ARMENIAN PRESIDENT SWORN IN AFTER MONTHS OF UNREST OVER ELECTION

Earthtimes
April 9 2008
UK

Moscow/Yerevan – Armenia’s President Serzh Sarkisian was sworn into
office Wednesday after months of violent protests in the capital since
his February 19 election in a contested vote. The inauguration included
a military parade in the capital Yerevan’s Liberty Square, scene of
major demonstrations led by opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosian
after elections in the small Caucasus of 3.2 million.

"You had the right not to vote for me," Sarkisian told those present
for Wednesday’s event. "But I’m your president."

He said that as president he would "do my utmost to reach a mutual
understanding in society and rid it of polarization and vulgar strife."

The opposition has been carrying out daily protests against the
election results, but has taken care to limit demonstrations to less
than 100 and launch them from activities such as chess in order to
bypass government restrictions after a state of emergency was declared
in the capital.

Outgoing President Robert Kocharian imposed emergency rule that banned
mass gatherings and censored the media after a night of violent clashes
between police and opposition protestors left eight dead on March 1.

The US and British embassies in Yerevan Wednesday warned citizens of
possible violence in the capital.

"We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended
to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into
violence," The US embassy said in a statement.

During the inauguration ceremony, about 100 opposition members gathered
to erect a monument to those who died in the overnight protests,
Interfax news agency reported.

Supporters of opposition leader and first president Ter-Petrosian
held banners reading "Fight till the End" and "Levon President",
while others stood silently with candles and pictures of the dead
and those currently held in detention.

Armenian authorities have confirmed that over 60 opposition activists
are being held on charges of orchestrating unrest.

Western powers fear instability in the strategic region could disrupt
gas pipeline routes from the Caspian and further undermine a fragile
security situation with Armenia’s neighbours Georgia, Azerbaijan
and Turkey.

Sarkisian is expected to keep to the line set by his political mentor
incumbent Kocharian during his decade at the helm – specifically
strong ties with Russia.