A regular meeting between representatives of the ruling coalition and the Armenian National Congress (ANC) opposition bloc started in the Armenian government today, August 16. Member of Prosperous Armenia party Naira Zohrabyan is absent, like during the previous gathering.

When journalists asked ANC representatives to comment on Congress spokesman Arman Musinyan’s statement that the ANC can withdraw from the dialogue if the detained ANC activists are not released, David Shahnazaryan remarked that Mr. Musinyan gave a press conference earlier today.

According to the ANC, on August 9 police officers used violence against ANC activists Tigran Arakelyan and Artak Karapetyan. Upon arrival to the site, activists Areg Gevorgyan, Sahak Muradyan, Vahagn Gevorgyan, Sargis Gevorgyan and David Kirimajyan tried to settle the dispute but were beaten as well, the ANC said. All above-mentioned were taken to a police station.

On their part, the police accused the ANC activists of assault.

Currently, Tigran Arakelyan, Artak Karapetyan and Sargis Gevorgyan are kept in custody. The others were released.