A regular round of talks between the ruling coalition and the Armenian National Congress (ANC) opposition bloc started on August 23 noon, with all members of working groups participating.

Representatives of the ruling coalition haves held meeting since July 18, the two main issues on the agenda being conduction of extraordinary election (on ANC demand) and development of canons of political competition (as suggested by the authorities).

Problems emerged when police detained 7 young ANC activists. According to the ANC, on August 9 police officers used violence against ANC activists Tigran Arakelyan and Artak Karapetyan. Upon arrival to the site, activists Areg Gevorgyan, Sahak Muradyan, Vahagn Gevorgyan, Sargis Gevorgyan and David Kirimajyan tried to settle the dispute but were beaten as well, the ANC said. All above-mentioned were taken to a police station.

Currently, Tigran Arakelyan, Artak Karapetyan and Sargis Gevorgyan are kept in custody. The others were released.

The sides agreed to continue talks.