YEREVAN, JULY 24, ARMENPRESS. NKR MP, hero of Artsakh Vitaly Balasanyan has issued a statement revealing some details of the negotiations with the armed group that stormed the police patrol regiment on July 17. Balasanyan also informed who was the one who killed police Colonel Artur Vanoyan. “Armenpress” presents the text of the statement.

“Director of the National Security Service of Armenia Georgi Kutoyan met with the gunmen under my mediation in the morning of July 23. They discussed the issue of releasing the hostages for quite a long time, as well as other issues. Mr. Kutoyan also suggested that one of the gunmen who had been injured and doctors might not be able to save his life inside the regiment should be taken to hospital for receiving necessary professional stationary medical aid. Unfortunately, the members of the armed group did not agree with the suggestion. Despite the refusal of the gunmen, we sent a surgeon to the regiment, but he also was forbidden to perform medical intervention.

As refers to the issue of releasing the hostages, I have to admit that I am satisfied with the process. The members of the armed group, in accordance with the agreement reached in advance, were provided with the broadest opportunity to meet with media representatives. Unfortunately, the armed group did not respect the key demand of the state: to appear in front of cameras exclusively without arms. They organized an explicit show of arms and militancy, afterwards fired into air during a live broadcast. I strictly condemn this act and find it unacceptable.

Anyway, following President Sargsyan’s call, the state agencies with which I continue to negotiate, are ready to use every opportunity aimed at peaceful surrender of the armed group. I also urge while it is not still too late and it is still possible to do that, to sober up and fulfill the demand of the Constitution and laws of Armenia. State agencies are ready to provide you with more chances to meet with media representatives for that goal, so that you can explain everyone if needed. But this time it must be done exclusively without arms, transparent for the public and in a safe place for journalists. After that they have to put down the weapons immediately.

I also urge the group to give the wounded one, who according to some information is the one who killed the police Colonel, to the authorities while it is not too late. Guys, he needs emergency medical treatment, no one needs any more victims. I think the group members should grasp this final opportunity.

Under my mediation and accompanied by a senior representative of the authorities and with the presence of member of “Founding Parliament” Alek Yenigomshyan, we met with Zhirair Sefilian at “Vardashen” Penitentiary and discussed a number of issues. Zhirair Sefilian did not say anything. Moreover, he stated that he refuses to demand the President's resignation. Zhirair Sefilian raised issues of national importance, which we promised to convey to the President.  We immediately fulfilled our promise and conveyed the issues.  The position of the President of the Republic is already known: He is ready to invite Zhirair Sefilian, explain the reality and prospects after the guys put down the weapons and surrender”.