Pashinyan says opposition forces are controlled from a single center

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has responded to Samvel Karapetyan, leader of the “Strong Armenia” alliance, who called on the opposition to unite on June 17.

Asked at a press briefing by Armenpress whether Karapetyan’s statement could be considered a prelude to post-election processes in Armenia, Pashinyan said:

“The consolidation you are referring to is not something new; it happened a long time ago, they just did not announce it so as not to lower public morale. These forces are the same forces—controlled from the same center, operating on the basis of the same principles. What is new about that? It is an obvious fact.”

On June 17, Samvel Karapetyan, leader of the “Strong Armenia” alliance, announced the launch of a process to consolidate opposition political forces. He said:

“I announce the process of consolidation of opposition forces. We made that mistake before the elections. Many opposition forces, who may have been honestly fighting, overestimated their strength. We could not reach agreements with many opposition forces. Now this consolidation is very important for our country and our people. I believe that those opposition forces for whom our country is dear will respond, and we will definitely create a post-election opposition coalition. I propose that we create a coordinating council, communicate live, reveal all problems to our people through proper discussions, understand what is right, and move forward with those steps.”

According to the results of the parliamentary elections held in Armenia on June 7, the “Civil Contract” party entered parliament with a stable majority and will form the government. The “Strong Armenia” and “Armenia” alliances have also won seats.

Six political forces that participated in the elections—the “Strong Armenia” alliance, the “Armenia” alliance, the “Prosperous Armenia” party, the “Armenian National Congress” party, the “Bright Armenia” party, and the “National Democratic Pole” party—issued a joint statement claiming that the official election results do not reflect the real will of the people and the true outcome of the elections.