ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER URGES FAIR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Russia & CIS General Newswire
January 9, 2008 Wednesday 5:04 PM MSK

Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian insisted on Wednesday that
his country ensures a free and just presidential election.

"An election that does not meet international standards would have a
negative effect on Armenia’s international image," Oskanian told a news
conference in Yerevan in reference to a poll scheduled for February 19.

"It is our priority task to carry through a normal, dignified
election," said Oskanian.

Oskanian claimed there were political groups that are plotting street
violence in the run-up to the poll in order to split society up.

"Armenia should do everything possible to rule out clashes, to make
political forces in the country realize that this not the method to
solve political problems," he said.