DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER, TOP DIPLOMATS SACKED IN ARMENIA

Public TV of Armenia
Feb. 23, 2008

Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Armen Bayburtyan and a number of
other top diplomats have been dismissed anddeprived of their diplomatic
ranks, Armenian Public TV has reported.

Bayburtyan and several Armenian ambassadors issued a statement earlier
on 23 February, expressing their support forthe opposition.

They said in the statement that they support the people’s movement
and join the opposition.

The diplomats also said in the statement read out at the opposition
rally on Freedom Square that only ademocratically-elected president
can address the country’s foreign policy challenges. They urged
thelaw-enforcement agencies to refrain from using force against their
own people.