OSCE DEPLOYS SPECIAL ENVOY TO ARMENIA
United Press International
March 3 2008
Print story Email to a friend Font size:VIENNA, March 3 (UPI) — The
chairman of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
has sent a special envoy to Armenia in an effort to help diffuse an
escalating crisis.
A political crisis in Armenia that has resulted in riots and the death
of an estimated eight people has resulted in an emergency deployment
of Minister Ilkka Kanerva’s special envoy Ambassador Heikki Talvitie
to the capital city of Yerevan. Officials say Talvitie will try
to help overcome a political standoff that led to violence and the
declaration of a state of emergency, the Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe reported.
"I have sent my special envoy to try to bring both sides to the
negotiating table and to find a way out of this crisis through
political dialogue," Kanerva said in a statement. "The OSCE considers
dialogue central to stability, and stability is vital in the South
Caucasus. Everything should be done to avoid further casualties and
any further escalation of tension."
Talvitie, a veteran diplomat, is expected to meet with outgoing
President Robert Kocharyan, who imposed emergency laws during violence
on Saturday between police and protesters. Officials say Talvitie
will also meet with President-elect Serge Sargsyan, who protesters
say rigged the recent presidential election.
Critics say the tense situation in Yerevan is currently at an impasse
after former president and opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosyan has
pledged to continue protests.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
