Armenian protesters rally

YEREVAN: Around a thousand protesters staged rallies yesterday in the Armenian capital against former president Serzh Sarkisian as he moves to maintain a chokehold on power as prime minister. Demonstrators blocked streets in the centre of Yerevan in opposition to a change of government that will see Sarkisian maintain huge influence. The 63-year-old ended his second and final presidential term last week and has been nominated by the ruling party for the post of prime minister. The pro-Moscow politician is expected to be elected by parliament today. Protesters took to the streets after opposition leader Nikol Pashinian called on Armenians to stage rallies to prevent Sarkisian’s political transition. —AFP