Xinhua, China
Feb. 24, 2008

Armenian president vows to take measures to safeguard social order

2008-02-24 13:05:33

MOSCOW, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) — Armenian President Robert Kocharian
said Saturday that his country will take various measures to
safeguard law and order, said reports from Yerevan.

No one will be allowed to undermine Armenia’s political
stability, one of the most important achievements made by the
ex-Soviet nation in recent years, Kocharian said during a meeting
with top law enforcement officials.

"Our actions will be resolute and harsh and aimed at preserving
stability and constitutional order," he said. "No organization
canplace itself above the law and constitution and engage in illegal
activities."

Kocharian made the remarks as crowds of opposition supporters
gathered for a fourth straight day in the capital’s central Freedom
Square, demanding authorities annul the results of the Feb. 19
presidential election won by Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan.

The Armenian military will take actions to safeguard constitution
and carry out all orders issued by the president, who is also the
supreme commander of the armed forces, senior army officials said at
the meeting.

Earlier, Armenia’s national police office said in a statement
that police will crack down on any activities undermining social
order and national stability and will protect citizens’
constitutional rights.

On Wednesday, the Central Electoral Commission announced that
Sargsyan won 52.86 percent of ballots in preliminary results from all
1,923 polling stations, followed by former president Levon
Ter-Petrosyan with 21.5 percent.

Supporters of the Armenian opposition have accused the
authorities of rigging the results of the presidential election. They
alleged that Ter-Petrosyan won the election and called for a recount
of the ballots or a new election.

The final results will be announced next Tuesday.

Editor: An Lu