"It is a matter of weeks"
On March 24 the Armenian National Congress (HAK) held a pre-election meeting with residents of Malatia-Sebastia district.
The HAK leaders were welcomed with bread and salt. People even slaughtered a sheep under the feet of opposition leaders.
Before the meeting, HAK's candidate for Yerevan's mayor, Levon Ter-Petrosian visited the relatives of political prisoners Smbat Ayvazian and Hakob Hakobian charged with last year's post-election deadly clashes.
One of the victims of the March 1 events, Gor Qloyan, also lived in Malatia-Sebastia.
"Today I was to be beside my son, but I found strength inside me to be with you at this square as our Cause is very important and fair. My son stood before the army barehanded and asked them to have mercy on him. But he was shot dead. I am here to ask you all to vote for the blood of the ten victims," Gor's father, Sargis Qloyan said.
World Boxing Champion Samson Khachatrian made an addressing speech. "How can one open fire at his compatriots. This vandalism cannot be justified. The one who distorts the truth is a traitor. I have nothing in this country but four tombs of my brothers. Let's put an end to falsifications. Let's conduct a fair election for the sake of our country, for the sake of our children."
The Leader of the People's Party of Armenia (HZhK), Stepan Demirtchian said voter turnout is highly encouraged at the election. "The more people participate in the vote, the closer the victory will be."
With regard to the release of Armenian political prisoners, HAK's mayoral candidate Levon Ter-Petrosyan said: "The issue will be settled within weeks. If people behave well the prisoners will be freed after the May 31 Mayoral election regardless of the election outcome."
Ter-Petrosian also referred to the next session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the European Council (PACE).
"During the previous session they promised to release the political prisoners after the amendments to the Criminal Code. But they failed to keep their promise. I am confident that this time the PACE will make a tough decision towards Armenian authorities. These authorities are bandits who don't even respect the law of the underworld."
Turning to the Armenian leadership Levon Tert-Petrosian said: "Do behave like real gentlemen, at least for once. Don't disturb us or you will be punished. Don't try to gain public contempt."
Note that during Ter-Petrosian's speech NA MP Samvel Alexanian showed at the square accompanied by his bodyguards. He left immediately after Ter-Petrosian's speech.
HAK's meeting was followed by a large-scale march.
