NEWS.am has obtained detailed information on yesterday’s events in Beirut. The Armenian community met RA President Serzh Sargsyan with a large-scale action of protest. The Armenian leader’s visit to Beirut was accompanied by even larger-scale actions of protest than in Paris and Los Angeles. The Beirut-based Armenian Toros Sefilyan told the details.

According to him, numerous Armenians gathered at the Beirut airport. Some of them were rather aggressive, trying to throw stones at the President’s car. People were whistling and throwing their mobiles at the motorcade. The President naturally did not hold a meeting at the airport. The six to seven thousand protesters then made their way for the Habtur hotel, where President Sargsyan was to stay. Lebanese policemen and army blocked the road. Contract soldiers were involved in ensuring the Armenian President’s security – standard practice when distinguished guests arrive.

The first clash with the police occurred at 5:30 p.m. local time, after the protesters tried to come nearer to the hotel. One of the protesters received a brain trauma and was hospitalized. A policeman was injured as well. The clash lasted for about 30 minutes, but the rally continued. The people were singing, crying out slogans and carrying banners reading “No! We need Vardans, not Vasaks.” (Vardan and Vasak are an Armenian national hero and a traitor respectively).

Sefilyan also said that “everything, but military aircraft” was used to ensure Serzh Sargsyan’s security. Fire pumpers, armoured personnel carriers and ten Jeeps with anti-aircraft defense elements were in the street.