“We only know that Jirair Sefilian proposed a third variant to the settlement, which is being discussed, and on which I can’t provide details. We have no information yet at which phase the negotiations are and which agreement has been reached. One person was set free upon the offer of Mr. Sefilian, as manifestation of goodwill, to launch discussion of the third variant offered by him.”
“I’ll be meeting with the President of Armenia and members of the Parliament to determine how we in the United States can help facilitate a successful conclusion to these negotiations,” Costa said.
“I may only say, that in my modest opinion, a terror act was initiated in Yerevan’s center, a planned act against the Police. The plotters were inspired by the developments in Turkey, this was the reason that qualification “military coup” was given to this terror in case, when, in fact it wasn’t an attempted military coup, but a terror act. They were inspired that they can record success through terror acts. In my conviction this is a direct threat to NK conflict peaceful settlement process, situation on the contact line, as well as the process of Artsakh’s self-determination. I simply hope, they won’t be essential.”
U.S. Embassy in Armenia denied the information circulating on the internet, according to which John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of State, commented on the activity of the armed group in Yerevan.
“Nevertheless, the gunmen refuse to release other hostages who are being held forcibly, including high ranking police officials, lay down their weapons and surrender to authorities. As a result of the ambush, the lives of the people who are held against their will continue to be endangered.”
In different parts of the Republic and the capital arrests and investigative actions were recorded, and roads were still closed. Upon assessments of the law enforcement, number of the detained exceeds 200. Hunan Poghosyan, First Deputy Chief of RA Police, told reporters that special units have been brought to the initial position, however they have no command to operate.
“It’s a very dangerous process. Everything must be done to avoid bloodshed. Surrendering to the police would be the right choice, and in this case problems would be solved in another way. When people rely on weapons to solve political issues, it may lead to fatal consequences. It does not befit our public, solving issues with weapons does not befit the Armenian public, it is not a way out. Everything must be done to put an end to this through negotiations and avoiding new casualties,” the MP added.
“Despite the attitude towards the authorities you don’t and won’t have public support. I call on laying down the arms and surrender to the law enforcement. And maybe then our society will somehow soften its attitude towards you and the court will take it into consideration.”
“It’s a sabotage terrorist act, an anti system one that cannot lead to positive results. The politicians regardless from the ruling party or opposition condemn these actions. Taking into account the fact that the radical, anti system opposition has a huge lack of resources, they have no positive steps here,” Margarov said, noting that the only goal now should be to resolve the situation.
“Armenian law enforcement bodies fully control the situation and have undertaken all necessary means to resolve the issue. Meanwhile, the National Security Service calls on the mass media to use the information from official sources, as in case of the contrary that would assist the illegal actions and would pose threat for people’s life and health”.
