Armenian Opposition Leader Wants to Become PM

Armenian opposition leader, MP Nikol Pashinyan, says he is ready to become the Prime Minister of the country, if the people support him.

 “We cannot allow the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) to retain its power by sacrificing its leader, Sargsyan,” Pashinyan stated, adding the opposition will not let the ruling party elect a new PM from the majority, again.

Pashinyan was going to meet the acting PM of Armenia, Karen Karapetyan, but the Armenian media informs the meeting has been cancelled.

Karapetyan issued a statement over on cancellation of the meeting, saying the opposition leader has raised too many demands and conditions, which makes it impossible to hold the meeting.

“He proposed a list of participants from our side, and also stated that he would discuss exclusively his agenda. This does not mean negotiation or dialogue, but presentation of own agenda and own point of view,” news.am quoted the PM.

Karapetyan also added he has a good experience in negotiating but has never seen such a format before.

“Being concerned about the current situation, as the head of the executive power I appeal to the President of the Republic of Armenia to organize a meeting with a board range of parliamentary and extra-parliamentary political forces to discuss the current internal political situation and find possible ways out of it," said Karapetyan.

Meanwhile, Pashinyan called on the protesters to resume demonstrations, saying the resignation of former PM, Serzh Sargsyan, does not mean the process is over.

“The RPA is trying to use the euphoria of the society in connection with the resignation of Serzh Sargsyan in order to retain its power. The RPA cannot remain in power. The people won, and victory must be secured," he said.

Protest rallies started in Armenia on April 13.

By Thea Morrison

Photo source: news.am