Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, during which he called on all parties in the country to exercise restraint. This was announced on Thursday, February 25, by the press secretary of the head of the Russian state Dmitry Peskov.
“The situation in Armenia was discussed <...> Putin spoke in favor of maintaining order and tranquility in Armenia, resolving the situation within the framework of the law. The head of the Russian state also called on all parties to restraint, “RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.
Earlier that day, rallies of supporters and opponents of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took place in Yerevan.
The President of the Republic Armen Sarkissian called on all political forces and authorities to act strictly within the framework of the constitution. The head of state noted that he was taking all measures to reduce tension and looking for ways to peacefully resolve the situation.
Pashinyan, in turn, went out to his supporters on Republic Square in Yerevan. The politician said that he and his family “under no circumstances” intend to flee the country. At the same time, the head of the Armenian government called on the military to protect the borders and territorial integrity of the country. According to Pashinyan, the people will not allow a military coup in Armenia.
Opposition protests continue in Armenia, which accuses Pashinyan of surrendering because of the signing of a ceasefire agreement in Karabakh. On February 25, Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces Onik Gasparyan, together with 40 high-ranking officers, demanded Pashinyan’s resignation. The prime minister called what is happening in the country an attempt at a military coup and dismissed Gasparyan.
As the Izvestia correspondent reported, the Armenian opposition intends to remain on Freedom Square in the center of Yerevan until Pashinyan resigns.