Levon Ter-Petrossian Urges End to Hunger Strikes

Former president Levon Ter-Petrossian has urged supporters currently staging a hunger strike to end their protest. The call perhaps confirms speculation that there are attempts to defuse tensions by both sides. Indeed, one international head of an organization involved with civil society and democracy suggested that “negotiations” have been ongoing since the 1 March riot. RFE/RL has more.

Opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosian on Thursday urged about two dozen people currently on hunger strike in support of opposition claims to end their protest action and spare themselves for “further struggle”.

In a statement provided to RFE/RL by the former president’s office, Ter-Petrosian in particular says he realizes “the importance of this extreme means of political struggle” and “deeply appreciates the feat of those who resorted to hunger strikes”.

“But I still urge you to stop your hunger strikes beginning from this moment. Your health, unbending will and determination will be required as a more effective contribution to the popular struggle at later stages,” Ter-Petrosian said, concluding that April 9, the day of when Serzh Sarkisian assumed the president’s office, is a beginning of the struggle rather than its end.