Pashinyan Begins "Retreat Song" Operation on Amulsar Issue: Ashotyan

The combination of information flows suggests that Nikol Pashinyan is starting a "retreat song" operation regarding the exploitation of Amulsar. This was stated by Armen Ashotyan, the Vice President of the Republican Party of Armenia, on his Facebook page.

He noted, in particular: "After losing the maneuver of Serzh Sargsyan's arrest, Nikol decided to go all-in without a sensational veil to divert public attention. What happened next was quite emotional. First, his well-known live stream on this issue failed, then the visit to Jermuk was effectively sabotaged, and within the information flows, Nikol's rating was falling at a cosmic speed.

Now, standing before the choice of losing his own rating or that of the country, Nikol prefers to save himself at the expense of the nation. I do not debate whether this decision is right or wrong. They are in power and must bear responsibility for any decision. But, my friend, if you are to retreat, why did you create all this turmoil?

How many times have I said that this government truly lacks a vision for the country's development? With Amulsar, it has become clear that it also lacks the political will, the ability to make decisions, and the courage to stand by its decisions. It turns out that, as the popular saying goes, Nikol prefers “the current ratings over long-term investments.” Personal and immediate problems concern him more than distant and state matters.

It is not difficult to predict the consequences of such a turnaround for Armenia. And I’m not just talking about possible arbitration, fines, and penalties, as I am confident that, in such a case, we will all come together to defend the country's interests. I am referring to much more serious and systemic consequences—IMF, WB, foreign investments, and so on. With such irresponsible leadership, no serious investor will bring money into the country again.

There are many good sayings in Russian for such situations, and perhaps the most censorship-resilient one is: 'Nikol, if you can’t sing, don’t torture the roof.'"