Gyumri Drivers will Continue to Keep their Plans Secret

From 10 am to 12 pm today, owners of cars with Georgian plates met with Gyumri mayor Vardan Ghukasyan, with whom they shared their concerns and issues.

Recall, since Feb. 5, a few dozen drivers were protesting increased customs tariffs for cars imported into Armenia from Georgia.

Speaking to Epress.am, Gyumri-based Asparez Journalists’ Club President Levon Barseghyan said the mayor, while meeting with the drivers, promised to support them.

“At 3:30 pm, the drivers’ regular meeting took place at Asparez club, where it was to be decided the route of the ‘car march’ in the city of Gyumri, as well as to visit the offices of Gyumri parliamentarians, with the aim of raising their issues.

“Later, a meeting with the head of the Primate Bishop Mikael Ajapahyan of the Shirak Diocese was designated this evening. The drivers will decide their tomorrow plans this evening, but they won’t publicize them.

“Due to unlawful activities by the police, they don’t publicize the full program in advance,” said Barseghyan.

Gyumri vendors had also organized a demonstration today, protesting what they say is pressure from the tax department. They had gathered outside the Gyumri area tax department, then went to the Asparez offices to join the drivers.

Barseghyan told Epress.am that, according to information he’s received, Lori marz (province) owners of cars with Georgian plates will also be holding a rally tomorrow at noon.