“I don’t observe direct role of external actors in these developments, however, this doesn’t mean that they won’t make use of the situation and initiate some processes to realize their interests. Traditionally any internal political shaking in Armenia is automatically identified with Russia, on account of power and influence of that state in Armenia. However, this, maybe is the first case, when Russia didn’t need such developments on account of leading political interest in Artsakh issue and the unhidden intention to accelerate the settlement process.”
RA Ministry of Health published photos of doctors taken as hostages by the gunmen–Margaryan Malina, Khechoyan Salvador, Tonoyan David and Tevanyan Norayr. Earlier members of the armed group took the abmulance brigade as hostage, which arrived in the territory of the Police patrol regiment.
The Healthcare Ministry issued a statement: “It is a worldwide unacceptable, condemnable phenomenon when an attempt is being made to raise a hand towards the professionals while they are conducting their humanitarian mission.”
Ashot Aharonyan, Head of the Information and Public Relations Department of the RA Police, in a talk with 168.am urged to rely only on clarified, official information, “Information provided by the user you mentioned throughout last 10 days, didn’t correspond to the reality. I call to refrain from disseminating inaccurate information.”
How wounded Pavel Manukyan and his son were moved to the intensive care unit
“The relatives of the wounded have also urged to take them to hospital. The law enforcement provided all the necessary conditions. Later the gunmen called the doctor stating that the conditions of the wounded are critical, and after the doctors arrived in the Police station, they have been held hostages by the gunmen.”
“According to the law enforcement, other two injured gunmen are in the territory of the Police HQ. Negotiations are underway—the law enforcement attempt to convince, that medical assistance was provided to them as well, however friends of the injured gunmen refuse.”
In the territory of the Police patrol regiment members of the armed group Gagik Yeghiazaryan and Aram Hakobyan have been handed over to the law enforcement. Shooting has been recorded, as a result of which one of the law enforcement was injured, as well as Pavel Manukyan and his son Aram.
“Under current situation it’s rather difficult, however, it’s a very important capability, which the negotiator should possess. If both sides seek to solve the issue through negotiations. Everything possible should be done to find a way to negotiated solution. The team is negotiating, and not one person. Firstly, the sides should gain trust.”
“Of course, Russia should blame NATO. What else can they speak of? They are the same villains, like those of Yerevan, who insist that NATO summit is nonsense, and nothing important can take place there.”
