ARMENIAN PRESIDENT TAKES OFFICE

BBC NEWS
7338321.stm
2008/04/09 10:43:10 GMT

Weeks after a disputed election prompted mass protests and violent
unrest, Serzh Sarkisian has been sworn in as Armenian President.

The former prime minister took the oath as opposition supporters
gathered for a memorial ceremony for eight people killed during
the clashes.

The violence erupted in March after riot police dispersed demonstrators
who claimed the election had been rigged.

A state of emergency was imposed and dozens of activists were arrested.

Public demonstrations were banned after the clashes, which left seven
civilians and a police officer dead.

International observers had given a largely positive assessment of
the 19 February election, although they said there had been serious
flaws, particularly in the counting of votes.

According to Armenian media, 200 people gathered on Wednesday for the
memorial ceremony outside the mayor’s office in the capital Yerevan,
where the clashes took place.

Police tried to turn them away, saying the rally had not been
permitted.

A military parade was due to take place after Mr Sarkisian’s
inauguration as president.

He was chosen by his predecessor, Robert Kocharian, and was credited
with winning 53% of the vote.