“The Real 'Lao' Is Always Awake”: Andranik Kocharyan

For almost 2 months now, the opposition's low-attendance rallies have been ongoing at France Square, lacking any substantive agenda and merely aiming to disrupt the internal stability of our state. This was stated by Andranik Kocharyan, a member of the Armenian National Assembly from the 'Civil Contract' faction, while addressing the opposition's actions and their consequences.

“The popular song 'Zartnir, Lao' is often heard at the rallies, which has no relation to the protests or their pursued goals. 'Zartnir, Lao' was originally a call to unite against external enemies and organize resistance, yet now it has become a tool for incomprehensible street struggles and inciting internal enmity in the hands of the opposition, which nonetheless does not yield the desired results for them. The reason is simple: the artificial objectives of the struggle and the false agenda; instead of peaceful demonstrations, we witness organized mass unrest and actions that undermine urban tranquility in the streets of the capital. The real 'Lao' is always awake. This was evident back in 2020, when our fallen heroes and surviving servicemen fought against our state’s single external enemy to ensure the prospects of a secure future for our country. And it is they, the real owners of our country, who will never allow internal discord under any circumstances. The opposition's search for 'Lao' not only will not lead to any positive results for our state but, if it continues, will increase the likelihood of a resumption of war in the future. It is clear that both this incomprehensible street struggle and all similar manifestations will be rejected by society,” Kocharyan stated.

He noted that in the prevailing geopolitical conditions, the primary task of the authorities is to ensure internal solidarity and to consistently adhere to an agenda of external peace.