I Demand from the Authorities not to Attack in any Case: Avetik Ishkhanyan

Avetik Ishkhanyan, Chairman of Helsinki Committee of Armenia, told at today’s discussion that he considers unacceptable solving internal issues through a weapon and stressed it was unexpected for him that the group members initiated it,

“A few months ago, when their civil disobedience movement was initiated, Varuzhan Avetisyan was stating that they’d never apply force and their weapon is only civil disobedience, and not entering into the power field. A tragedy occurred, when the police officer was killed.

Currently the situation is such that we shouldn’t allow any other bloodshed. Patience is needed, and I urge, claim from the authorities not to attack in any case. Let the lasting negotiations be held, but let the settlement be peaceful: provide some guarantees to them, fair trial, and do everything possible not to record a bloodshed. I suffer greatest pain and I haven’t been in such a shocking condition long ago.”

Artur Sakunts, Chairman of Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly – Vanadzor, stated, that he doesn’t want to separate the representatives of armed grouping and the policemen, as both, according to him, are victims, “Victims of the situation, that the authorities have developed as a result of irresponsible policy led by them. The atmosphere of impunity, leading in Armenia, unfortunately has led to this.”

He highlighted that they need to come out of the situation, and in his words, definitely, the main lesson learned should be that application of violent methods can’t be a solving method, “I think, they should go to the dialogue as much as it’ll be required to avoid possible human losses. The way out will have some influence on the forthcoming processes. All night long force method wasn’t applied, one of the hostages was set free, that approach should be maintained and we need not instigate by condemning or seeking the guilty, but we need to support.”

By Razmik Martirosyan