Thousands Protest In Yerevan Against Kocharian

Radio Free Europe, Czech Rep.
May 15 2004

15 May 2004 — Several thousand Armenian opposition supporters
protested in the streets of the capital Yerevan late on 14 May to
demand the resignation of President Robert Kocharian.

Interfax reported that police estimated no more than 4,000 people
participated in the peaceful demonstration, while organizers claim
30,000 people attended the rally.

The protest was the latest in a series of demonstrations since last
month. Opposition members says Kocharian rigged a presidential runoff
in March 2003 to secure a second term in office and is demanding that
he either organize a national referendum of confidence in his rule
or step down.

Kocharian was in Moscow for talks with Russia’s President Vladimir
Putin and Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov during the protest.