Don't Cross the Line, or I'll Distort You. Dispute Among Yerevan Council Members

Today, Nuard Vardanyan, a member of the Yerevan City Council from the ‘My Step’ faction, published a photo on his Facebook page and wrote: “Some media outlets and opposition figures have been discussing the unfortunate incident that occurred in the zoo for two days now, but are targeting the 'monstrous' stray dogs as the criminal side, who allegedly attacked the kangaroos… I understand that by targeting these lovely little creatures, the photo of which I have posted below, you are also targeting the Municipal Animal Welfare Organization (MAWO), thus the city hall, but this only evokes laughter.

Dear 'Light' faction, I greatly value the work of the opposition and expect more serious efforts from you. P.S. As a result of operational intelligence, the monstrous criminal group was apprehended. The 'monsters' are 4-5-month-old dog-like animals.”

His post was responded to by members of the Yerevan City Council from the 'Light' faction, Ani Khachatryan and Tehmine Vardanyan.

Khachatryan commented: “I’m not laughing, I’m crying over you,” to which Vardanyan responded very harshly: “Perhaps you meant to say you’re upset because people do not cry over you, but rather cry for you. We haven’t died either, Ani dear, don’t get so upset.” Khachatryan replied, “Yes, I’m very upset, seeing the quality of city leadership is an understatement.”

Meanwhile, Tehmine Vardanyan wrote: “Dear My Step members, it was MAWO that published this photo of the dogs with a very funny text. It’s not us who blame these dogs for being part of a monstrous agreement. According to MAWO, they were PARTIAL to what happened.”

Nuard Vardanyan retorted: “That’s not MAWO’s view; that was the complaint from the zoo. Distorting facts is your favorite pastime.” In response, Khachatryan urged Nuard Vardanyan not to cross the line, otherwise she would remind him of their favorite activity: “Nuard Vardanyan dear, let’s not force to talk about favorite activities, otherwise... and don’t cross the line, or I’ll distort you.”