Armenian opposition prepares protest

The opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC) is going to open a
series of new meetings on February 18, on the eve of the third
anniversary of the Armenian presidential elections, coordinator of the
ANC Levon Zurabian said today, RIA Novosti reports.

Zurabian announced that the first rally of the ANC will be held on
February 18 at 17.00 (16.00 MSK) on Freedom Square in Yerevan.

According to the Zurabian’s information, among topics to be discussed
at the rally will be democratic freedoms and the social conditions of
the population, as well as government actions against small and
medium-sized businesses.

Zurabian informed that in the near future the ANC will appeal to
Yerevan City Hall for approval of the rally, in accordance with
established procedures.

The Armenian National Congress, headed by Levon Ter-Petrosyan, was
established on the 1st of August 2008. The ANC includes about 20
political parties and organizations. The ANC demands the release of
political prisoners, restoration of the constitutional rights of
citizens and the holding of early elections.