Oppositional sit-down strike in Yerevan is peaceful

The round the clock protest action, organized by the oppositional Armenian National Congress (ANC) and assuming rallies and a sit-down strike continues in Freedom Square of Yerevan. The square houses about 30 tents; and the leaders of the ANC are present here, including the former president Levon Ter-Petrosyan.

Arman Musinyan, the press secretary of the ANC, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that as a whole, the action passes on peacefully; and the atmosphere in Freedom Square is notable for its friendliness: "The people's moods are very good; and despite the yesterday's night rain, about 700 persons remained in the square till morning."

Manuk G. from Gyumri, a sit-in striker, expressed his hope in his comment to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that the event would bring fruit, and the authorities would fulfil the opposition's demands. As to his concern that the authorities may resort to using force to disperse the rally, as it was on March 1, 2008, Manuk G. replied: "I don't think that they will undertake a power action, as both the people and government understand that this way has no prospects."

Elizaveta O., another sit-in striker from Yerevan, also expressed hope that the way chosen by the opposition will bring desired results. Regarding the possibility of forced dispersal, she noted: "We may expect anything from the authorities; however, I think that this won't happen. The authorities are now cleverer; and if they respect their people at least a little, and – most importantly – themselves, they must voluntarily resign."

A small group of policemen is present in the square; they do not interfere and avoid contacts with the media. When asked by the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent about their assessment of the situation in the square, two policemen responded: "All is calm, all is OK."