U.S. embassy in Armenia asks its citizens to avoid areas affected by protests

The U.S. Embassy in Armenia said it was aware of the ongoing protests in downtown Yerevan and other regions in Armenia and the announced plans for more protests causing roads and the surrounding areas to be congested. br / br /

YEREVAN, April 18, /ARKA/. The U.S. Embassy in Armenia said it was aware of the ongoing protests in downtown Yerevan and other regions in Armenia and the announced plans for more protests causing roads and the surrounding areas to be congested.nbsp;br

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It said due to the unpredictable nature of the protests, there could be a potential for violence and for the safety of US citizens in Armenia and therefore it is recommended that they avoid the areas directly affected by these protests and continue to monitor local media for further information.br

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The embassy also reminds all U.S. citizens in Armenia to review their personal security plans and remain aware of their surroundings. nbsp;It also said they should maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance their personal security.br

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The leader of the oppositional Yelk parliamentary bloc Nikol Pashinyan announced April 17 the start of the ‘velvet’ revolution in Armenia. I officially declare that a revolutionary situation has arisen in Armenia, and today I am announcing the beginning of a peaceful velvet revolution, Pashinyan said to his supporters.br

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Protests in Armenia have continued for the sixth straight day shutting Yerevan’s downtown. As many as 46 people, including six police officers, were reported injured during a clash on April 16. The protests were aimed at preventing former president Serzh Sargsyan from assuming the position of prime minister.nbsp;br

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He resigned as president a week earlier. Armenia’s new constitution approved in a 2015 referendum makes the prime minister the country’s most powerful figure. Sargsyan was elected as prime minister during a special session of parliament on Tuesday by a vote of 77 to 17.-0-br

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