Kocharyan is not going to bear the actions of the opposition in Armenia for a long time

The state cannot bear illegal rallies in Armenia for a long time. President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan said in his interview to the managers of the leading broadcasting companies, which took place late at night on February 26.

According to the President, the police had been obliged to apply the respective measures, however, they have failed to do it so far only because it was he, the President, who insisted and advised to be constrained and patient, and called on the people not to aggravate the situation.

While addressing the nation, he has called the people not to become a weapon in hands of irresponsible political forces.

According to Mr Kocharyan's version, the behaviour of the opposition indicates that the acceptance of one's defeat at the election has not yet become in Armenia a part of political culture; and the protest actions speak just about the lack of political culture.

In the meantime, peaceful protest actions continue in the Freedom Square. On February 26, following Ter-Petrosyan's appeal, the seventeen his supporters stopped their hunger strike. Late at night, the rally was addressed by Samvel Arutyunyan, released leader of the Organization "Rallying of Armenian Volunteers", who declared his intention to continue his struggle against the authorities who had forged the election results.

The other persons arrested during the latest days were also released: Smbat Aivazyan, a member of the Political Board of the "Republic" Party, Garnik Markaryan, Chairman of the Party "Homeland and Honour", and Gurgen Egiazaryan, former Deputy Head of the National Security Service.