ARMENIAN LEADER REDUCES CURBS ON MEDIA

AP
13 March 08

YEREVAN, Armenia (AP) — Armenia’s president is lifting media
restrictions imposed in a state of emergency declared after last
month’s disputed presidential election.

A ban on public meetings and strikes remains in place. Political
parties already have been allowed to resume activities.

President Robert Kocharian’s new decree, expected to take effect
Friday, allows independent media to report on domestic political
issues and lifts restrictions on party campaigning.

After the Feb. 19 vote, Prime Minister Serge Sarkisian was declared
winner over opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosian, who claimed fraud
and led days of protests. The government declared a 20-day state of
emergency March 1 after clashes between protesters and police killed
eight people.