Situation in Police Station was Peacefully Solved Thanks to Armenian Leadership’s Prudent, Patient, Balanced Approach: Armenian FM

Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian says the peaceful settlement of the situation in the Police station was possible thanks to the Armenian leadership’s prudent, patient and balanced approach.

In a meeting with the Armenian FM in Tbilisi on August 1, Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili expressed his deep concern over the situation in the seized Police precinct by the gunmen in Yerevan and extended his condolences to the Armenian leadership over two victims stating that Georgia welcomes the steps which resulted in the peaceful settlement of the issue.

The Armenian FM expressed gratitude to the Georgian PM for the condolences and the support to the efforts for the peaceful settlement, and said the issue has been solved thanks to the Armenian leadership’s prudent, patient, balanced approach and the adopted correct decisions.

In the morning of July 17 gunmen stormed a Police HQ in Yerevan and took hostages – demanding the release of Zhirayr Sefilyan, who was imprisoned a month ago, charged with illegal possession, transportation and acquirement of weapons and ammunition.

Police Colonel Artur Vanoyan has been killed by the gunmen during the ambush.

Colonel Aram Hovhannisyan, Lt. – Colonel Hrach Khosteghyan, Corporal Gagik Mkrtchyan received gunshot wounds.

The hostages were released within a week, but on July 27 the gunmen took hostage the paramedics who came to show medical assistance to the wounded in Police station.

On July 30 a police officer Yuri Tepanosyan has been killed by sniper fire from the seized police precinct.

On July 31 the gunmen laid down the weapons and surrendered.