Will Parliament Speaker visit Raffi Hovannisian?
Leader of opposition Heritage party Raffi Hovannisian, who declared "Freedom Fast" at Yerevan's Liberty Square on March 15, will continue his hunger strike until Armenian authorities pledge to make radical changes in the country, Hovannisian told journalists during an outdoor press conference at Liberty Square today.
Several supporters of Hovannisian placed Thursday a tent at the square to shield the Heritage leader from rain and bad weather. The tent bears a notice, which reads "This tent is being protected by people."
Hovannisian spent the 11th night of the hunger strike inside in the tent.
"I feel guilty for spending the night in a deluxe room, but it was the will of our compatriots and I could not oppose to them," Hovannisian told journalists.
He thanked all organizations and citizens for supporting him, saying people are entering a new harbor which requires a renewed dedication to Armenia's freedom, rights and national interest.
As evidence to this belief Hovannisian cited the initiative of Yerevan citizens to erect a tent for him.
"Our citizens did something which was to be done by the authorities," said Hovannisian.
The Heritage leader says he is in a good state and is determined to continue the hunger strike.
Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Hovik Abrahamyan is expected to visit Raffi Hovannisian today. Hovannisian is also ready to meet with Adviser to the President of the Republic of Armenia Yuri Vardanyan.
Earlier in the day, Hovannisian's family extended a letter of gratitude to his supporters.
"I and my five children Garin, Daron, Van, Shushi and Armen come to thank all those organizations and individuals who against all possible threats demonstrated exceptional valor by defending Raffi's basic human right and erecting a tent with their own hands at Liberty Square, thus reinstating to the square that great virtue for which it is named: LIBERTY," read the letter.
