Armenian opposition party rallies in open air

An Armenian opposition party staged a large rally in the open air Tuesday after government officials refused permission to gather in a government building.

Officials refused to comment on why the opposition party was denied permission to use a government meeting hall.

Aram Sarkisyan, head of the "Respublika" party, meanwhile, called on hundreds of party members to boycott or vote against constitutional changes being considered in a referendum scheduled for Nov. 27.

The amendments are intended to impose a more strict separation of powers between the judicial, executive and legislative branches. The proposed changes also include removal of a clause outlawing dual citizenship for members of Armenia's large foreign diaspora, AP reports.

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