Armenia’s PM Karapetyan backs political opposition’s call for snap elections

Armenia’s Acting Prime Minister, Karen Karapetyan, backed the political opposition’s call for snap elections on Wednesday.

The only indicator of the people’s support is elections, Karapetyan said in comments carried by state news agency Armenpress. “I am suggesting holding snap elections.’’

Karapetyan was previously prime minister and resumed the post after the country’s former president-turned-prime minister, Serzh Sargsyan, tendered his resignation this week, following series of protests against him retaining power.

Karapetyan was supposed to meet on Wednesday with opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan, a member of the federal parliament.

The government said the meeting was cancelled because the opposition made unilateral demands.

President Armen Sarkissian said that he had begun talks to find a solution to the political crisis, according to comments carried by state media.

“I express regret that the negotiations have been interrupted.

“From today, I am beginning consultations with representatives of parliamentary and extra-parliamentary forces to discuss the situation in our country and finding solutions,’’ Sarkissian said.