Author: Paul Hambardsumian

The opposition Homeland Salvation Movement, demanding the resignation of PM Nikol Pashinyan, has launched  the new phase of its struggle during demonstration on March 28. As the Movement said in a released statement on Saturday, the main activities of the opposition force will move to Armenia's provinces. The dates and locations of upcoming regional demonstrations have already been announced. 

"We state once again that the ruling faction of the National Assembly have stopped implementing its main duties set by the Constitution and laws, turning into a group of incapable and unprincipled people, lacking own political and civic position," the statement read in part. 

It added, that starting from Saturday, the opposition activists will unblock Demirchyan street where they had been staging non-stops protests for the past week and promise to return to Baghramyan and Demirchyan streets after the regional tours. 

"We call on all decent compatriots to get consolidated in all communities, stand up and activity participate in the meetings and gatherings of the Homeland Salvation Movement. The national demand for removal of the traitor should now turn into a nations-wide struggle to prevent new concessions and the continuation of the pro-Turkish policy," added the statement. 

The first regional meeting of the opposition Movement is scheduled for April 6 at 14.00 in Seven town. 

The residents of Syunik province have shown their real attitude toward the current leaders of Armenia, the head of Goris community Arush Arushanyan stated on Saturday during the congress of "Reviving Armenia" party. Arushanyan's remarks came when asked to comment on Deputy Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan's statement that Pashinyan would get more votes in Syunik than in Yerevan at present and during the elections. 

Board member at "Revivng Armenia" party, head of Meghri community Mkhitar Zakaryan, in turn, said, dignity and honor are some of the characteristics Syunik residents have been known for.  

"It is below my dignity to respond to Alen Simonyan's remarks. If his predictions come true I will accept I do not know well my people," Zakaryan said. 

As to possible visits of the representatives of the government to Syunik province, Zakaryan noted they would hardly dare to visit Syunik and pass near the Shurnukh dangerous areas, where the Azeri forces are deployed.  

Head of Kajaran community Manvel Paramazyan, who is also a board member at the party, stressed that Syunik has always been united, and there can be no second opinion on that. 

"I feel pain every time to cross under the flags of Azerbaijan. That is a stress for our people. Syunik residents are the ones who bear it. During the elections they will show their character," said Paramazyan. 

The heads of communities stated that they enjoy respect among the locals, and the people are determined to support them during the elections. "Let me confess that I welcomed the new authorities in Armenia hoping for a change, yet we received only lies and empty promises. All of you have seen how we ended. That is the reason we called for the resignation of Pashinyan and will stick to our demand. We will continue till the end when a new government is formed." said the head of Tatev community Murad Simonyan.