Interfax, Russia
Russia & CIS General Newswire
February 24, 2008 Sunday 7:40 PM MSK

Ter-Petrosian supporters march in downtown Yerevan

YEREVAN Feb 24

Former candidate for the Armenian presidency Levon Ter-Petrosian has
accused the authorities of persecuting their political opponents.

"By holding demonstrative force actions and by arresting people, the
lost authorities demonstrate nervous convulsions," Ter-Petrosian said
at an opposition rally in Yerevan.

The strategy of the current authorities is to lower the mobilization
potential of the people and to show nothing has been lost so far to
their satellites, he said.

"Robert Kocharian and Serzh Sargsyan show their might to their
entourage, that is why no one, as they think, should take the side of
the people. However, their attempts are futile. And one can finds
proves for this every day," Ter-Petrosian said.

Nothing threatens former Armenian Deputy Prosecutor General Gagik
Dzhangirian, leader of the New Times party Aram Karapetian and former
head of the tax agency Smbat Aivazian, he said. Moreover, there is no
serious threat to the whole nationwide movement, he said.

Ter-Petrosian also said that Liberty square, where the opposition
rally is taking place, has become a home for him. "I will not leave
the square until I moves in the presidential palace," Ter-Petrosian
said.

About 8,000 ralliers began a march in downtown Yerevan, after which
they are expected to return to the square. They protest against
arrests of Ter-Petrosian supporters, saying this is political
persecution. Road traffic in downtown Yerevan has been paralyzed.

Ter-Petrosian and leaders of political forces that back him remain on
the square.