SITUATION IN YEREVAN UNDER GOVERNMENT’S CONTROL – GOVT

Interfax News Agency
Russia & CIS
March 2, 2008 Sunday
Russia

Authorities in Armenia are in control of the situation in Yerevan,
and the atmosphere is calm in all remaining regions, said Viktor
Sogomonian, a spokesman for the Armenian president.

"The situation is under control. There is no public unrest. A state of
emergency has been introduced in Yerevan for 20 days, until March 21.

Under the constitution, the restrictions, in particular, apply to
mass actions in Yerevan. Some restrictions have also been imposed on
the media," Sogomonian told Interfax on Sunday.

The authorities have done their best to mitigate inconveniences for
Yerevan residents. "Even a curfew has not been introduced in Yerevan,"
he said.

"People have quieted down. The authorities are resolute in their
intention to identify and punish the organizers and participants in
any unrest," he said.

Sogomonian was asked if he knew who was behind the actions in
Yerevan. "This is within the competence of the Interior Ministry,"
he said.

Information about eight deaths during the unrest has not been
confirmed. "According to recent data, seven people died, amongst them
a serviceman," he said.

"Everything has been calm and remains calm" in other regions of
Armenia, he said.