Armenian Authorities Implement Large-Scale Propaganda Campaign through Media: Zurabyan

The Mar. 17 Armenian National Congress (HAK) rally showed that the people are again on the road to becoming the master of their own country. It also proved that when the people rise up it becomes possible to solve serious problems, including through peaceful means, said HAK coordinator Levon Zurabyan, while meeting with journalists today.

“When a hundred thousand people take to the streets, the authorities realize that the use of force is equivalent to suicide. The [Armenian National] Congress’ aim is to be able to strengthen public pressure to the level that we can oblige [Armenian President] Serzh Sargsyan’s resignation and the holding of early elections.The Armenian National Congress is in favor of the smooth process of establishing legitimate democratic authorities only if it’s possible to avoid bloodshed,” he said.

HAK leader Levon Ter-Petrossian’s right-hand man also said that the people’s patience is running out and the day-by-day deteriorative social situation increases the number of those ready to take radical action.

According to Zurabyan, the authorities, considering the opening of Liberty Square as a strategic concession, it seems, hope that by delaying the carrying out of people’s demands, they will be able to gradually overcome the nationwide wave of rebellion.

“This is testified by the large-scale propaganda campaign that they’ve begun to implement through seemingly independent media under state influence, according to which allegedly dialogue has begun between the authorities and the opposition and the threat of confrontation has been overcome,” he said.

Such an attitude, according to the opposition figure, speaks to the authorities’ short-sightedness.

“Such an approach only accelerates the people’s day of wrath. We will move toward such dialogue that resolves issues for the people and not for the authorities. Therefore, we call on everyone to begin nationwide preparations for the Apr. 8 rally and to come forth with suggestions for things to do on that day’s rally,” he said.