US urges dialogue in Armenia 

YEREVAN, APRIL 25, ARMENPRESS. The US State Department has released a statement over the ongoing events in Armenia calling for dialogue.

“The coming days represent a historic moment for the people ofArmeniaand its elected leaders, as they embark on the process of forming a new government”, State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a press release.

Nauert urged all sides to engage constructively, within the legal framework of the Armenian constitution.

“We look forward to working closely with a new government on the many areas of shared interest between the United States and Armenia.

As a friend and partner to Armenia, we commend the Armenian people for engaging in dialogue to forge their sovereign future through democratic and peaceful means”, the statement said.

On April 23, at 16:00, Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan resigned as widespread protests entered the 11thday. On the same day, as required by law, the government resigned.

First Deputy PM Karen Karapetyan was named acting PM at an emergency Cabinet meeting.

Later it was announced that Mr. Karapetyan will have a meeting with Mr. Pashinyan – leader of the opposition – on April 25. But around midnight of April 24, the government said that the meeting has been cancelled because the opposition leader unilaterally made new demands. Acting PM Karen Karapetyan addressed the President to organize a meeting in a format of his preference, with participation of a wide spectrum of political parties within and outside the parliament.

English –translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan