During today's meeting with Gyumri citizens, the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) called for drastic steps, in particular a change of power.
Leader of People's Party of Armenia (HZhK) Stepan Demirtchyan noted that power change is only possible through elections.
"We call for extraordinary pan-national presidential and parliamentary elections. The country will not surmount the crisis unless new elections are held in the country. The authorities rig elections, illegally imprison people and then offer negotiations," Mr. Demirtchyan said in his speech.
The HZhK leader linked the country's grave economic state to the authorities' policy rather than to the global financial crisis.
"The authorities enrich only their pockets leading people to abject poverty. Armenia will be able to face foreign challenges by restoring legitimacy and justice in the country."
"Today power is concentrated in the hands of lion lovers and lion hunters but the change of power is on our doorstep. You can hardly find a man in Armenia who will say he is a friend of Robert Kocharyan. All these people are unhappy and I feel pity for them as they simply pour their fury on us. No matter how hard Serzh Sargsayn tries to gain public confidence he cannot conceal the fact of the ten victims," said Leader of Republic (Hanrapetutyun) Party Aram Sargsyan
"For the sake of Karabakh, I call on Robert Kocahryan and Serzh Sargsyan to hold an extraordinary presidential election in Armenia by September. This is HAK's last advice to the authorities," he added.
The rally was attended by Gagik Jhangiryan who depicted Armenia's scene from the presidential elections of 2008 to the present day. He underlined that the charges filed against opposition activists were trumped up and advised Armenians to be armed with patience on the path of final victory.
"Victory, victory," shouted the crowded.
