Armenia’s president considers measures taken in current situation in Yerevan adequate

YEREVAN, March 7. /ARKA/. Armenia’s President Robert Kocharian considered the measures taken in the current situation in Yerevan adequate. This statement was made by Kocharian at his meeting with the Head of PACE interim commission John Prescott who observed the course of the presidential elections in Armenia, the presidential press service reported.

On March 1 Armenia’s President imposed a state of emergency on Yerevan, effective for 20 days, under item 6 paragraph 14 of Article 55, Armenia’s Constitution (threat to the country’s security and population) as the opposition rallies developed into disturbances and clashes between demonstrators and the Police. Private and state facilities, including the municipality buildings suffered serious damage.

Eight people were killed and 131 injured in the disturbances.
John Prescott is in Armenia to study the situation after the elections.
The sides discussed the post-election processes in Armenia, particularly the disturbances occurred due to unsanctioned rallies on March 1.

According to the report, the President provided clarifications on the matters of concern. He stressed that the measures are adequate to the situation and said that the authorities make every effort to promptly settle the situation in Yerevan.

John Prescott, in his turn, considered establishing atmosphere of trust a basic way to overcome the internal political situation. N.V. –0--