April 21, 2007

Big Crowds and High Spirits at Heritage Town Hall Meeting

Yerevan—Today, the large government hall on Melik Adamian Street overflowed with Heritage supporters who had come to heed the party’s plan for Armenia. The traditional singing of the national anthem was followed by introductory remarks by Yerevan State University professor Vardan Khachatrian and school principal Anahit Bakhshian. Raffi K. Hovannisian, the president of Heritage, then took the floor. In his keynote speech (the original Armenian version of which is attached), Hovannisian outlined the domestic and international challenges facing Armenia and submitted Heritage’s proposal for change and progress. “We have come here today not to make successive promises, but to establish and authenticate the rule of right through a contract with Armenia,” he said. Inspirational words were also heard from human rights attorney Zaruhi Postanjian, Armenia’s first ombusdman Larisa Alaverdian, world boxing champion Israel Hakobkokhian, and other citizens. In the end, Vardan Khachatrian read and responded to questions from the maximum capacity audience.

Also today, in preparation for “keep the vote” missions scheduled for May 12, Heritage representatives and volunteers underwent their first training session. The training was conducted by Armen Martirosian, Heritage’s representative at the Central Election Commission.

Raffi K. Hovannisian’s Policy Address