Armenia's opposition forces making up the Homeland Salvation Movement reacted to the developments in Syunik Province on Monday, denouncing Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s “mischievous” policy. A statement released by the movement reads:

“Nikol Pashinyan the traitor, who is clinging to power, today initiated another provocation against residents of Syunik. Having sent more than 1,500 police officers and other law enforcement agency officers to Syunik since late last night, he tried to secretly visit a number of towns in the region.

However, seeing the resolute position of Syunik residents to bar him from entering the region, Nikol Pashinyan first ordered the arrest of Goris Mayor Arush Arushanyan, then he had the interstate road blocked by police forces, depriving citizens of their constitutional right to free movement. Also, he incited provocative actions against the priest of the church in Sisian, Father Pargev Zeynalian.

To the credit of our compatriots in Syunik, all of Pashinyan's efforts were in vain, and with their dignified behavior they prevented another provocation of the traitor. This kind of attitude of Nikol Pashinyan is a serious challenge to our public solidarity.

The Homeland Salvation Movement strongly condemns the policy of mischief of incumbent Prime Minister Pashinyan and warns that any of his provocations will receive the most decisive response from the people.

And Pashinyan, who had to flee Syunik today, should have already realized how unpromising and even dangerous his approaches are. In any case, the Homeland Salvation Movement calls on all citizens of Armenia to unite and to join the nationwide strike and boycott of classes tomorrow, December 22.

Dear compatriots, tomorrow at 12pm we are waiting for you all at the Republic Square. Together we will save our homeland!”