ASHTARATK, Armenia (ARF Press Office)-"The process of regime change must start in the provinces," said Armenian Revolutionary Federation Supreme Council of Armenia chairman Armen Rustamian Wednesday at a rally, which local government authorities had not authorized.

The ARF leader kicked off the party's campaign of rallies in various provinces "in order for every Armenian citizen to understand the gist and depth of the ARF's plan and to support it, so we may be able to form a national government."

The speakers at the rally reminded the crowd about the ARF's commitment and continued pursuit of socio-economic, social justice and national issues explaining that the party has always been vocal about these matters, even when it was part of the ruling coalition.

ARF Bureau member and head of the party's parliamentary bloc Vahan Hovennesian explained that the many proposals put forth by the ARF parliamentary bloc during the discussion of the budget were rejected by the government, simply because the party is in the opposition.

He explained that several projects in Ashtarak, among them the renovation of a local kindergarten, refurbishing of roads leading to other villages and communities, as well as other infrastructure building proposals were all rejected.

Hovannesian stressed that this problem was not Ashtarak-specific and all provinces in the country were afflicted by this neglect from central authorities.

At the conclusion of the rally, a nine-point statement was read and approved by participants. Among the points highlighted in the statement were the creation of socio-political structures that would monitor the activities of provincial leaders and the creation of infrastructure-strengthening programs based on the needs and capabilities of each province.

The ARF's application to hold the rally in Ashtarak was rejected by local authorities and was appealed by the party at Armenia's Administrative Court.