Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed the situation in the republic. The phone conversation, which took place at the initiative of the Armenian side, was reported on Thursday by Russian leader press secretary Dmitry Peskov.
"The situation in Armenia was discussed," he said. "Putin spoke in favor of maintaining order and calm in Armenia and resolving the situation within the framework of the law," the press secretary said. "The Russian head of state also called for restraint on all sides," Peskov added.
Mass actions by Pashinyan's opponents and supporters began in Armenia on Thursday after the Armed Forces General Staff issued a statement saying that the military was demanding the resignation of the prime minister and the government. The statement was signed by the Chief of General Staff Onik Gasparyan, his deputies, heads of departments and corps. Pashinyan described it as an attempt of a military coup and announced his decision to dismiss the Chief of General Staff. President Armen Sarkisian, who under the constitution appoints and dismisses the Chief of General Staff at the Prime Minister's suggestion, has not signed the documents yet.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS