Interfax News Agency, Russia
Russia & CIS
March 7, 2008
Armenian authorities in full control of situation – presidential
spokesman
YEREVAN March 7
The Armenian authorities are in full control of the situation in the
country in light of the state of emergency, presidential press
secretary Viktor Sogomonian said at a news briefing on Friday.
"There have been no incidents connected with the state of emergency
in Armenia, and the situation is under control," Sogomonian said.
"Meetings with officials from the U.S. and Europe are taking place,
as they are also concerned about the current situation in the
republic, and there is clear understanding as to what happened in
Armenia on March 1 and 2, and not only in the country itself but also
in the world," he said.
"It is the Armenian authorities, not foreign officials, who bear
responsibility for this country’s security," Sogomonian said. "These
or those decisions are made not in order to be liked by foreign
officials but proceeding from the need to ensure stability and
security," he said.
"These minor forced limitations are temporary," Sogomonian said.
President Robert Kocharian signed a decree on March 1 imposing a
state of emergency for 20 days following opposition protests against
the official outcome of the presidential elections.