VIDEO: 'I Won't Consider Which Faction It Is' - Avinyan Issues Warning

Violence in all its manifestations has been rejected and is unacceptable for us. This was stated today, on November 22, during the Yerevan City Council meeting by Mayor Tigran Avinyan, referring to yesterday's incident. He specifically said, 'In the council meeting hall, and outside the hall, whether it is physical violence or verbal, it is simply unacceptable, and appropriate measures must be taken to ensure that such violence has no place in this chamber.'

'According to our regulations, the issues we discuss, the questions raised, and the speeches given must relate to the matters on the agenda. We have a more free format for Q&A sessions and have more freedom for speeches at other times. I ask everyone to adhere to these rules.'

'I want to emphasize that in order to prevent such incidents, I personally will not consider whether a member is from our faction or the opposition; the same treatment will be applied to everyone. Within the scope of my authority, I would like to give three warnings: to Ms. Sona Aghekian, Ms. Hayrapetyan, and Ms. Ani Khachatryan. I ask you to evaluate the consequences that words can have, as when words contain violence, they at some point turn into physical violence.'

'I also want to specifically warn the heads of administrative districts, all those who participated in the scuffles yesterday: any similar actions will not be forgiven. I do not single anyone out, although certainly, some participated a bit more than others. I want to warn my teammates that no similar actions will be forgiven in the future.'