Thousands join opposition protests in Yerevan

A rally of many thousands demanding the resignation of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan began on Saturday afternoon on Freedom Square in the center of Yerevan.

Report informs, citing TASS, that despite the heavy snow, participants in the demonstration organized by the opposition Homeland Salvation Movement continue to arrive at the square.

"We do not demand a banal change of government. Pashinyan and his team must leave so that our country does not turn into a Turkish vilayat. The situation is very difficult. All citizens who understand the seriousness of the situation should come to Freedom Square," said one of the leaders of the opposition movement, ex-head of the National Security Service Artur Vanetsyan.

Armenia has been overwhelmed by mass protests calling for Pashinyan's resignation since November 10. The opposition blames him for economic and social problems.

Pashinyan himself declares that he is ready to resign on the condition that the main opposition forces sign a memorandum on holding early parliamentary elections, until which he will retain the status of acting PM. The opposition does not agree to early elections if Pashinyan remains the prime minister.