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Armenians Protest as Political Talks Called Off


Armenian opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan addresses supporters during a rally in Yerevan, Armenia, April 25, 2018.
Armenian opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan addresses supporters during a rally in Yerevan, Armenia, April 25, 2018.

Thousands of anti-government protesters marched in Armenia's capital on Wednesday after planned talks between an opposition leader and the country's acting prime minister were canceled.

The meeting was meant to discuss steps for a political transition following Monday's resignation of Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan.

Acting Prime Minister Karen Karapetian, a Sargsyan ally, said the opposition was making new demands. He also proposed holding snap parliamentary elections as a way to resolve the political turmoil.

WATCH: Armenia's 'Velvet Revolution' Prompts Comparisons With Ukraine, Georgia

Armenia's 'Velvet Revolution' Prompts Comparisons With Ukraine, Georgia
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Opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan of the Armenian National Congress said his side would boycott such an election if a member of the ruling Republican Party remains prime minister. He earlier said he was prepared to lead the country.

Largely peaceful protests began two weeks ago, triggered by accusations that Sargsyan, who served as president for a decade, manipulated the constitution to remain in power.

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