A protest rally against Armenia’s joining the Customs Union was held outside presidential residence.

The rally participants believe that by joining the CU, Armenia will make a step towards restoration of the USSR.

Protesters are demanding resignation of President Serzh Sargsyan. As Heritage party representative David Sanasaryan told journalists, those gathered aim to express determination in disallowing a non-elected president or other officials to play games with Armenia’s sovereignty.

A clash broke out between the demonstrators and the police when the formers tired to gather in front of the presidential residence. Several activists were detained.

The Asparez club chair and National Self-Determination Union leader Paruyr Hayrikyan participated in the action, with the latter noting that Armenia’s jointing the CU should have been decided through a referendum rather than the president alone, tert.am said.

Those detained are expected to be released after a report is drawn up. Several demonstrators marched to the police department to support their friends.

The rally was planned in Facebook, with the further actions to be coordinated in the social network.

Earlier, Armenia expressed intention to join Customs Union, with further plans to be involved in formation of EurAsEC.

Russian President Vladimir Putin supported the initiative, voicing readiness to assist Armenia in the process. He also noted that Russian Railways may invest 15 billion rubles in development of Armenia's railway network.

The Customs Union was formed in 2010 to include of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia; Kirghizia and Tajikistan later expressed willingness to join the Union.