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OSCE chairman condemns use of force in Armenia, calls for dialogue

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  • OSCE chairman condemns use of force in Armenia, calls for dialogue

    OSCE chairman condemns use of force in Armenia, calls for dialogue

    16:05 | 01/ 03/ 2008

    VIENNA, March 1 (RIA Novosti) - The OSCE chairman-in-office, Finnish
    Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva, has condemned the use of force against
    peaceful demonstrators in Yerevan earlier on Saturday.

    Armenian riot police broke up a protest rally in the capital Yerevan
    by several thousand people protesting the results of the February 19
    presidential election in the Caucasus republic.

    "I urge the authorities to use maximum restraint. I am troubled that
    there are reports of casualties. I urge the authorities to release
    those detained, and I again call on the government and the opposition
    to engage in dialogue," the minister said.

    He said the OSCE was ready to continue helping the country as it
    attempts to consolidate its democracy and address shortcomings noted
    by OSCE and other observers during the presidential election process.

    "The OSCE considers dialogue central to stability. At this important
    stage in Armenia's development, everything should be done to avoid
    any escalation of tension," Kanerva said.

    Police used truncheons, tear gas and electric stun guns to disperse
    the crowd.

    According to some reports, police have detained opposition presidential
    candidate Levon Ter-Petrosyan.

    Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisyan won with 52.82% of the
    vote. His nearest rivals, Armenia's first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan
    and ex-parliamentary speaker Artur Bagdasaryan received 21.5% and
    17.7%, respectively. Six other candidates gained less than 10% of
    the votes.

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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