Larisa Alaverdyan: Hovannisian lacked experience
We should learn lessons from Tuesday's clashes between the riot police and supporters of opposition leader Raffi Hovannisian, says Larisa Alaverdyan, a former lawmaker from Hovannisian's Heritage party.
"It is strange that a group of demonstrators stayed at Baghramyan Avenue - the main venue of yesterday's standoff, after Raffi Hovannisian announced that they were changing the route to the Armenian Genocide Memorial at Tsitsernakaberd. I noticed some disorganization. Besides, there are various groups who aspire to become leaders," Larisa Alaverdyan said on April 10.
She believes that such protests must be arranged in advance, and a certain group should be informed about the plans. After yesterday's clashes Alaverdyan came to the conclusion that Raffi Hovannisian is not experienced in controlling throngs.
"In similar situations you should always take into account the presence of provocateurs, other initiators and even rivals," she said.
Larisa Alaverdyan is glad that Hovannisian could avoid the repetition of the March 2008 post-election unrest that left ten people killed in the Armenian capital.
