March 2, 2008 - 14:06 AMT
Decree on emergency rule necessary and lawful
On March 2, an extraordinary session of Armenian parliament has approved a presidential decree on the introduction of the state of emergency in the country, the RA NA press office reported. The draft introduced by MP Rafik Petrosyan says, in part,

"The Armenian parliament, expressing concern over the event that took place in Yerevan condemns encouragement of disorders; propaganda of hatred and anger; any activity aimed to undermine stability, international image of our country and national unity.

It stresses the necessity of restoration of order; removal of life jeopardy; resolution of political problems via dialogue and on the basis of the Constitution; respect for tolerance.

It believes the RA President's edict on introduction of state of emergency to be essential and lawful and calls on the citizens to retrains and sense."

The draft was unanimously approved by the members of parliament.