In his interview to the Romanian Service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Haykak Arshamyan, Advocacy and Communications Coordinator of Transparency International Anticorruption Center reflected on the recent developments in Armenia. According to Arshamyan the Republican Party of Armenia, which is the majority in the parliament agreed on May 2, 2018 to support the candidate nominated by 1/3 of the National Assembly of Armenia to become the interim Prime Minister in a parliamentary vote scheduled for May 8, implying they agreed to vote for Nikol Pashinyan. The rallies and civil disobedience stopped in Armenia until May 8 parliament session.

As for the challenges facing Armenia, there are many things to do. “We need to take care of the economy because of the strikes, the civil disobedience. Small and medium and also big businesses are going down. Other challenge is the intrigue behind the curtains, especially by the ruling power at the moment,” continues Haykak Arshamyan.

“Fortunately, I don’t see any big challenges from external players, especially from Russia. They made statements several times in different levels stating that they were not going to interfere for the future of Armenia. They understand that this revolution comes from the grassroots, comes from the public and the whole nation not only in Armenia but also in the Diaspora stands for the revolution, for the changes and they all understand that the people are tired of the authoritarian regime established in Armenia for the last 15-20 years. People are tired of the Republican Party, of oligarchs, monopolies, corruption, etc.,” noted Arshamyan.

“We have a risk of disappointment. However, the leaders have support not only of the public but also the civil society. Civil society will also assist them a lot, give them power for this transition period.” In reply to the question how Armenia will avoid a Ukrainian scenario, Haykak Arshamyan said that whatever happens in Armenia has nothing to do with the Ukrainian scenario at the moment. “It is a public demand for changes. I am sure that the whole public will support the transitional government and later we will have fair and transparent elections to form a legitimate government, a legitimate parliament. After that we have a chance for a new Armenia.”

See the website of the Romanian Service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty