Interfax, Russia
March 11 2010

Spokesman denies that Armenian president felt unwell in Paris

YEREVAN March 11

Armenian presidential press secretary Samvel Farmanian has denied
media reports alleging that President Serzh Sargsyan felt unwell
during a visit to Paris and was given medical aid.

The Aikakan Zhamanak newspaper said on Thursday Sargsyan felt unwell
following a meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

"Right after the meeting, Sargsyan felt so bad that he was given
medical aid. Moreover, he was transported to the guesthouse not far
from the Elysee Palace to be administered the necessary aid. A planned
press conference of the two presidents was cancelled," the newspaper
said.

Farmanian said in commenting on this, "This is a blatant lie. The
president is feeling excellent."

Sargsyan is currently in Paris for a three-day official visit.

Another Armenian newspaper, 168 Hours, reported that, "by strange
coincidence, ex-Armenian President Robert Kocharian is also in Paris
these days." The newspaper said Kocharian had met with former French
President Jacques Chirac.