As a result of lasting negotiations overnight July 17-18, it was possible to achieve the release of one police officer who was held hostage in the Police station, as well as one civilian – an ambulance driver.
Nevertheless, the gunmen refuse to release other hostages who are being held forcibly, including high ranking police officials, lay down their weapons and surrender to authorities.
As a result of the ambush, the lives of the people who are held against their will continue to be endangered. The terrorists, who have already committed several crimes and have large amounts of weapons and ammunitions at their disposal, pose an obvious and direct danger not only for the hostages, but also for the public.
Armenian law enforcement agencies take all possible and available measures for the peaceful resolution of the situation; however this may not be enough in current conditions.
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Therefore, once again we urge the gunmen to refrain from criminal acts which may result in new casualties and other severe consequences and stop the armed resistance. There is still time and opportunity for this.