Yerevan /Mediamax/. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan today has stated that he has made a decision to dismiss Onik Gasparyan from the post of Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces and that decision must be implemented, "there is no other option.”

Addressing the rally of his supporters, the Prime Minister has noted that he has spoken on the phone with Armenian President Armen Sarkissian today regarding his request to dismiss Onik Gasparyan.

“I have said that in my opinion, he should sign the request I submitted. If the President does not sign it, is he joining the coup? The choice is very simple.

I appointed Onik Gasparyan Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, awarded him the ranks of Lieutenant General and Colonel General. I showed him 100% confidence during the war, but now I understand in retrospect that in many episodes it was not the correct choice. Either he submits a resignation letter or the President signs my request. The people should not be subjected to regular shocks,” said Nikol Pashinyan.

“I call on all political forces to stop all protests and acts of disobedience. Let’s start a dialogue. If you hold a rally, we will do the same; if you go beyond the framework of political statements, we will arrest you in accordance with the law,” said Pashinyan.

The Prime Minister has concluded his speech by repeating several times: “The “velvet” approach has ended.”