Vardan Ghukasyan urges city residents to defend Gyumri`s independence

ArmInfo. The situation surrounding the Gyumri city administration remains tense. Local  residents gathered outside the administration building loudly express their discontent over the detention of the community leadership, led  by Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan.

The building  is surrounded by reinforced police. According to  reports, a convoy of police officers from Yerevan is heading to   assist their Gyumri colleagues.

Meanwhile, Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan issued an appeal to his fellow  residents via Facebook. "Proud and righteous residents of Gyumri! The  time has come to defend our city and our dignity. Currently, there  are actions taking place at City Hall  to remove the mayor. But we  must understand that this isn't just about one person. This is about  the independence of the entire city. The state must not violate  Gyumri's independence.  We, the people of Gyumri, are obligated to  preserve the right to elect and defend our mayor. Unite, speak out,  don't remain silent. Gyumri is strong because of its people," he  wrote.