Press release

HELSINKI, 1 March 2008 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva, condemned the use of force against peaceful demonstrators in Yerevan today.

"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.

In meetings with Armenian officials in Yerevan on 26 February, the Minister had 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 19 February 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," said Minister Kanerva, who also visited Azerbaijan and Georgia during his visit to the South Caucasus this week.