EU READY TO CONTRIBUTE TO ARMENIA TO SETTLING POLITICAL CRISIS

ITAR-TASS
March 3 2008
Russia

BRUSSELS, March 3 (Itar-Tass) – The European Union is ready to make
contribution to Armenia to settling the political crisis in the
country, the Common Foreign and Security Policy’s press service said.

EU Special Envoy to the South Caucasus Peter Semneby will leave
shortly for Yerevan for talks with the leadership of Armenia and the
opposition, the press service said.

On Sunday evening, CFSP High Representative Javier Solana had telephone
conversations with Armenian President Robert Kocharyan.

Solana expressed concern over the introduction of the state of
emergency in Armenia.

"I call on all countries to show restraint in order to normalise life
in Armenia. It is necessary to resume the political dialogue with
the opposition because this is the unique means to move forward,"
Solana said.

During the clashes in Yerevan, eight people were killed and 131
people (72 servicemen and policemen, and 59 civilians) requested
medical attention.