
International structures have responded to the ongoing events in the Armenian capital Yerevan today, strongly condemning the use of force by Armenian authorities.
"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 OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva, 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 which the OSCE had graded with high marks.