Tensions flare outside local government building in Armenia’s Parakar

Tensions flared outside the local government building in Parakar, a rural community in Armenia’s Armavir Province, on Friday morning.

Scores of police forces deployed at the entrance to the building did not allow the supporters of the Aprelu Yerkir (Country to Live) party candidate to enter it as the new Council of Elders was to hold a session to elect a new community head.

"There is no solidarity," said Valodya Grigoryan, appointed as community head by the Aprelu Yerkir faction, and entered the village hall building without answering other questions.

Tensions arose in Parakar after the December 5 local elections, when two candidates announced that they had been elected head of the community.

The Aprelu Yerkir party won ten seats in the Coun...