ARMENIAN TV SHOWS POLICE TURNING PREMIER’S SUPPORTERS AWAY FROM CAPITAL

Public TV
Feb. 23, 2008
Armenia

A group of supporters of Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan
were prevented by traffic police from enteringYerevan on foot on 22
February. Armenian Public TV showed video of people saying they wanted
to defend the victory ofSerzh Sargsyan in the 19 February presidential
election. Supporters of former President Levon Ter-Petrosyan have
beenholding rallies in Yerevan since 20 February, saying that the
19 February presidential election was rigged and demandinga repeat
election. The following is the text of the report by state-owned
Armenian Public TV "Haylur" newsbulletin broadcast at 1700 gmt on
22 February:

[Presenter] With the purpose of defending their votes cast in favour
of Armenian president-elect [Serzh Sargsyan]thousands of citizens from
different regions of the country hit today the road to the country’s
capital. However,persuaded by regional and local authorities, voters
from Armenia’s different regions who voted for Serzh Sargsyanhad to
return to their homes.

They were turned back at the road inspection points guarding the
southern and northern entrances to Yerevan. Thepolice explained this
step by the need to prevent clashes in Yerevan.

[Video shows policemen barring a group of people to continue going
on a road; people are shown saying: We aredefending the candidate
Serzh Sargsyan; We have elected Serzh Sargsyan and demand peace in
the country; Armenia ahead,Levon leave!]