YEREVAN, JULY 20, ARMENPRESS. Violence can never be an acceptable option for making political changes in Armenia, US Ambassador to Armenia H.E. Richard Mills said, touching upon the July 17 ambush of a Police station by gunmen.

“This issue was raised yesterday in the US Department of State. There was an urge from our side to the Armenian authorities regarding resolving the situation professionally and with restraint. Now it’s time, that all Armenians display respect for the rule of law for the situation to resolve peacefully, which, in my opinion, is what everyone wants”, Ambassador Mills said.

According to him the US Embassy is closely following the situation. The Ambassador expressed condolences to the family of the killed officer.

In the morning of July 17 gunmen stormed a Police HQ in Yerevan and took hostages – demanding the release of Zhirayr Sefilyan, who was imprisoned a month ago, charged with illegal possession, transportation and acquisition of firearms and ammunition.

Police Colonel Artur Vanoyan has been killed by the gunmen during the ambush.

Colonel Aram Hovhannisyan, Lt. – Colonel Hrach Khosteghyan, Corporal Gagik Mkrtchyan received gunshot wounds. 7 people are being held hostage. There are no wounded among the gunmen.