“HHK and BHK are sharing the stolen item”
Nearly 10 days after the end of the Armenian National Congress's (ANC) round-the-clock rallies, ANC representative Nikol Pashinyan assures that a correct decision was made. In an interview with "A1+", Nikol Pashinyan corroborated his view, touched upon the rally to be held on October 28 and answered our questions.
To understand what happened, we have to have a correct understanding of the situation. We established contact with citizens and became convinced that the people are demanding change of power.
After the weeklong action, the citizens weren't able to ensure the quorum that could have led to the decision of a legitimate change of power. Our objective was to wait for those citizens, or approach those citizens again. If they are depressed, we will give them hope. If they are scared, we will encourage them. That was the reason why the round-the-clock rallies ended.
"A1+": You chose the second version. What are you doing now? Are you still in contact with the citizens?
I meet with citizens almost every day. Our objective is to talk to the people and raise the demand of change of power to a higher level. We will soon hold a meeting with citizens that will lead to the decision of change of power. I am emphasizing this because there are people saying that there is a version of change of power that can be implemented by 5-10,000 people. We don't accept such versions.
"A1+": Why?
N. P.: There will be questions regarding those people. For us, it is very important to act on behalf of the people and be authorized by the people; otherwise, that change of power won't be for the people and Armenia, and the people must show their direct participation in that process. We know that the people have made the decision and our objective is to have those people come out to Freedom Square.
"A1+": What if the people don't come out to Freedom Square? What will you do?
N. P.: We will speak to the people as long as it takes them to overcome the moral-psychological barriers and come out to Freedom Square.
"A1+": You say there was no quorum during the rallies at Freedom Square this time, but there was a quorum during the round-the-clock rallies in 2008. What is the guarantee that the authorities will be ready to take that quorum into account this time?
N. P.: In 2008, I did everything I could to turn that decision into a reality. It's great to see that there is a decision and that nobody can call that into question. If change of power didn't take place in 2008, it still doesn't mean that it won't happen in 2011. That doesn't mean that the demand is not an issue.
"A1+": It's not about the demand, but the way of implementing change of power. Are the authorities in 2008 and today different? Have they changed? Won't they respond to the ANC's demand in the same way?
N. P.: I think citizens of Armenia have changed. The round-the-clock actions showed that citizens have changed and are able to make the authorities behave in a certain way. Regardless of the reason why there is no change of power, it becomes a more vital need for Armenia. The ANC is consistent in its struggle to establish change of power as soon as possible.
"A1+": The authorities mention on different occasions that there were not enough people for change of power and this means that there is no demand for change of power in Armenia. If fewer people attend the rally on October 28, can we assume that the authorities are right?
N. P.: I apologize for being immodest, but I will bring up my example. In 2007, I hosted rallies by myself, and the authorities said there is no demand for change of power and that the people are in despair. Even if the people feel that way, those problems can be solved. As a public and political figure, and a journalist, I consider it my duty to do everything possible to solve those problems. I am certain that the majority of Armenian citizens will come to Freedom Square, force Serzhik to leave and decide in which direction he has to go.
"A1+": It seems as though Serzh Sargsyan's doesn't care about the ANC since he currently has problems with the Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK). What do you have to say about the news related to the HHK-BHK relations, particularly Serzh Sargsyan giving Gaguk Tsarukyan a week?
N. P.: Armenia has a bandit regime, and the only thing a bandit regime can do is to share the stolen item. I wouldn't like to comment on how the bandits share the stolen item. I think the people have to take what the bandits robbed from them.
"A1+": By saying stolen item, do you mean the results of the 2008 presidential elections?
N. P.: Yes, but not only that. I also mean the establishment of the bandit regime after the massacres of October 27, 1999. After that, the bandit regime has always been involved in sharing the stolen item. The act that they call "elections" is also another opportunity to share the stolen item.
"A1+": Let's get back to the ANC. Taking into account the fact that the next elections are coming up, do you still think holding snap elections in Armenia is realistic?
N. P.: Yes, I do. Snap elections can take place in Armenia before May 14, 2012. We are all going to fight for snap elections in Armenia. Snap elections can be held in a matter of hours. If the determinant majority of citizens unite at Freedom Square, I am certain that we will be able to make a decision on snap presidential and parliamentary elections in a matter of days.
"A1+": How many people make up the determinant majority?
N. P.: For me, a full crowd at Freedom Square.
"A1+" Do you think the number of people on October 28 will be less than the number of people who attended the round-the-clock rallies?
N. P.: I am sure that there will be more people on October 28 because I intend to make twice as many efforts than pessimist people predict.
"A1+": Can the rally on October 28 lay the foundation for the start of round-the-clock rallies?
N. P.: That depends on the political situation.
"A1+": I would like you to present the results of the fundraiser in defense of "Haykakan Zhamanak" daily newspaper. According to the court's ruling, the newspaper edition has to pay 6,344,000 drams to three oligarchs, including Ruben Hayrapetyan, Samvel Alexanyan and Levon Sargsyan.
N. P.: The donations continue and will end in two days. We have the necessary amount.
"A1+": Will you give all the money?
N. P.: Yes, if we don't the oligarchs will die from hunger.
Interview by Victoria Abrahamyan
