RA NA Speaker Ara Babloyan issued a statement, which reads:

“Dear citizens of the Republic of Armenia, dear compatriots,

In recent days many citizens have raised their voices in the streets and squares addressed to the Armenian authorities. Such protests are characteristic of democratic states.

Dear Compatriots, I have followed closely all the events, rallies, steps and rhetoric of organizers and law enforcement agencies. Unfortunately, in some cases, there were also violations of human rights violations against other people, addressing which the government has always maintained a balanced attitude and often concessions. Many different international platforms, the Diaspora, civil society, numerous political forces, as well as the authorities have been making many calls to negotiate, hold discussions, and keep the situation from escalating.

The President of Armenia personally visited the hottest platform of complaints and personally called on MP Nikol Pashinyan to sit down for a political dialogue. It was followed by a meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan and MP Nikol Pashinyan. Unfortunately, it was clear from this recent meeting that Nikol Pashinyan is not inclined to political debate and compromise, which will have the opportunity to prevent possible severe consequences, to calm down and start constructive work. In this situation, when deciding the political dialogue, choosing everything or nothing tactic, the organizers and leaders of the protest actions are obliged to realize that they take on their shoulders and bear adequate responsibility for all subsequent developments, including the heaviest ones.

Therefore, assessing the situation, realizing the obligation of the state to establish a rule of law, I urge to display reasonableness, to evaluate the constitutional rights, responsibilities of each and to sit round the table for the political discussion.

I am confident that the Republic of Armenia has all the political and legal instruments for achieving a sound settlement.

I appeal to our citizens, all political forces, our sisters and brothers, our children and youth for restraint and tolerance.

I believe in the wisdom of our people.”