Armenia’s Ruling Party Celebrated 20th Anniversary, But Many Didn’t Know Why They Were at March

For residents of the buildings near the newly renovated “Vstrechi” bridge in Yerevan, this morning began with the sounds of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia’s (HHK) hymn. Also heard occasionally was the Arshakyan sisters’ popular song “We are our mountains,” as well as the song “Our name is Armenian army.”

In addition to being subject to deafening music, residents also saw numerous Armenian flags and party banners in this part of Yerevan’s Erebuni district.

Buses coming from the regions testified to the crowds of people gathered. One bus even bore a sign with the letters “YSU” (Yerevan State University).

For a long time, those gathered couldn’t get an answer as to the reason for this event being organized. An elderly man assumed that “a march will be organized toward Mika stadium,” but found it difficult to pinpoint the reason for the march. Students from the Yerevan State Linguistic University named after V. Brusov were more or less prepared: they knew that the march would be moving toward the Republic Stadium named after Vazgen Sargsyan. 

A young girl, flag in hand, could be heard talking on her cell phone, citing the reason for being at the event: “They’ve brought us from the institute for I-don’t-know-what event; they’ve handed out flags and such.”

A clear explanation was given to an Epress.am correspondent by a 28-year-old young woman who wished to remain anonymous. She said that she’s a HHK member: “It’s the 20th anniversary of the Republican Party [of Armenia].”

To our observation that many of the students there didn’t know why they were brought here, the young woman said, “Tell that to the students. Let them clarify from their their rectors and faculty chairs. Maybe they’re taking them to be sold; where are they going? Let them get clarifications, then go.”

Note that this section of the Garegin Njdeh street was decorated with Armenian and HHK flags for a long time. A large number of police officers were gathered on the opposite side of the march participants. And when the march, under shouts of “Armenia,” moved forward, the officers followed them so that no one diverted from the march and passed on the right.