EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana expressed concerns Monday over the situation in Armenia where clashes between police and protesters have wounded dozens of people.
"I call upon all parties to exercise restraint so as to facilitate a quick return to normality," Solana said in a statement on his web site.
Solana's statement came as the former Soviet republic is experiencing the worst political crisis in nearly a decade as police and supporters of former President Levon Ter-Petrosyan clashed in the capital of Yerevan.
Ter-Petrosyan was defeated by Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan in the Feb. 19 presidential election, but his supporters claimed the vote was rigged and demanded a fresh polling.
Armenian President Robert Kocharian has declared a 20-day state of emergency as of Saturday night, banning rallies and protests.
"Dialogue with the opposition should be resumed as it is the only way forward," Solana said, adding he had asked Peter Semneby, his special representative for the South Caucasus, to meet with all parties in Yerevan.
Source:Xinhua
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