Hovannisian leads mass pledge to reclaim homeland

By Asbarez | Monday, 08 April 2013

Raffi Hovannisian addresses tens of thousands at Liberty Square Tuesday

YEREVAN–Tens of thousands of people gathered at Liberty Square Tuesday for Raffi Hovannisian’s alternative inauguration, during which the opposition leader led the massive crowd that weathered the rain to take an oath to reclaim their rights, reject the authorities and work together toward victory.

By proclaiming the elections unconstitutional, Hovannisian proclaimed the people’s victory by rejecting the current regime and pledging to work alongside the people to create a new Hayastan.

Meanwhile, on the side of the city at the Karen Demirchian Sports Complex, Serzh Sarkisian took his oath of office by pledging to uphold the provision of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia.

Calling Sarkisian’s event a fake inauguration and belittling the gathering, Hovannisian urged the people to continue their fight, which he said began on February 18, “but it does not end today on April 9.”

“I reject any illegitimate authority,” said Hovannisian as he recited an oath, which was enthusiastically repeated by the crowd.

Hovannisian invited Sarkisian, and Catholicos Karekin II to the square at 6 p.m. Yerevan time to join the people.

He also announced that he would unveil his program and his team during a rally on Friday, April 12.

Asbarez will provide more in-depth coverage of Tuesday’s events.

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