Armenian President Armen Sarkissian, in a statement released today, described the country as being in a “deep post-war crisis” and appealed to the people to remain calm, maintain law and order, an jointly seek solutions to present challenges.
He warned law enforcement not to use disproportionate force when dealing with those breaking the law. This is a reference to some anti-Pashinyan protesters who have recently blocked Yerevan streets, even commandeering a trolley bus.
Sarkissian said that Pashinyan’s government needs to understand the reality of the day and not fall back on the populist rhetoric and policies of the 2018 period.
Here’s some of his statement.
“Regardless of the position we hold, our political beliefs and views, our personal likes and dislikes, we must think about the future of our state, country and people.
“Each of us has the right to express our opinion, dissatisfaction and demand an explanation from the authorities for the enormous human-territorial losses caused to us by the war.
“Today we need turning points. Solutions must be within the framework of national agreement. We must be able to restore the atmosphere of tolerance, mutual respect, to bring together all the positive and vital qualities of our people, to turn them into a collective force, which will be the guarantee of our further success. The actions of the President and Presidential Institute are aimed at that very goal.”