US State Department expresses official opinion about events in ArmeniaApril 18, 2018 - 17:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - US State Department officially commented on recent developments of political events in Armenia. “We have noticed that there are mass protests held in Yerevan and other cities of Armenia. Thousands of Armenians came out on to the streets to use their freedom of expression and right to hold demonstrations. We closely follow the demonstrations being held in the center of Yerevan and other cities of Armenia”, stated in the announcement of US State Department as reported by the Voice of America. “We are happy to learn that the majority of the protesters and the police show a respectful and responsible behavior during the last few days. We are however concerned about the conflicts that happen between the police and the demonstrators from time to time where there have also been several injured. We encourage all the sides to remain peaceful and retain from any tension and violent actions.” On April 17, the 5th day of demonstrations against PM Serzh Sargsyan in Yerevan, the protesters were walking in the city center blocking government buildings. On April 17the initiations ”Refuse Serzh” and “My Step” were holding protests in the Republic Square of Yerevan. Pashinyan, the leader of the movement, had announced about starting a “Velvet Revolution”. Later in the same evening, after the demonstrations by ”Refuse Serzh” and “My Step” initiations, in the crossroad of Tumanyan- Mashtots, a group of young people in masks started breaking traffic lights, swearing at drivers and throwing different objects on the police cars. There are several injured. Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. Ex-President: Only removal of “defeatist” rulers can save Armenia Former Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has shared a message on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Pashinyan: We must stop searching for homeland, we have found that homeland Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has shared a message on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. |