Armenian opposition calls for early presidential and parliamentary

YEREVAN, February 19 (Itar-Tass) -- A radical opposition rally on
Friday called for early presidential and parliamentary elections in
Armenia.
The rally was organized by the Armenian National Congress, an
association of those who support Armenia's first President Levon
Ter-Petrosyan.
"The only way to avoid negative development of the situation is to
hold early presidential and parliamentary elections," Ter-Petrosyan said
addressing the rally. "Such elections are more than a mere political need,
they have grown to be a problem of the nation's and the state's existence."
"The current situation in Armenia is characterised by manifestations
of social protest and civic engagement," he said.
According to police, some 5,000 to 6,000 people took part in the
rally. No disturbances were reported.