in a hunger strike, regardless of my convictions or position, I would express my solidarity with him,” he added.
Hovannisian noted that Ter-Petrosian’s decision not to acknowledge him during the previous day’s oppositional rally should be regarded as a political stance. In fact, in the past, Heritage has vocalized concerns that Ter-Petrosian is attempting to monopolize control over the opposition.
Echoing the words of Jirair Sefilian, Karabagh war hero and a leader of the Sardarapat movement, ArmeniaNow editor John Hughes said in an editorial, “When Ter-Petrosian entered Liberty Square yesterday, he walked through a door cracked open because Hovannisian had the audacity to sit night and day on a park bench there.”
“That neither Ter-Petrosian nor any of his compatriots publicly acknowledged Hovannisian during the opposition’s protest, which turned into a victory rally, reveals the political pettiness that stymies a unified opposition and perhaps a personal shortcoming on Ter-Petrosian’s part that is unbecoming of any public figure with aspirations of being the country’s top public servant,” added Hughes, who commended President Serge Sarkisian’s “restraint” and “civility to recognize legitimate public discontent.”
When asked if there was animosity between Ter-Petrosian and himself, Hovannisian said, “There is no animosity from my part. He was the first president; I was the first foreign minister. Later, I opposed him and all the succeeding presidents. I have criticized him, which I believe was justified. And I believe that all three presidencies—although they have done some good work—have committed grave mistakes.”
Hovannisian said he believes Ter-Petrosian’s stance was a product of his politics. “In the past I used to think that it was because he lacked political culture, but I think he is an enlightened person, an intelligent politician, and so I believe it is due to the politics he has adopted.”
In his statements to RFE/RL, Hovannisian warned the former president that if he continues on the same path, he “will cause great and continuous disappointment to the people who gathered [in Freedom Square] yesterday.”
The Armenian National Congress (ANC) held a large rally in front of the Madenataran, which then moved to Freedom Square, on March 17. Thousands of protesters gathered to demand reforms. The police put the number of protesters at 9,000, while the pro-opposition A1+ media outlet claimed that up to 70,000 people had been in the square. Independent sources put the figure at around 12,000.
The police initially blocked the streets leading to the square where Raffi Hovannisian was staging a hunger strike, a “Freedom Fast,” since March 15. In a surprising move, the police allowed protesters into the square. The crowd began chanting, “Raffi! Raffi!” Speaking to the crowd, Hovannisian called for free elections and dignity for the people. He later told reporters he was pleased to welcome the people’s right to reenter Freedom Square.
Although the crowd undoubtedly acknowledged Hovannisian’s struggle—as it began chanting “Raffi! Raffi!”—what irked some was the lack of support from ANC speakers, chiefly from Ter-Petrosian.
Nanore Barsoumian
Latest posts by Nanore Barsoumian (see all)
- What’s Behind All the Pro-Azerbaijan Articles? - October 24, 2020
- Sharp Rise in Hate Speech Threatens Turkey’s Armenians - October 8, 2020
- When Erdogan Apologizes - May 9, 2019
Bravo Raffi.
It is high time that all those who yearn for the mantle of political leadership start sacrificing for their beliefs.
I LOVE THIS MAN
Bravo Raffi and good luck and support to you. At present, you are the best to bring change and improvement to Armenia. Our corrupt government should change, or we will lose our country to God knows to who???
Raffi for President!!!!
End corruption! End monopolies! End mafia rule! End the oligarchs!
Persuading Enemies
Unfortunately in this critical time of our nation When Azerbaijan threatens to shoot down Karabakh planes
Our Leaders with their stubborn Ego and maybe hunger for Position are fighting with each other They turned blind eye to see the Tsunami is coming. There is no daubt that Foreigners want instability in Armenia.
USA
God watch over you, Raffi. May your fast free your mind and give you a clear vision for Armenia.
Then, God willing, run for President!
You are the best,we need you in Armenia…..We love you
I do think that the Diasporan (political) organizations and figures do not raise their voice or loud enough when unacceptable things happen in Armenia. I wonder why.
Though I approve of Ishkhan´s post here more than all others(they all are good too),I first ask him to let go of that name Prince.We do not need a Govt of Ishkhans and even the erroneously used word ISHKHANUTYIUN -read Principality? Princedom? in RA.We need Govt. this must be born in mind.In Armenia people sheepishly use word ishkhan,thence the oligarks think indeed they each are Ishkhans…so much for that.
As to exactly why presently some people do not realize V.Oskanian and yet another colleague-i forget his name -who also was for a short period FM do not ,NAY DID NOT APPROACH TO DEAR RAFFI IS simple:-While some talk of Civil Society,they themselves do not come to see RAFFI…see what I mean? no,I don´t think you do.
Those are people conceited and Ishkhan like people, thinking only they deserve to be in Governing position ,in short, MENADERS, Dictators, Neros, what else does it mean?
LTP, V.Oskanian and a host of others should come and pay short visit to RAFFI.
Now then, whether they will or not , that is their busines.But this goes to show that we ,as a whole(Armenians) are not as yet on a standard that can respect-at the very least- what a fellow colleague/competitor is DEMONSTRATING.What is the exact definition of a hunger strike? it to drive home one´s belief to others…in this case RAffi wishes that there be SOME CHANGE.He does not advocate any other issue,just that.
At this very critical turning point in world history,when things happen very fast,only the very flexible can perceive and act in accordance with the peoples´ wishes,before too late. In our case,very few are aware of the aforemenioned. Praise to those like Vahan Hovanissian and others-i forget the names now,who did have that courtesy/maturity to respect fellow politician´s IDEA/ACT of CIVIL DEMONSTRATION,asking FOR CHANGE!!
RAFFI you were the first to anounce, high and loud, in Istanbul, the Arm. Genocide issue. At the time yoy were the for. minister.
Now you are doing another exceptional thing. SHAD ABRIS!
Levon Der Bedrossian did not notice you, never mind, there is no one bigger and better than him!!! He sees himself the Alpha and the Omega. He also is a good dancer, SHOURCHBAR. IN THAT TOO IS THE FIRST, THE LEADER.
Our dear leaders in our beloved republic, have to mind the huge surge of political movements in the EAST. They have to be very cautious!
Rafi Hovanisyan is the only politician in today’s Armenia who can make real changes toward democracy. Unfortunately this hunger strike will end with no result because people who hold the power in Armenia are busy about making their fortunes. That is why I call Rafi to stop hunger strike.
Rafi, Armenia need you strong and healthy
Raffi Hovanisyan is the only politician in today’s Armenia who can make real changes toward democracy. Unfortunately this hunger strike will end with no result because people who hold the power in Armenia are busy about making their fortunes. That is why I call Raffi to stop hunger strike.
Raffi, Armenia need you strong and healthy
So encouraged to see all of these words of support for Raffi! We are supporting Raffi’s cause, and have started a designated facebook presence to keep up with latest news, developments and updates from Liberty Square. Join us on http://goo.gl/5imGS we’d love to hear from you all! Let’s bring all of our supporters for a truly free and democratic Armenian society and government together.
Raffi is hungry for change. Are you?
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hungry-for-Change-Freedom-and-Justice-in-Armenia-%D4%BE%D5%B8%D5%B4-%D4%B1%D5%A6%D5%A1%D5%BF%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%A9%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%B6/207292355963270?sk=wall
This type of attitude is an effort to reach out to opposition voters, while everybody here thinks it is directed against the authorities. RA political team apparently expects that the U.S. prepares Levon and its congress for the role of the opposition for the 2012 parliamentary elections. In light of this, I think this is the most reasonable explanation as to why Mr. Hovhannisyan is willing to destroy himself by going on a hunger strike.
Besides, perhaps, the ex-Foreign Minister wants to shed some weight to be healthy.
Best regards,
David
Citizen of United States
This type of attitude is an effort to reach out to opposition voters, while
everybody here thinks it is directed against the authorities. RA political team
apparently expects that the U.S. prepares Levon and its congress for the role of
the opposition for the 2012 parliamentary elections. In light of this, I think
this is the most reasonable explanation as to why Mr. Hovhannisyan is willing to
destroy himself by going on a hunger strike. Besides, perhaps, the ex-Foreign Minister wants to shed some weight to be healthy.
Best regards,
David