The participants of the ‘Tavush for the Homeland’ Movement are still occupying Marshal Baghramyan Avenue after spending the night there following the June 9 demonstration in Yerevan’s Republic Square. Many tents have been set up, and they lit a bonfire to keep warm during the night. The section leading from Marshal Baghramyan Avenue to Derenik Demirchyan Street remains closed off by the police.
Earlier today, Hayk Konjoryan, an MP of the ‘Civil Agreement’ faction, informed journalists that the NA Council rejected the opposition’s proposal to convene an extraordinary session expressing no confidence in the government. He stated that their faction would not participate in the extraordinary session scheduled for June 17.
Following Sunday’s rally at Republic Square, Archbishop Galstanyan led a march with his supporters towards Marshal Baghramyan Avenue. However, a large number of police forces prevented the march from entering Derenik Demirchyan Street. Some protestors attempted to march towards the government summer houses, but they were also stopped by the police from entering Derenik Demirchyan Street from Proshyan Street.
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Archbishop Bagrat’s Speech at Republic Square
During his speech at the large protest in Republic Square, Yerevan, on June 9, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan issued an appeal to all National Assembly factions. He announced that, at their request, on June 11 at 4:30 p.m., the opposition MPs of the National Assembly will initiate a parliamentary session with the agenda of discussing the resignation of the current government and the formation of a new one. He also stated that on June 10, the Council of the National Assembly must adopt a decision to convene an extraordinary session of the National Assembly. Galstanyan emphasized that, based on popular demand, the parliament should approve the decision for the resignation of the current government and the formation of a new government during this extraordinary session.
96-Hour Period of Demonstrations
Following the speech, a 96-hour period of demonstrations was announced, during which Bagramyan Avenue was closed off. The continuous protests underscore the significant public support for Archbishop Bagrat and the demand for political change in Armenia.
During his speech at the large protest in Republic Square, Yerevan, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan issued an appeal to all National Assembly factions.
He announced that, at their request, on June 11 at 4:30 p.m., the opposition MPs of the National Assembly will initiate a… pic.twitter.com/gerYg0dX8G
— 301🇦🇲 (@301arm) June 9, 2024
Archbishop Bagrat’s Press Conference
For the first time in the history of the Republic of Armenia, an opposition leader addressed such a significant and representative media audience. On June 7, Archbishop Bagrat held a press conference with about 50 media outlets, including 301, BBC, Al Jazeera, TASS, Agence France Presse, Sputnik, and other reputable organizations.
Pashinyan Forced to Skip Festival
Nikol Pashinyan was forced to skip the opening of the “Yerevan Wine Days” festival because Archbishop Bagrat was present. The previous day, Archbishop Bagrat had announced to the citizens gathered in the courtyard of St. Anna Church that on June 7, they would be searching for the “Elusive Joe,” referring to Pashinyan, who frequently avoids meetings with Archbishop Bagrat and the public. This pattern was evident on May 28, when Pashinyan did not attend the state ceremony at Sardarapat Memorial at the scheduled time, arriving only after members of the “Tavush for the Homeland” movement had left.
Festival Visit and Public Reaction
On the evening of June 7, members of the “Tavush for the Homeland” movement and active citizens, led by Archbishop Bagrat, visited Saryan Street in Yerevan, where the wine festival was taking place. This annual event usually sees Nikol Pashinyan attend the opening. However, neither Pashinyan nor any high-ranking officials from the Civil Contract party appeared. Archbishop Bagrat was warmly received everywhere he went. The movement’s participants walked past all the pavilions, reflecting the public’s anticipation for answers to many pressing questions, which remain unaddressed by the current government.
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Morning Cycling and Challenges
Early on the morning of June 7, videos surfaced showing Pashinyan riding a bicycle and expressing surprise at the size of his group. Despite daily declarations by the ruling party’s leadership that the popular movement is fading, these challenges to Pashinyan’s popularity are causing evident concern, leading to orchestrated performances at the highest levels of the country’s leadership.
New Preconditions from Baku
The dictatorial regime of Baku has set a new precondition for peace before Yerevan: to start the process of dissolving the OSCE Minsk Group with a joint statement, otherwise threatening war. The “Tavush for the Homeland” movement began when the current government of Armenia yielded to the threats from Baku and agreed to unilaterally hand over territories of several border settlements in the Tavush region. In meetings with the residents of Voskepar, Baghanis, and Kiran villages, Pashinyan had stated that if Azerbaijan’s demands were not satisfied, war would be inevitable, but satisfying them would significantly reduce the risks of conflict.
Earlier today, Azerbaijan’s dictator, Ilham Aliyev, stated that Armenia must amend its constitution before any peace treaty can be signed between the two countries. Specifically, Aliyev takes issue with the Armenian Constitution’s references to the territorial integrity of… pic.twitter.com/xu7ED3fofn
— 301🇦🇲 (@301arm) June 6, 2024
Conclusion
The events surrounding Archbishop Bagrat and the political tensions in Armenia highlight the complexities and challenges facing the nation. From international press conferences to significant public appearances and governmental pressures, the actions and reactions of key political figures continue to shape the current and future political landscape of Armenia.
As a reminder, the “Tavush for the Homeland” movement began in Tavush in late April, aiming to unite all of Armenia and its diaspora.
The movement emerged as a response to the Armenian government’s unilateral concessions that lack justification and endanger Armenia’s security and territorial integrity under the pretext of border demarcation and delimitation processes.
