Interfax, Russia
Russia & CIS General Newswire
February 23, 2008 Saturday 7:41 PM MSK
Armenian president describes opposition rally as coup attempt
YEREVAN Feb 23
Opposition demonstrations in Yerevan, with demands for the annulment
of the official results of Tuesday’s presidential elections, are an
attempt at a coup outgoing Armenian President Robert Kocharian said
on Saturday.
The demonstrations began on Wednesday. Their participants, who have
claimed the elections were rigged, are supporters of former president
Levon Ter-Petrosian, who, according to the official returns, received
21.5% of the vote.
According to the official results, Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan
garnered 52.86% of votes and won the poll, in which he had eight
rivals.
"No structure can put itself above the law and constitution and
practice illegal activities," Kocharian said at a meeting with the
armed forces and police top brass on Saturday.
"We will take resolute and rigorous action to maintain stability and
the constitution," the president said.