National Security Service Issues New Statement

The National Security Service (NSS) has issued a new statement: “Today, during the implementation of the decision to detain Archbishop Mikael Ajaphyan (Georgy Artashesy Ajaphyan) from the territory of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, a gathering of citizens was recorded. The NSS of the Republic of Armenia and the Police, based on security considerations and to prevent a possible and deliberate escalation of the situation, have decided to withdraw from the territory of the Mother See.

The NSS urges all citizens to refrain from escalating the situation and not to obstruct the lawful decisions of the law enforcement agencies. We call on Archbishop Mikael Ajaphyan (Georgy Artashesy Ajaphyan) not to hide from law enforcement and to present himself to the operational group of the National Security Service waiting for him.

The NSS continues to perform its legally defined functions, ensuring the maintenance of public order and security. Incidents of obstructing the lawful actions of law enforcement agencies will be subject to legal assessment,” the statement reads.

It should be noted that since the morning, the situation in Etchmiadzin has been tense, as the NSS has gone to detain Ajaphyan, but the gathered citizens are preventing them from doing so.