Opposition rally in Armenia's capital draws 7,000

About 7,000 supporters of an opposition party rallied in Armenia's capital on Wednesday, urging the government to improve economic and social conditions.

The rally in Yerevan was organized by the People's Party led by Tigran Karapetian, a millionaire media tycoon. His party isn't represented in the national parliament but has some following in the provinces.

Speaking at the rally, Karapetian urged the government to increase wages and pensions, compensate the public for their bank savings lost in the post-Soviet economic meltdown and free jailed opposition supporters.

He warned that his party would push for early elections if the government fails to meet its demands by the end of February. Karapetian's ALM TV network was denied a broadcasting license in December and will go off the air later this month.


/Hurriyet daily News/