A state of emergency has been declared in Armenia on the 11th consecutive day of opposition protests against an allegedly rigged presidential election.
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".
President Robert Kocharyan signed the decree "to prevent a threat to constitutional order".
The decree - to remain in force until 20 March - came after police fired in the air to disperse demonstrators.
The decree - to remain in force until 20 March - came after police fired in the air to disperse demonstrators.
Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian won the 19 February vote against opposition challenger Levon Ter-Petrosian.
Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian won the 19 February vote against opposition challenger Levon Ter-Petrosian.
Mr Ter-Petrosian says he is under house arrest.
Mr Ter-Petrosian says he is under house arrest.
Not scared
Not scared
The latest clashes erupted after police cleared Freedom Square of opposition demonstrators who had been camping there since the election.
The latest clashes erupted after police cleared Freedom Square of opposition demonstrators who had been camping there since the election.
Regrouping later, they used buses as barricades. Some cars were set on fire.
Regrouping later, they used buses as barricades. Some cars were set on fire.
Lines of police were deployed to face the protesters.
Lines of police were deployed to face the protesters.
A witness told Reuters news agency police had fired in the air "to scare us".
A witness told Reuters news agency police had fired in the air "to scare us".
"They have fired tear gas. But people are standing firm. There are thousands of people standing here with us."
"They have fired tear gas. But people are standing firm. There are thousands of people standing here with us."
International observers judged the poll in the ex-Soviet Caucasus republic to be generally democratic.
International observers judged the poll in the ex-Soviet Caucasus republic to be generally democratic.
Official results gave Mr Sarkisian 53% of the vote, with Mr Ter-Petrosian, a former president, getting 21.5%.
Official results gave Mr Sarkisian 53% of the vote, with Mr Ter-Petrosian, a former president, getting 21.5%.
Are you in the area? Have you been affected, or have you seen or heard anything? Send your comments or pictures using the form below.
Are you in the area? Have you been affected, or have you seen or heard anything? Send your comments or pictures using the form below.
