It’s simply unacceptable to hold ‘large-scale colorful celebration’ in Yerevan in these conditions – Alternative Projects Group
The Alternative Projects Group on Thursday denounced the Armenian government’s plan to hold a “colorful celebration” in Yerevan on the Independence Day.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Wednesday promised to hold a “large-scale colorful celebration” in Yerevan’s Republic Square on September 21 to mark the 30th anniversary of the country’s independence.
“First of all, this celebration will be dedicated to the memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Armenia’s independence, security and sovereignty and for Artsakh,” he said.
“This idea immediately received a harsh response from different layers of the society, including, naturally, the parents of killed servicemen. We have seen a disastrous war, have suffered heavy territorial losses and casualties, which is a national tragedy, and in these conditions it’s simply unacceptable to hold a ‘large-scale colorful celebration’,” the group said in a statement.
“We should naturally celebrate the holiday. But it is time for us, as a state, government and society, to realize that a holiday can be celebrated in a modest and simple way, without excessive colors. We call on the government to reconsider this inappropriate decision on holding a "large-scale colorful celebration". It will further divide the society, causing new tensions,” it noted.
The Alternative Projects Group also urged the three parliamentary factions to express a clear position on the government's decision and demand that it be scrapped, adding the issue is multi-layered.