RUSSIA PLEDGES SUPPORT TO ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES AND PEOPLE IN EFFORTS TO OVERCOME DIFFICULTIES

ARKA
March 25, 2008

YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged
support to Armenian authorities and people in their efforts to restore
stability in the country, Armenian governmental press office reports.

According to the report, Serge Sargsyan, Armenian president elect,
met with Putin on Monday in Moscow.

Putin and Sargsyan spoke about domestic political situation. The
latter said that Armenian authorities remain steadfast in their
determination to establish stability and peace in the country.

Putin expressed hope that the new president will solve domestic
problems.

On February 20, Armenian opposition headed by former president Levon
Ter-Petrosyan launched protests in Yerevan’s Libery Square disputing
the results of the recent presidential election and insisting that
the election was fraudulent.

The police attacked protesters Saturday night. Protesters gathered
in the square near France’s embassy and city hall.

The police department says one policeman and seven civilians were
killed and 131 injured in clashes.

President Kocharyan imposed a 20-day state of emergency on March
1.