Vardan Ghukasyan expresses his respect for  "Our Way" movement

ArmInfo. I respect the "Our Way" (#Merdzevov) movement, as stated by Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan to journalists on September 23.

Referring to Samvel Karapetyan's personality, the official noted that  the latter did not head any government agency. Moreover, he was among  the nation's foremost benefactors, and during pan-Armenian  gatherings, his level of participation was always significantly  greater than others.

"If we don't respect guys like these, then whom do we respect? We  don't respect generals, we don't respect heroes, we don't respect  doctors, we don't respect teachers, we don't respect great  predecessors-not Andranik Ozanyan, not Viktor Hambardzumyan, not  Mesrop Mashtots." "Who do they (the current authorities) respect?"  Ghukasyan asked. He admitted that the government only respects the  artists it invites to Armenia. After listing various names, Ghukasyan  suggested that the authorities leave the country along with these  celebrities.

He also noted that the ruling party's  ratings are currently  shamefully low. The mayor noted  that those who are the country's  driving force are being held behind doors, in courtrooms and prisons.  "Free the political prisoners. You arrest bishops and want high a  ratings?" Ghukasyan expressed his indignation. The official compared  the working style of the head of the Armenian government to that of a  Turkish official, should he become the country's leader.