Armenian nationalist group starting "civil disobedience"
The National Democratic Pole movement, formerly known as the Sasna Tsrer opposition group, has announced the start of "a civil disobedience campaign" against the Armenian government with rallies to be held in Yerevan and different provinces from 19 October, the movement’s coordinator, Zhirayr Sefilyan, has said.
"We are starting acts of civil disobedience. They include blocking streets, surrounding buildings and putting up barricades to declare a transitional government," Sefilyan flagged while addressing a rally in Yerevan on 15 October.
He called on people to ensure a high turnout during the rallies "to form a transitional government, to hold traitors accountable and ensure the physical safety of the country and the nation with Armenia's real partners." He added that the next rally will be held on 30 October.
Another member of the movement, Garegin Chugaszyan, said that Armenia was now at the centre of major geopolitical changes. He said the incumbent authorities were unable to ensure the country's interests. He accused the government of serving Russia and Turkey's interests and criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin for his "imperial desires." He also accused Putin of forcing Armenia to "give up on its multi-vector diplomacy."