Pashinyan vows to accept public verdict as political tensions rise

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has accused Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II of sending delegations to various communities in an attempt to trigger a new revolution.

The prime minister also called for former presidents Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan, as well as Gagik Tsarukyan, leader of the opposition Prosperous Armenia party, to be stripped of “all property acquired illegally,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

Pashinyan further threatened mass dismissals within Armenia’s law enforcement agencies if the sources of information leaks related to cases involving former presidents and other politicians are not identified within the specified timeframe.

Addressing the possibility of renewed public protests and political upheaval, Pashinyan said he was prepared to accept whatever decision Armenian voters make, including being removed from office.

“I am ready to be hanged in Republic Square — if citizens want it,” he said.

“If the citizens of Armenia believe that a mistake is being made, they have the right to a revolution. Let them take to the streets for the sake of Kocharyan’s property, Tsarukyan’s property and others, the Kaluga oligarch and the honestly earned wealth of Serzh Sargsyan. I say this with all due respect. Let them remove us from power and bring back their beloved and most honest Kocharyan, Sargsyan and Tsarukyan, and let us be hanged in Republic Square. I agree to this scenario. The people’s decision is not subject to discussion for me,” Pashinyan said.

By Vafa Guliyeva