YEREVAN. – U.S. Embassy welcomed the Armenian Ombudsman's statement yesterday regarding the ongoing situation in Erebuni, in which he says he is closely monitoring the situation and pledges action if laws are broken.

“We applaud and echo his call for continued restraint on all sides of the stand-off. With a particular note of the events of July 26-27, we urge all sides to show maximum restraint, act within the confines of the law, and demonstrate a commitment to the peaceful resolution of the standoff. We are especially concerned by media reports today that medical personnel have been detained in the Erebuni Police building. Such actions are unacceptable, and if true, we call for the immediate and safe release of these individuals,” the statement reads.

According to the Health Ministry press-service, doctors Norayr Tevanyan and Salvador Khechoyan, paramedic David Tonoyan and nurse Malina Markaryan were taken hostage while carrying out their professional duties in the seized police station.