Thousands of protesters gathered in the streets of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, on Thursday to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The protesters were outraged by the government’s decision to hand over control of border villages to Azerbaijan, a long-time rival of Armenia.
The decision, which was made without consulting the public, has sparked widespread anger and frustration among the Armenian people. Many see it as a betrayal of their country’s sovereignty and a threat to the safety and security of their fellow citizens living in the border villages.
The protest, which was organized by opposition parties and civil society groups, saw a massive turnout of people from all walks of life. They marched through the streets of Yerevan, chanting slogans and holding signs that read “No to surrender” and “Pashinyan must go.”
The atmosphere was charged with emotion as the protesters voiced their concerns and demands for the government to reverse its decision. They believe that the handover of the villages is a capitulation to Azerbaijan and will only lead to further aggression and land loss for Armenia.
One protester, Ani, said, “We cannot let our government give away our land to our enemies. We have fought for our independence and we will not stand by and watch it being taken away from us.”
The protesters also accused Pashinyan of being a traitor and called for his immediate resignation. They believe that he has failed to protect the interests of the Armenian people and has made a grave mistake by agreeing to the handover.
The government’s decision to hand over the villages came after months of tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. The two countries have been in a decades-long conflict over the territory, with both claiming it as their own.
In 2020, the conflict escalated into a full-scale war, resulting in the deaths of thousands and displacing many more. A ceasefire was eventually brokered by Russia, but the issue of the border villages remained unresolved.
The Armenian government’s decision to hand over the villages was seen as a concession to Azerbaijan in exchange for the return of prisoners of war and the opening of transport links between the two countries. However, many Armenians believe that this move will only lead to further concessions and weaken their country’s position in the long run.
The protesters are calling for the government to find a peaceful solution to the conflict without sacrificing the sovereignty of their country. They believe that the government should have consulted the people before making such a crucial decision and that the fate of their land should not be decided behind closed doors.
The protest in Yerevan was just one of many that have taken place across the country in recent days. The Armenian people are determined to make their voices heard and demand that their government listens to their concerns.
Despite the tense situation, the protest remained peaceful, with no reports of violence or clashes with the police. The protesters were determined to make a strong statement and show their unity and determination to protect their country’s interests.
The protest has also gained international attention, with many countries expressing their support for the Armenian people’s right to self-determination and urging the government to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
In conclusion, the protest in Yerevan was a powerful display of the Armenian people’s determination to protect their country’s sovereignty and their fellow citizens living in the border villages. The government must listen to their demands and take into account the concerns of its people. The fate of the border villages should not be decided without the consent of the Armenian people, and the government must find a peaceful solution to the conflict that does not compromise the country’s interests. The world is watching, and it is time for the government to listen to its people and make the right decision for the future of Armenia.