Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan marches with his supporters in downtown Yerevan on Feb 25, 2021. (PHOTO / AFP)

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in Armenia in a telephone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Thursday, the Kremlin said.

Putin urged all parties to exercise restraint

"Putin spoke in support of maintaining peace and order in Armenia and resolving the situation in a lawful manner," it said in a statement.

READ MORE: Armenian PM sacks top military officer, citing coup attempt

Putin urged all parties to exercise restraint, it added.

Pashinyan on Thursday sacked the country's Chief of the General Staff Onik Gasparyan, accusing him of attempting a military coup.

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Earlier on Thursday, Gasparyan, his deputies and dozens of top military commanders had signed a statement, demanding Pashinyan and his cabinet resign, the local Armenpress reported.