YEREVAN.- The EU delegation to Armenia expressed its concern over the attack on presidential candidate, head of Union for Self-Determination Paruyr Hayrikyan, and wished him speedy and full recovery.

“The EU Delegation would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm support for elections in Armenia in accordance with international standards and commitments,” says the statement posted on Facebook.

As Armenian News-NEWS.am informed earlier, an assassination attempt was made against presidential candidate, opposition National Self-Determination Union Chairman Paruyr Hayrikyan, on Thursday at around 11:20pm in downtown Yerevan. Hayrikyan was shot in the chest and hospitalized with a gunshot wound in the right clavicle. He is in undergoing treatment at the intensive care department.

The incident provoked speculations about possible postponing of the presidential elections scheduled for February 18. Head of Central Electoral Commission Tigran Mukuchyan called the rumors “inaccurate” urging to wait till the situation becomes clearer.  

A criminal case is opened in connection with the assassination attempt against Paruyr Hayrikyan. It is launched on charges of carrying out an assassination attempt against a statesman, political or public figure, which—that is, the attempt—is carried out to end this person’s noted activities. This crime is punishable by imprisonment for 12-20 years, or life in prison.    

The National Security Service is conducting the investigation.