Armenian and Artsakh presidents call for maintaining stability

22.04.2018 13:54

Presidents of Armenia and Artsakh #40;Nagorno-Karabakh#41; Armen Sarkissian and Bako Sahakyan met in Yerevan today to discuss the current situation.br / br /

YEREVAN, April 22. /ARKA/. Presidents of Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Armen Sarkissian and Bako Sahakyan met in Yerevan today to discuss the current situation. Both presidents were said to have expressed concern over the increasing political tension in Armenia. br

Noting that internal stability is the most important guarantor of security in Armenia and Artsakh, the presidents stressed the importance of resolving all disputable issues exclusively within the framework of legality and dialogue.br

Armenian security forces have detained earlier today opposition parliament member Nikol Pashinyan as he was heading another anti-government demonstration. Detained were also other opposition MPs Ararat Mirzoyan and Sasoon Mikaelyan.br

The detention occurred on Artsakh Street in Erebuni administrative district. When the protesters approached this street, it was already blocked by the riot police, who used also stun grenades. The police detained other protesters as well.br

In a related statement first deputy prime minister Karen Karapetyan appealed to all political forces and citizens of the country to exercise restraint.br

We are all citizens of the Republic of Armenia. We hoped that we would find a solution to the current situation as a result of today's negotiations (between prime minister Sargsyan and Pashinyan), but unfortunately, one of the parties, Mr. Pashinyan, did not come to negotiate a way out , but to dictate his terms. The dialogue could not give a result, since the position of one of the parties was initially destructive, not involving the desire to reach an agreement,’ Karapetyan said in the statement.br

‘Our main goal remains the stability, as well as the maintenance of normal life in the country, the first deputy prime minister.br

Earlier today prime minister Serzh Sargsyan walked out of a televised meeting with Pashinyan describing the latter’s demand that he resign as blackmail. I came here to discuss your resignation, Pashinyan, the leader of the opposition Civil Contract Party, told the prime minister in front of the cameras.br

This is not a dialogue, this is blackmail. I only can advise that you return to the legal framework otherwise, you will bear the full responsibility, Sargsyan replied.br

You don't understand the situation in Armenia. The power is now in people's hands, Pashinyan said.br

The anti-government protests in Armenia began on April 13 after Armenia's ruling Republican Party nominated former president Serzh Sargsyan for the prime minister’s post. Serzh Sargsyan resigned as president on April 9 and was elected as prime minister during a special session of parliament on April 17 by a vote of 77 to 17.br

According to Armenia’s amended constitution, approved in a national referendum in 2015, Armenia has switched the government from a semi-presidential to a parliamentary system making the presidency largely ceremonial and strengthening the office of the prime minister.br

The protests are led by Nikol Pashinyan, the head of the opposition Yelk parliamentary faction, who declared April 17 the beginning of popular, non-violent velvet revolution urgingnbsp; demonstrators to keep besieging ministries, the prosecutor's office, the central bank and other governmental buildings.br

Police have arrested hundreds of protesters since Tuesday, including two people they accused of making explosive materials to use in public places. -0-br