ZHIRAYR SEFILIAN: WHEN STEPANAKERT COUNTERVAILS YEREVAN, POWER SHIFT BECOMES INEVITABLE IN ARMENIA

Noyan Tapan
May 14, 2009

YEREVAN, MAY 14, NOYAN TAPAN. Currently the Armenian authorities are
weaker than during the 2008 presidential elections campaign. Zhirayr
Sefilian, the Coordinator of the Consolidation of Armenian Volunteers
initiative, the Commander of Shoushi special battalion, expressed such
an opinion at the May 14 press conference. In his words, worsening
of the socio-economic situation in the country could not but weaken
authorities’ positions. "If people’s social condition continues
worsening and Yerevan Council of Elders elections are rigged, a social
explosion will become inevitable," Z. Sefilian predicted.

"Opposition’s current tactics is better than in 2008. To my happiness,
in this election the opposition will take an unyielding, resolute
position," Z.

Sefilian said. He reported that by Armenian National Congress’
decision, on the election day, May 31, 100-150 people will gather near
each polling station after they are closed and will control policemen
and will not permit rigging election results with their silent consent.

Touching upon the subject of Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Z. Sefilian
classed as "adequate" the proposal voiced at the NKR parliament,
according to which, a law prohibiting Armenia to sign a document on
behalf on NKR need to be adopted. According to Z. Sefilian, Artsakh
is convinced that RA President Serzh Sargsyan is "in a traitorous
process." "And when Stepanakert countervails Yerevan, a power shift
becomes inevitable in Armenia," he said.