In the current standoff and hostage situation in Yerevan, it is extremely important to prevent bloodshed, Shant TV reports citing Vitaly Balasanyan, Major General, Karabakh War Hero.
The major general called it extremely important that the competent suggestions of the authorities are accepted. Balasanyan said "Daredevils of Sasoun", the armed loyalists of the jailed oppositionist Jirayr Sefilyan, demand resignation of Serzh Sargsyan and formation of a transitional government.
"Their major demand is discussion of the measure of restraint against Jirayr Sefilyan and political prisoners. The authorities have been informed of it. Frankly speaking, I do not like the term 'political prisoner,' since there are no such in Armenia. Anyway, at the given moment, I think the steps taken by the authorities must be accepted. I am sure that Jirayr Sefilyan and his supporters will accept the proposals and the sides will launch a dialogue," Balasanyan.
He also said the physicians visited the hostages and examined them.
It was reported earlier that the meeting between General Vitaly Balasanyan, Artsakh War Hero, and the Karabakh war veterans that seized the building of the Patrol-Guard Service Regiment in Yerevan took plane on July 21. Balasanyan has arrived from Nagorno Karabakh Republic to negotiate with group that calls itself "Daredevils of Sasoun". Talking to ArmInfo, one of the leaders of the rebels Pavel Manukyan said Balasanyan is trying to settle the situation by peaceful methods and that they are ready for peaceful resolution of that hostage crisis if the authorities fulfill their demand and resign. After the meeting, Balasanyan met with President Serzh Sargsyan and informed him of their demands.