Armenian law enforcers report on opposition's refusal to lay down arms

The National Security Service of Armenia has called on the rebels who seized the building of the regiment of the patrol-and-security service, to stop the armed resistance.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on July 17, supporters of the opposition "Constituent Parliament" seized the building of the regiment of the patrol-and-security police service. One policeman was killed, and three others were wounded. Besides, two oppositionists were injured. Members of the "Constitutive Parliament" demand to release all political prisoners in the country, including their leader Zhirair Sefilyan. The "Heritage" Party and the Front of National Salvation "New Armenia" blamed the authorities for the incident. In Yerevan, the police began to detain supporters of opposition movements.

"The law enforcement authorities continue to seek for ways of peaceful resolution of the situation. However, given the current conditions, the measures undertaken may be not enough," states the report released by the National Security Service of Armenia.

According to the report, as a result of the negotiations, the special services managed to free two hostages, including a police officer and an ambulance driver.

"The rebels refuse to release the hostages, including two top-ranking police officials. They also refuse to lay down their arms and surrender to the authorities. The National Security Service of Armenia urges them to stop their armed resistance," the report emphasizes.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.