YEREVAN. - The activists aren’t mentally ready for the freedom of thought, Paruyr Hayrikyan, leader of Armenia’s Union for National Self-Determination, told Armenian News – NEWS.am today, referring to the protestors’ “unfriendly” treatment towards him.

Hayrikyan and his supporters have lowered the flags of Armenia and EU, but haven’t left Baghramyan Avenue.

Quarrel and scuffle arose between Hayrikyan’s supporters and protestors, during which the latter tore up the EU flag, shouting “Baghramyan is not Maidan, don’t associate it with the latter!”

Hayrikyan turned up with a statement, in which he notes that certain Russian media have recently disseminated news that protesters in Baghramyan Avenue have allegedly forced to lower the EU flags, that lie having one purpose, to persuade Armenia into turning aside from the civilized world, i.e. to isolate the country.

“Whereas everyone today pins their last hope on the European civilization, specifically the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). Armenia must form part of the civilized world. By speculating the idea of Armenia’s independence, those who subdue its isolation contribute to the destruction of Armenia as a country,” the statement reads.