1 Mar 2008

Armenia declares emergency rule

 

A state of emergency has been declared in Armenia's capital on the 11th consecutive day of protests against an allegedly rigged presidential election.

President Robert Kocharyan signed the decree "to prevent a threat to constitutional order".

It came after police fired in the air to disperse demonstrators. Some reports suggest a number of casualties.

Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian won the 19 February vote against opposition challenger Levon Ter-Petrosian.

Mr Ter-Petrosian says he is under house arrest.

BBC NEWS: Armenia declares emergency rule