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Raffi Hovannisian's supporters move in different directions - PHOTO

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09 April 2013 19:27 (UTC +04:00)

Today, along with the inauguration of Armenian President Serzh Sargsysan, Raffi Hovannisian held a rally and “New Armenia’s inauguration.”

Mr Hovannisian stated he did not recognize either Serzh Sargsyan or Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II. He recognizes only Armenia’s people.

The rally participants marched toward the Armenian presidential residence, but police troops blocked their way at the Baghramyan-Demirchyan intersection.

Raffi Hovannisian demanded the release of the detained activists and resignation of not only President Serzh Sargsyan, but also Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II.

“This is neither a threat nor an ultimatum. This is your right to your last concession,” he said.

Hovannisian stated his readiness to go to Moscow next morning to “meet Mister Putin and bring victory to Armenia.”

Raffi Hovannisian's supporters are in Baghramyan Avenue and have clashed with police.

Chief of the Yerevan Police Department Nersik Nazaryan demanded that the people stop illegal activities. Otherwise, the police troops will have to take measures.

In response, Raffi Hovannisian said that the demonstrators will continue their way up Baghramyan Avenue, toward Tsitsernakaberd to lay flowers at the so called “Armenian Genocide” memorial.

Chief of Armenia’s Police Vladimir Gasparyan has arrived at Baghramyan Avenue. He is talking with Raffi Hovannisian now.

Ruben Hakobyan, a Heritage parliamentary group member, warned the demonstrators against responding to provocations. He informed them of Mr Hovannisian’s talks with the police authorities.

The demonstrators are moving in different directions – some remain in Baghramyan Avenue and others are moving along Moskovyan Str, accompanied by police. Chief of Armenia’s Police Vladimir Gasparyan is there as well.

Hrair Tamrazyan, Director of Azatutyun Radio turned to the activist Alen Simonyan for detailed information on the incident involving Armen Martirosyan.

Mr Simonyan explained that Mr Martirosyan was detained after an incident this morning. A policeman hit Martirosyan’s mother, and he pushed the policeman away.

Policemen also used force against Heritage party member David Sanasaryan.

Zaruhi Postanjyan, a Heritage parliamentary group member, called on the police to allow the people to remain in Baghramyan Avenue and wait for Raffi Hovannisian to return from Tsitsernakaberd.

She said that the people must return to Freedom Square.