Georgia supports peaceful resolution of Yerevan hostage crisis

Georgia is offering its deepest support for the government its neighbour Armenia as the country works to resolve an internal conflict where armed men stormed a police station and took several hostages.

Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili hosted Armenia’s Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian at the Government’s Administration in Tbilisi today.

"We are deeply concerned and saddened by the recent developments in Yerevan and welcome the peaceful resolution of the situation,” Kvirikashvili said as he started the meeting.

He extended his condolences to the Armenian diplomat over the casualties and indicated Georgia welcomed the steps taken to deescalate the situation.

On July 17, 2016 a group of armed men stormed a police station in Armenia’s capital Yerevan and took nine hostages. The assailants demanded the release of opposition leader Jirair Sefilian, and the resignation of President Serzh Sargsyan. One policeman was killed in the attack. This began an ongoing standoff with the government, with growing crowds of protesters joining the calls for the president’s resignation.

Today’s conversation between the Georgian and Armenian leaders also touched on the need to deepen constructive relations as well as trade and economic relations between the neighboring countries. Increasing inflow of Armenian tourists to Georgia was positively noted and Georgia’s interest to reinforcing cooperation in the transportation industry was expressed.

The Georgian Government’s Administration said particular attention was paid to the continuation of close cooperation in the energy sector. Both sides welcomed construction of the new high-voltage power line to support electricity sharing between Georgia and Armenia.

Kvirikashvili and Nalbandian commended the cultural ties between the two countries and expressed hope that this would further intensify within the framework of the interagency format.

Georgia’s Foreign Ministeer Mikheil Janelidze also attended the meeting.

While in Tbilisi the Armenian official is also due to meet Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili.