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Armenia is in a fateful situation currently, Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF, Dashnaktsutyun) Supreme Council of Armenia member Ishkhan Saghatelyan, who coordinates the activity of the opposition Homeland Salvation Movement, announced at a rally at Yerevan’s Liberty Square on Thursday demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his government.

Pashinyan also urged his supporters to rally at Yerevan’s Republic Square after the military demanded that he step down earlier in the day.

Saghatelyan called on protesters not to succumb to provocations and take coordinated steps to achieve the desired results.

"We call on the Police of Armenia and the National Security Service to stand by the people and not to obey the orders of the madman [referring to the PM]. The person clinging to power is currently trying to lead our country to a civil war and bloodshed in Yerevan. Otherwise, you will take our country to new upheavals with the madman. Let us unanimously demand that the police and the NSS refuse to carry out the illegal orders of the madman," he said.

The opposition leader said that they have obtained information that on Pashinyan's order the Prosecutor's Office is going to arrest the army generals demanding the premier’s resignation by sending armed groups to the Defense Ministry.

"We have gathered here to voice support for the Armenian military. Let us all show the brave generals and officers of our army that the Armenian people stand with them. Armenia without Nikol!... Today, the Armenian army proved once again that it stands with the people. We once again urge the military to stay focused on the borders and stand firm," he said, also calling on the Foreign Ministry to condemn Pashinyan’s move.

Ishkhan Saghatelyan said they may spend the night at Liberty Square, again urging supporters not to give in to provocations and warning the authorities against using weapons on peaceful protesters.