I Am Going to the Mission of a Martyr. Vazgen Manukyan

If Nikol Pashinyan had been replaced before the end of the war, there would have been no capitulation agreement, but rather another agreement that would have been more beneficial. This was stated today by Vazgen Manukyan, the candidate for Prime Minister from the "Homeland Salvation Movement," during a meeting with journalists. According to him, if Pashinyan had been ousted immediately after that "capitulation" agreement, this six-point agreement would not have existed; it would have lost its force.

Manukyan was asked whether he had clearly developed plans in case of coming to power. "I have mentioned general plans related to one year of economic and foreign policy. It seems that a meeting with specialists should take place to discuss them regarding economic programs. There are two segments; one is for the first year, and there are also longer economic plans being developed, which will be necessary for the next government," he said.

He also addressed another pressing question for the public: with what team he would come to power. "Sometimes I am asked to present a list of the government. Firstly, the danger is that those people will be immediately targeted and come under attack. Secondly, it is important how the movement comes to power. If you manage to secure a majority in the National Assembly, the rules of the game change in terms of appointments," he noted.

Can they, in the event of coming to power, reject the signed capitulation agreement? In response to this question, Manukyan said: "Only if we have the corresponding strength and agreement with our allies." Responding to the remark that Pashinyan does not consider it appropriate to hold elections because he believes that in this situation we cannot invite people to a campaign, Manukyan replied: "So far, I have not heard a single honest word from Nikol Pashinyan. Why should I start discussing every sentence he says? Any elections that take place under Nikol Pashinyan's rule will be illegal."

Manukyan also responded to concerns that he would work in favor of the former authorities upon coming to power. "I stood at the foundation of our newly independent state. So far, no one has been able to say that I engaged in fraud or contributed to it at any time or place. It is impossible to do something in one year that the backlash does not come against you. I understand that I am going to the mission of a martyr. My confidence is not as important as the confidence of others that it will succeed."