Claiming that the “the level of intolerance has reached a peak”, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian says he’s willing to meet with Yelk Alliance MP Nikol Pashinyan, who’s spearheaded a week of anti-Serzh Sargsyan protests in Yerevan and elsewhere in Armenia.

Sarkissian, who was elected president by the Armenian parliament last month, has called on Armenians to “step back and to soberly think about the consequences that such opposition can result in”.

“This is not a political statement. Rather, I appeal to you as a parent, a friend, as an Armenian,” Sarkissian’s statement reads.

“Any political demand, however justified it may appear, becomes meaningless if it endangers the health and life of citizens,” the statement reads.

“Thus, I am prepared to meet with National Assembly MP Nikol Pashinyan, to deescalate the current tensions via dialog amongst the political forces,” the statement ends.