Epress.am News from Armenia
Residents promised units in new buildings constructed on Aram, Yekmalyan, Buzand and Saryan streets in Yerevan continued their protest today across the street from the presidential residence. They had with them placards and warm blankets, preparing to stay outside as long as necessary, until their concerns are addressed.
Recall, protesters yesterday promised to bring tents and sleeping bags today; however, as protestors told the Epress.am correspondent on the scene, police exhorted them not to take any drastic action, “otherwise it won’t be good.”
Protestors were chanting “President, answer!”, saying that if the solution to the people’s problems is beyond Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s powers, “let him concede his position, and we will choose another presidents at the next elections.”
Demonstrators pointed out that the time to respond expires today, and if the issue is not resolved, they will be prepared for any measure, even “disgracing our country.”
“We will go to some embassy — other countries are ready to protect us. We will even go to the embassies of Turkey or Syria,” said one elder woman participating in today’s demonstration.
The disgruntled residents say they are preparing to camp out near the presidential residence overnight.
Recall, in 2006, the residents (whose apartments were recognized as public priority interest) agreed to leave their homes on the condition that they would be given new units in the new buildings to be constructed on the same site. For this they signed an agreement with a developer by the name of Gagik Papoyan, but the residents still haven’t received their new apartments — in fact, the units have been resold to third parties.
Late last year, Armenia’s Special Investigation Service (SIS) launched a criminal case, but Papoyan cannot be found. Residents say the SIS informed them that that the case could take months as hundreds of people have to be questioned in connection with the case.