ARMENIAN CEC NOT TO FULFILL ULTIMATUM BY OPPOSITION

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1. ARMINFO. The Armenian CEC does not intend to fulfill the ultimatum by the native opposition.

To note, on November 29 rally, the opposition sent an ultimatum to the CEC demanding cancellation of the referendum results within 72 hours. Otherwise, the radicals threatened with "relevant political steps."

The Armenian CEC informs ARMINFO that Article 35.5 of the Law on Referendum says that referendum results can be appealed against through the Constitutional Court within 7 days after their publication. The CEC has no such powers. "The opposition should apply to relevant instance and not to us," the CEC reports.

96.5% OF RUSSIA-BASED ARMENIAN CITIZENS SUPPORT CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS

MOSCOW, NOVEMBER 30. ARMINFO. 96.5% of the Armenian citizens residing permanently and temporarily in Russia and having participated in the Nov 27 constitutional referendum have voted for the constitutional reforms, reports Yerkramas with reference to the director of the Russian-Armenian Commonwealth Moscow regional organization Yuri Navoyan.

Of 20,142 people 19,446 voted "pro," 377 "contra" with 319 ballots invalid.

There were 12 polling stations in 9 Russian cities:

Moscow (3 polling stations) 5,380 voters: 5,268 "pro," 103 "contra."

Rostov-on-Don (2): 3,750 voters: "pro" 3,300, "contra" 159.

St.Petersburg: 814 voters: "pro" 804, "contra" 6.

Sochi: 1,760 voters: "pro" 1,743, "contra" 15.

Volgograd: 1,800 voters: "pro" 1,794, "contra" 0.

Yekaterinburg: 1,956 voters: "pro" 1,953, "contra" 3.

Perm: 1,282 voters: "pro" 1,202. "contra" 77.

Toliatti: 1,679 voters: "pro" 1,671, "contra" 6.

Vladivostok: 1,721 voters: "pro" 1,711, "contra" 8.

ROBERT KOCHARIAN:"YES" SAID BY PEOPLE TO CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS IS GREAT VICTORY ON PATH OF STRENGHTENING DEMOCRACY IN THE COUNTRY

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29. ARMINFO.RA President Robert Kocharian made a statement on adoption of the constitutional refroms in Armenia.

According to Press Service of RA President, Mr. Kocharian congratulated the Armenian people with the adoption of the constitutional reforms. He said it's a great victory on the path of strenghtening democracy in Armenia and forming civil society in our country.He thanked all RA citizens who participated in the referendum."I think there can be neither winners nor losers in this referendum. We have a common Constitution and it's high time to elaborate and adopt legal acts directed to realisation of the points in the constitution," he said.

ARMENIAN OPPOSITION PROMISES VICTORY TO ITS ELECTORS

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29. ARMINFO. In the course of today's rally, the leaders of the Armenian opposition promised that they will soon win the victory.

The rally takes place near Matenadaran and began at 16:30. The opposition leaders kept saying that less than 220 thousand people voted in the referendum, as the soldiers and the military men voted for three times.They emphasized that the PACE observers also doubted about the number of the votes represented by RA Central Electoral Committee.

Stepan Demirchian, leader of "Justice" faction, called for his allies to express will and consistency.He emphaszied that the people expressed their will by boycotting the referendum. Vardan Khachatrian, member of the party's central board, said that the struggle of the opposition will not last long, as they will win the victory very soon without any elections.

It's worth mentioning, that according to independent observers, 5-7 thousand people participate in the opposition rally(according to the opposition, 20-30 thousand). RA Police doesn't hinder the rally, but police duty details stand in the neighbouring territory and on the crossroads.

ARMENIAN POLICE DEMAND OPPOSITION RALLY TO BREAK UP

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29. ARMINFO. Armenian Police warned the supporters of the Armenian opposition that any rally in the area next to the Museum of Ancient Manuscript "Matenadaran" is banned.

ARMINFO's correspondent reports from the spot that the Police demand the rally participants to break up as the rally was not sanctioned by Yerevan Municipality. While, Leader of the Republic opposition party Aram Sargsyan stated earlier that Yerevan Municipality allowed the opposition to rally in the area of "Matenadaran" till November 29.

To note, an incident took place during the rally. The action participants "took hostage a cameraman" whom they thought to work for the Armenian Public Television. Fortunately, they released him in a few minutes.

Nevertheless, the rally will probably take place as opposition leaders arrived with a large group of supporters. The Police prefer not interfering so far.

ARMENIAN PEOPLE APPROVE CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS: CEC

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29. ARMINFO. The Armenian people have approved the constitutional reforms, says the decision of the Central Electoral Commission of Armenia.

1,411,711 people have voted "pro", 82,018 "contra," with 1,582 ballots declared invalid.

7 of 9 CEC members voted for the decision while the representative of the opposition Justice bloc Felix Khachatryan refused to sign the protocol. He said that at least 1 mln votes had been falsified. "I am ready to prove my words and if I fail to be made responsible according to the law," Khachatryan said.

Another opposition member (National Unity) Zaven Pluzyan has been absent from the CEC for quite a long period already with no confirmed reports of his resignation.

CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM IN ARMENIA WAS NO DEMOCRATIC: INTERNATIONAL EXPERT

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29. ARMINFO. The constitutional referendum in Armenia was not democratic as the voting was not transparent and free, the chairwoman of the Center for Regional Development of the Transparency International Armenia Amalia Kostanyan.

The whole state propaganda machinery urged voters to support the constitutional reforms. The authorities did their best to attain their goal but got the opposite. One could not convince the whole people of good intentions in just one month.

Kostanyan says that even though PACE observers have registred violations during the referendum nobody believes that the violators will be punished as there has been no such precedents in the country so far. There have constantly been gross electoral violations in Armenia since 90s but nobody has been made responsible for them to date. There is no political will for democracy in Armenia, says Kostanyan.

PROGRESSIVE PARTY REPORTS NO GROSS VIOLATIONS DURING CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29. ARMINFO. There were no violations that could impact the outcome of the constitutional referendum, says the leader of the Progressive Party Tigran Urikhanyan.

There were few voters list inaccuracies and no ballot stuffing. The voting was fair, transparent and democratic. This does not refer to all polling stations but the outcome of the referendum is indisputable.

24 party representatives observed the referendum at 53 polling stations.

NO CASES OF PUBLIC DISORDER WERE FIXED DURING REFERENDUM

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28. ARMINFO. RA Police fixed not a single case of violating public order during the referendum. Sayat Shirinian, head of PR and Information department of RA Police, said this.

He indiceted only two cases of disorder, when the opposition activists tried to organize unauthorized rallies. Shirinian stated that the opposition activists called for the rally participants to take steps that would lead to disorder. Shirinian said that all the violation cases will be nipped in the bud with all the relevant legal consequences.

Shirinian said that the electoral lists were made by the Department of Passports and Visas at RA Police. The depeartment did a huge work and managed to secure quite a high quality of exactness of information.

THE CENTRAL ELECTORAL COMMITTEE REPORTS THAT 1.411.791 PEOPLE VOTED "PRO" AND 82.159 "CONTRA" THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS BILL

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28. ARMINFO. The head of the Central Electoral Committee, Garegin Azarian, reports that 1.411.791 people voted "pro" and 82.159 "contra" the constitutional amendments bill.

He also informed that 2,317,351 citizens have right of voting, the number of invalid bulletins equaled 20.360. The opposition representative of the Central Electoral Committee Felix Khachatrian refused to sign the protocol, but the Committee members, in their return refused to listen his explanations.

Mr. Azarian considers that the opposition was unable to boycott the referendum, as representatives of opposition blocs and parties continued to work with the electoral committees on the very day of referendum. He accepted some of the PACE observers' remarks on the voting process and said that the remarks will be discussed on a meeting. Mr. Azarian avoided commenting on the rumors about resignation of Zaven Pluzian, the representative of "National Party" in the Central Electoral Committee.

OPPOSITION CONSIDERS THE REFERENDUM FICTIOUS

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28. ARMINFO. The "Justice" opposition bloc does not accept the referendum results and considers the referendum fictious.

Victor Dallakian, the Secretary of the "Justice" opposition bloc, a Parliament deputy, stated "the ruling unlawful regime has surpassed itself in falsifying the referendum results on November 27". He declared that the local electoral committees, obedient to the authorities, overstated the voters' activity up to ten times.

TIGRAN TOROSIAN:ONE CAN'T CARRY OUT PERFECT ELECTIONS THAT WOULD KEEP IN LINE WITH INTERNATIONAL CRITERIA IN ARMENIA, TODAY

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28. ARMINFO.The conclusion of the CE observers' mission saying that the results of the referendum reflect the will of the people is an important acheivement for the republic. Mher Shahgeldian, deputy chairman of "Orinats Yerkir" party, said this at today's press conference.

He emphasized that the coalition headquarter will publish its conclusion on the referedum, after RA Central Electroal Commission publishes the official data.

Tigran Torosian, deputy speaker of RA National Assembly, stated that the evaluation of the CE observers' mission is quite an objective one and one can't doubt that the draft law on contitutional reforms was adopted in the referendum."The number of the electors that voted "for" the referendum was so big that even corrections will not change the results of the referendum," he said. Torosian said that at present, it is impossible to carry out perfect elections in Armenia that would keep in line with the international criteria.

It's worth mentioning that the conclusion of the CE observers says that notwithstanding the cases of violations during the voting process, the results of the referendum reflect the will of the Armenian people. Though, the Euoropean observers doubted about the official data, at the same time, they emphasized that the statement of RA CEC saying that 93% of the electors voted "for" the refroms is likely to be true.

RESULTS OF CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM FALSIFIED IN VANADZOR

YEREVAN,NOVEMBER 28.ARMINFO. The voting process in the referendum in Vanadzor didn't keep in line with international criteria and the results were false.The statement of the Vanadzor office of the Helsinki Assembly stretches.

According to the statement, violations were fixed in almost all the polling stations of Vanadzor. Special groups were entering the polling stations of the city and voted in all of them for many times. They also fixed cases of voting with other people's passports. It is said in the statement that the memebers of the electoral commissions hindered the activities of the observers and the journalists, in some cases they even threatened.

ARMENIAN OPPOSITION SUGGESTS TO INCLUDE ARMENIAN OPPOSITION IN BOOK OF GUINNESS

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28. ARMINFO.Today, an opposition rally took place at the square by Matenadaran.

5-10 thousan people participated in the rally. "The opposition weakened the control over the voting and the caught in the trap the authorities that published fantastic data on the number of the referendum participants," Hrant Khachtrian, leader of Union of Constitutional Right" party, and Aram Karapetian, leader of "New Times" party, said. Aram Karapetian said that the international structures will be very exacting with the Armenian authorities. Victor Dallakian, secretary of "Justice" faction stated that according to the official data, 400.000 electors voted from 14:00 till 17:00."If we devide this number on the number of the polling stations, it will turn out that an elector voted each 50 seconds in the each polling station.Thus, the Armenian authorities may be included in the book of Guinness for the falsifications they committed," he said.

"Your presence testifies to the fact that the idea of independence is still alive in the society," Raffi Hovhannesian, leader of "Revival" party, said. He said that the November 27 referendum will be the last disgrace of the Armenian people. Aram Sargsian, leader of "Republic" party, said that the authorities ordered to block the government buildings on Baghramian avenue. "Don't be afraid, we will not attack you today. When we do, the armed forces will not help you," Aram Sargsian said. He called for all the opposition forces to unite for the November 29 opposition rally.-

IN SPITE OF VIOLATIONS OCCURRED THE REFERENDUM EXPRESSES THE WILL OF THE ARMENIAN NATION

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28. ARMINFO. In spite of violations occurred the referendum, in general, expresses the will of the Armenian nation. This conclusion was made by the Council of Europe observers mission and published on the today press conference.

The European observers noted that the low activity of the citizens does not accord with the official information and that a mass falsification of electors' signatures was detected. The Council of Europe representatives also noted that all the violations are against the interests of the Armenian people. The Observers Committee hopes that the Central Electoral Committee will examine the violations and punish the guilty. At the same time the Council of Europe mission noted that at 150 electoral districts observed the situation was quiet and the voting process went on properly, in accord with European standards.

The European observers also said that transparency of the referendum was affected by prevention of observers from other international organizations and the fact that the opposition dismissed its observers from the referendum.

The representatives of Council of Europe also think that the pre-referendum agitation campaign was not properly illustrated by the Armenian mass media, and that resulted unequal conditions for the opposition and the authorities.

CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM IN ARMENIA: GENERAL COMPLIANCE MARRED BY INCIDENTS OF SERIOUS ABUSE

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28. ARMINFO. The Council of Europe observers to the Constitutional Referendum held on 27 November 2005 in Armenia regret the decision taken by the authorities which precluded the attendance of any other international observers, reports the CE press service.

The transparency of the referendum was further hampered by the decision of the parliamentary opposition to call on their members to withdraw from the electoral commissions. It is also regretable that political pluralism inside polling stations was not better assisted by a greater number of domestic observers.

The 14-member delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities noted that the Referendum generally reflected the free will of those who voted. However, on voting day the observers witnessed serious abuse in several polling stations which cast a shadow over the credibility of the officially announced turn-out.

On 25 and 26 November the delegation had meetings with the authorities, opposition members, NGOs, media representatives and the international community. The observers' impression was that during the campaign leading to the Referendum there was not equal access to the media. This was to the disadvantage of the opposition to the constitutional changes and hampered genuine democratic debate.

The Council of Europe observers visited around 150 polling stations in the capital and across the country on voting day. The general atmosphere was calm and no incidents of public disorder were witnessed. In the majority of the polling stations visited the conduct of the poll was in compliance with international standards.

However, in a significant number of polling stations in Yerevan and other regions this was not so. The extremely low voting activity did not correspond to the high figures provided by the electoral commissions. There were also clear instances of forged additional signatures on the voters register and of ballot stuffing. The electoral regulations, requiring the stamping of the ballot after completion, created numerous situations where the secrecy of the vote was not respected. Military voting appeared to lack the voluntarism which is the hallmark of democratic participation.

In conclusion, the delegation considers that the abuses that marred the referendum were against the intent and interest of the Armenian people. It expects that the Central Electoral Commission investigate thoroughly all the allegations brought to its attention and that all the necessary measures will be taken against those responsible for fraud.

The delegation, co-headed by Tomas Jirsa (Czech Republic, EDG, Parliamentary Assembly) and Sean O`Brien (Ireland, SOC, Congress), included: Parliamentary Assembly Tomas Jirsa (Czech Republic, EDG) Lord Tomlinson (United Kingdom, SOC) Georges Colombier (France, EPP/CD) Jan Rzymelka (Poland, EPP/CD) Klaus-Jurgen Hedrich (Germany, EPP/CD) Gabor Szalay (Hungary, ALDE) Nigel Evans (United Kingdom, EDG)

Congress of Local and Regional Authorities Sean O'Brien (Ireland, SOC) Alain Chenard (France, Former President of the Congress) Luca Ciriani (Italy, ILDG) Gretta Cousins (United Kingdom, EPP/CD) Christopher Newburry (United Kingdom, EPP/CD) Marja Van Der Tas (Netherlands, EPP/CD) Wim Van Gelder (Netherlands, EPP/CD)

93.3% OF VOTERS SUPPORT CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS IN ARMENIA: DATA FOR AFTERNOON NOVEMBER 28

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28. ARMINFO. As of November 28 afternoon, the data of the referendum for constitutional reform were as follows: 1,410,550 votes "for" (93.3% of the turnout), 81,869 votes "against" (5.4%), with 20,326 ballot-papers being declared null and void. Vice Chairman of RA CEC Abraham Bakhchagulyan told journalists.

The results from the most remote area of Armenia, the 30th district of Meghri having 16 polling stations were received by the afternoon. The results of the voting in Yekaterinburg were also summed up. Thus, the data from 1,964 polling stations were received by the afternoon, which is 99.9% of the existing 1,966 polling stations. 1,511,934 of 2,313,999 voters in Armenia and abroad participated in the referendum, which is 65.3% of the total number of voters.

PRELIMINARY DATA: 93.3% OF ARMENIAN RESIDENTS VOTE "FOR" AMENDMENTS TO THE RA CONSTITUTION

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28. ARMINFO. The overwhelming majority of Armenian residents voted "for" amendments to the RA Constitution, say CEC data for November 28 morning.

CEC Chairman Garegin Azaryan told ARMINFO that by 8:00 am on November 28 the CEC had already received data from 1,947 of 1966 polling stations. 1,503,867 of the 2,301,278 voters registered in this polling stations participated in the voting (63.5%). 1,403,430 electors (93.3% of the total number of voters) voted for the amendments, 80,944 (5.4%) voted against them. Due to heavy snow and snowstorm, the data of the polling stations in several mountainous areas are not accessible so far. However, these data are to arrive shortly, Garegin Azaryan said. No complaints have been received either during the voting or after it, CEC reports.

OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF VOTERS VOTE FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS: CEC PRELIMINARY

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28. ARMINFO. According to the Central Electoral Commission's preliminary results, in 440 of 1,966 poling stations the overwhelming majority of voters voted for the constitutional reforms.

Of 413,162 voters in the above 440 polling stations voting on the reforms were 283,345 or 68.5% of them 264,319 or 93.3% for and 15,081 or 5.3% against. 4,021 ballot votes were invalid.

THE HIGH ACTIVITY OF ARMENIAN CITIZENS ON THE REFERENDUM PROVED THAT THE PEOPLE IS NOT INDIFFERENT TO ITS FUTURE

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. Mher Shahgeldian, the head of the referendum Organization Committee, the head of the Parliamentary Committee for Defense and National Security, said that the high activity of Armenian citizens on the referendum proved that the people is interested in the reforms and is not indifferent to its future.

The ARFD member, the chairman of the parliamentary commission on foreign relations Armen Rustamyan says that the high turnout was expected as the greater part of the population had been well informed of the content of the reforms due to active campaign. Despite difference in strategies both the authorities and the opposition promoted high popular awareness of the reforms.

By actively voting in the referendum the Armenian people has proved that it is not indifferent to its fate. "We should preserve this high activity till the parliamentary and presidential elections of 2007-2008," says Rustamyan. He notes that the opposition chose a wrong strategy by first urging the people to vote against the reforms and then when realizing the impossibility of this by calling on them to boycott the referendum.

Tigran Torosian, deputy speaker of RA National Assembly, stated that all the attempts of the opposition to fail the referendum were doomed to failure, as the publiciy of Armenia turned out to be more conscious than most of the political figures. "The opposition's strategy to boycot the referendum reminded a retreat from the battle field," he said. "All the facts brought by the opposition on violations during the referendum are groundless, as they didn't have representatives in the polling stations during the voting," Torosian said. He emphasized that the coalition doesn't say that the voting process was a perfect one or not a single problem occured during that. In order to make any conclusions, one should take into account all the complaints and protocoles of the polling stations. "At least, the local and international organizations followed the process of voting and they will also publish their conclusion," Torosian said. In his turn, Mher Shahgeldian stated that most of the opposition representatives participated in the referendum, carrying out the mission envisaged by the law.

According to RA CEC, over 64% of RA citizens participated in the referendum. 95,1% of them voted "for" the reforms, while 4% voted "against."

ACCORDING TO 66 POLLING STATIONS OF ARMENIA,95,5% OF ELECTORS VOTED "FOR" CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. The calculation of votes given by the electors in the referendum has began in Armenia.

Garegin Azarian, head of RA Central Electoral Committee, said that 35 thousand 307 people voted in the 66 polling stations of Armenia.33 thousand 587 people or 95,1% of the electors voted "for" the reforms. 1412 citizens or 4% voted "against" the reforms. 306 bulletins were defined as invalid.

Azarian said that they received no complaintd either during the voting or after it. He said that RA CEC received information through computer network from 24 regional polling stations.

ONLY 374,667 PEOPLE OR 16.7% OF VOTERS TOOK PART IN CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM: OPPOSITION

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. Only 374,667 people or 16.7% of the voters took part in the constitutional referendum, says the secretary of the opposition Justice bloc Viktor Dallakyan.

Earlier the CEC said that voting were 1,483,383 people or 64.4%.

Dallakyan says that this means that the referendum is invalid and its official results are illegal. The authorities' figures are just a chef-d'oeuvre of fine arts. According to the CEC as many as 423,522 people voted in as little as 3 hours - from 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM.

Dallakyan reports mass falsifications like ballot stuffing, dead soul technology, beating and eviction of opposition observers.

Nov 28 Justice will meet to decide its further steps and its participation in the Nov 28 03:00 rally "18+1." Any case the opposition will act adequately to the actions of the authorities, says Dallakyan.

Asked why the Justice leader Stepan Demirchyan has been absent from all today's actions Dallakyan says that "he is fine and is with us."

NOV 27 CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM MOST PROGRESSIVE VOTING IN ARMENIA SO FAR: LEADER OF REPUBLICAN PARTY PARLIAMENTARY FACTION

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. The constitutional referendum has proved to be the most progressive voting in Armenia so far, says the leader of the parliamentary faction of the Republic Party of Armenia Galust Sahakyan.

Neither we, nor CEC, nor territorial commissions have received any complaints of violations during the voting, says Sahakyan expressing opinion that the results will be positive.

ARMENIAN OPPOSITION APPOINTS NOVEMBER 28 DAY OF "DECISIVE RALLY"

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. "The Decisive Rally" of the Armenian opposition will take place by Matenadaran, on November 28. Aram z. Sargsian, leader of "Hanrapetutiun" party, said this during today's rally by the State Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Quite many opposition activists participated in the rally.Aram Z. Sargsian thanked all the participants of the rally and said that they didn't expect to gather so many activists there. At the same time, the opposition leaders added that they expect to gather much more rally participants on November 28. The opposition activists began scanding "Shame! Disgrace!," when they learnt that, according to the official data, over 1 million people have already voted. Aram Z. Sargsian said that the authorities will not stomach the falsified results of the referendum.Aram Karapetian, leader of "New Times" party, criticized Artur Baghdasarian, speaker of RA National Assembly, for holding speech in Maidan central street of Kiev. He invited Mr. Baghdasarian to participate in the rallies of the Armenian opposition.

"The People's Party of Armenia" and its leader Stepan Demirchian also participated in the rally.Raffi Hovhannisian, leader of "Heritage" party, was not present at the rally. The initiators of the rally explained this, saying that "he was tired. But he promised to come tomorrow, by all means."

It's wroth mentioning that several policemen controlled the square, where the rally took place, and didn't hinder the opposition activits in their determination to experss their free will.

LIBERTY SUDDENLY STOPS BROADCASTING IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. Radio Liberty stopped broadcasting in Armenia all of a sudden 07:35 PM local time.

The director of RL Yerevan Office Hrach Melkumyan says that the signal from Prague is coming normally but in Yerevan the broadcasting has stopped on all frequencies at once. This may be a deliberate disconnection, says Melkumyan.

THE AUTHORITIES HAVE NO IDEA OF "NATIONAL UNITY" PARTY'S FURTHER PLANS

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. The deputy-president of the "National Unity" party, Alexan Karapetian, declared that the authorities have no idea of the party's future plans.

Mr. Karapetian stated that the further actions are already planned and will be realized on time, according to the Law. "The authorities provide the necessary quorum due to numerous violations and falsifications. That once again proves that the people decide nothing in Armenia and all the power belongs to the present President Robert Kocharian," ha said. Mr. Karapetian noted that the most of violations is committed by the members of Central electoral Committee. According to the information of "National Unity" party, as for 5:00 PM only 70.000 citizens voted and in whole Armenia - 262.696, that is 11,7% of the population of Armenia. At the same time the Central electoral Committee officially reported that by 5:00 PM 268.679 citizens voted in Yerevan and 1.026.300 citizens all over Armenia.

The leader of the party, Artashes Geghamian, met with representatives of various organizations and accused the OSCE and PACE observers for following dual standards. He said that the "National Unity" party will publish its position concerning the activity of PACE and OSCE missions just after the referendum.

OVER 90% OF ARMENIANS VOTING IN ROSTOV, RUSSIA, SUPPORT CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. There are 4 polling stations for voting on the constitutional reforms in southern Russia, reports Yerkramas, the Armenian newspaper of southern Russia.

Over 3,000 or 82% of the voters had voted in Rostov-on-Don as of 04:00 PM with 90% of them having supported the reforms, says the general consul of Armenia Ararat Gomtsyan. This is due mostly to the fact that the reforms allow dual nationality.

CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM OVER

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. The constitutional referendum is over.

The doors of all 1,922 polling stations were closed 08:00 PM.

Vice Chairman of CEC Abraham Bakhchagulyan approves of the voting. The turnout results will be summed up 09:00 PM.

The ballot count will be held for 12 hours with the protocols to be submitted to district electoral commissions who will examine them and pass their resolutions in 18 hours. The CEC will summarize the results in total of 28 hours after the completion of the voting.

ACCORDING TO EXIT-POLL RESULTS, THE 88% OF QUESTIONED SAID "YES" TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS BILL

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. The exit polls results of the Constitutional referendum, November 27, surpassed all the expectations.

According to the Effective Questioning Fund, the 88% of questioned voters (1710 persons) said "yes" to the Constitutional amendments bill. 5% (112) said "no" and 7% (113) refused to answer. A for 7:30 PM 1960 voters were questioned. 813 of them were women and 1147 - men. 702 persons were 18-25 years old, 589 - 26-45 years old, 461 - 45-60 years old, and 208 - older than 60.

ARMENIAN COURTS RESTORE RIGHTS OF RA CITIZENS FOR VOTING IN CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. As of 20:00, the Armenian courts restored the electoral rights of 53 RA citizens for their participation in the referendum.One complaint was declined, as the name of the citizen was included in the list.

Anna Mkrtchian, press sercretary of RA Cassation Court, informed that the rights of 14 RA citizens were restored in Yerevan, 10 in Kotayk region, 9 in Lori region, 1 in Shirak, 1 in Gegharkunik, 16 in Syunik and in other regions.

715 PERSONS OF 768 HELD AT PENITENTIARY ESTABLISHMENTS OF ARMENIA PARTICIPATED IN THE REFERENDUM FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17. ARMINFO. 715 persons of 768 kept at Penitentiary Establishments of Armenia have participated in the referendum for Constitutional Reforms. Only those persons whose sentences have not come into effect yet have the right to vote.

Press Secretary of Armenian Justice Minister Ara Saghatelyan told ARMINFO that 27 persons refused participating in the referendum. The calculation of bulletins has been completed. 715 citizens voted "pro" constitutional reforms and 15 "contra". 11 bulletins were declared invalid.

64.4% OF VOTERS VOTE ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. 1,483,383 people or 64.4% of the voters had voted on the constitutional reforms in Armenia today, reports the CEC.

418,660 people or 56% voted in 13 electoral districts of Yerevan. 43,769 or 67.6% voted in the 14th district, 36,511 or 64.1% in the 15th, 44,247 or 71.5% in the 16th, 41,512 or 72.7% in the 17th, 37,520 or 62% in the 18th, 41,625 or 69.9% in 19th, 35,183 or 61% in the 20th, 49,657 or 83.3% in the 21st.

118,196 people or 70.1% voted in 3 electoral districts of Gegarkunik, 140,560 or 68.5% in 4 districts in Kotayk, 39,175 or 65.6% in the 29th, 30,353 or 56.9% in the 30th, 35,421 or 61.9% in the 31st, 28,862 or 63.6% in the 32nd. 133,082 or 63.6% voted in 4 districts in Shirak, 69,627 or 65.8% in 2 districts in Lori. 38,318 or 74% in the 39th, 39,122 or 69.5% in the 40th, 78.1% or 42,565 people voted in the 41st. Voting abroad were 18,815 Armenian citizens.

OPPOSITION STATES THAT THE REFERENDUM WAS HELD WITH MASS VIOLATIONS

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. The representatives of oppositional "18+1" bloc stated that the referendum on Constitutional reforms was held with mass violations.

The "18+1" headquarter reports that only 20% of the citizens took part in the referendum, whereas the Central Electoral Committee insists on 64%. Opposition members state that opposition observers were not admitted to electoral districts and that mass falsifications of bulletins occurred. Many citizens voted more than once.

International observers yet avoid commenting on the voting process. Their position will be expressed on November 28 during a pres-conference.

ARMENIAN OPPOSITION STATES THAT REFERENDUM OF CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS IS FAILED

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. Open voting of Robert Kocharian in the referendum was a violation of law. Aram Z. Sargsian, leader of "Hanrapetutiun"party, said this at today's press conference.

He said that today, there is a real opposition with concrete plans they are going to carry out.Sargsian called for the people to participate in the November 28 opposition rally.

Aram Karapetian, leader of "New Times" opposition party, said that the referendum was failed, as only 15-20% of the electors participated in that. He added that a revolution is the only way out from the created situation. He assured that the referendum will turn into a power shift and the Armenian people at last will have the opportunity to elect authorities in legal elections.

Hovhannes Hovhannesian, leader of "Liberal-Progressive Party," stated that it was the first time the Armenian people won the victory over the authorities.He said that if the international structures approve the results of the referendum carried out with many violations, the opposition will find a couple of nice words addressed to these structures.

Aram Sargsian, leader of Democratic Party of Armenia, said that the people didn't yield to the threats of the authorities and boycotted the referendum."The main acheivement we have is the fact that we convinced the people that they shouldn't cherish any hopes with the authorities," Sargsian said.

ARMENIAN COURTS RESTORE RIGHTS OF RA CITIZENS FOR VOTING IN CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. As of 6:00 PM, the Armenian courts restored the electoral rights of 52 RA citizens for their participation in the referendum. One complaint was declined, as the name of the citizen was included in the list.

Anna Mkrtchian, press secretary of RA Cassation Court, informed that the rights of 12 RA citizens were restored in Yerevan, 11 in Kotayk region, 8 in Lori region, 2 in Gegharkunik and 18 in Syunik.

44.6% TURNOUT AS OF 5:00 PM

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. 1,026,300 people or 44.6% of the voters had voted on the constitutional reforms in Armenia as of 05:00 PM, reports the CEC.

268,689 people or 35.9% voted in 13 electoral districts of Yerevan. 35,832 or 55.4% voted in the 14th district, 27,854 or 48.9% in the 15th, 34,201 or 54.8% in the 16th, 30,280 or 53% in the 17th, 31,092 or 51.4% in the 18th, 28,292 or 47.5% in 19th, 30,914 or 58% in the 20th, 33,103 or 57.5% in the 21st.

87,991 people or 52.2% voted in 3 electoral districts of Gegarkunik, 101,913 or 49.7% in 4 districts in Kotayk, 26,555 or 44.5% in the 29th, 16,881 or 31.6% in the 30th, 23,864 or 41.7% in the 31st, 24,582 or 53.3% in the 32nd. 90,419 or 43.2% voted in 4 districts in Shirak, 48,450 or 45.8% in 2 districts in Lori. 26,381 or 50.9% in the 39th, 24,047 or 42.7% in the 40th. Voting abroad were 10,901 Armenian citizens.

As of 05:00 PM local time the polling stations in Ottawa, New York and Washington opened, in Vladivostok and Beijing closed.

ARMENIA MAY GET INTO GUINNESS BOOK FOR BIGGEST ELECTORAL FRAUD RATE

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. 41,528 people had voted on the constitutional reforms in Armenia as of noon which is only 1.8% of the voters while the Central Electoral Commission had repoted 9.7% by the same time - 223,747 people, says the member of the National Unity party Gagik Tadevossyan.

The leader of the party Artashes Gegamyan says that in many electoral districts opposition observers were turned out of the polling stations. Saturday prosecutor office, municipality and prefecture representatives threatened NU electoral commissioners into fulfilling their duties but none of them appeared today. All of them including NU CEC member Zaven Pluzyan had sent in their resignations to President Robert Kocharyan and Prosecutor General Agvan Hovsepyan but had been declined.

Gegamyan says that NU observers have already registered a number of gross violations both in the regions and in the capital. They report that people in buses are going around Vanadzor to vote in different polling stations. In Vardenis Governor of Gegarkunik region Stepan Barsegyan is reported to have put already full ballot boxes long before the beginning of the referendum and to turn NU observers out when they tried to complain. In borderline regions soldiers were forced to vote for the reforms by their commanders.

Gegamyan says that Armenia may get into the Guinness Book as the orgaizer of the biggest electoral fraud.

He notes that President Kocharyan's entourage misinforms him of the key issues knowing that he does not read newspapers. This has a very negative impact on Armenia's international image.

THE PACE OBSERVERS FOLLOW DOUBLE STANDARDS

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. The "National Unity" party leader Artashes Geghamian informed that the party will make its comments on the activity of PACE and OSCE observers mission on the next day of the referendum.

According to Mr. Geghamian the PACE and OSCE observers follow double standards and consider the ancient Armenian people as wild African tribes. "That is why our party refused to meet with the representatives of those organizations. They want to teach us democracy but they do nothing about it when necessary," stated Mr. Geghamian.

OPPOSITION SAYS THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION IS OVERSTATED 1O TIMES

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. The leader of the opposition Republic party Aram Sarkisian declared that the people complied the request of the opposition and boycotted the referendum.

He assured the public gathered on the Freedom square that averagely only one person per 30 minutes enters the electoral districts. The head of the National Democratic Union mentioned the number of 1 person per 15 minutes. "New Times" opposition party leader Aram Karapetian said that official statistics, saying that 26,2% of the citizens took part in the referendum by 2:00 PM, are overstated 10 times.

The opposition obtained permission to continue protest demonstrations until November 29. The today rally will last until 6:00 PM. An opposition briefing is planned on 9:00 PM, Marriott Hotel.

COUP SHORTEST BUT UNACCEPTABLE WAY TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT: NDC LEADER

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. Coup is the shortest way to change the government but it is absolutely unacceptable to us, says the leader of the opposition National Democratic Bloc party Arshak Sadoyan

Only by civil society consolidation can one attain general welfare in Armenia. Government change by a group of fanatics will result in change of clans only with each of them seeking to gain filling stations or deputy ministerial office.

ARMENIAN COURTS RESTORE RIGHTS OF RA CITIZENS FOR VOTING IN CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. As of 15:00, the Armenian courts restored the electoral rights of 33 RA citizens for their participation in the referendum.One complaint was declined, as the name of the citizen was included in the list.

Anna Mkrtchian, press sercretary of RA Cassation Court, informed that the rights of 7 RA citizens were restored in Yerevan, 3 in Kotayk region, 6 in Lori region, 1 in Gegharkunik and 16 in Syunik.

496 PERSONS OF 7 PENITENTIARY ESTABLISHMENTS OF ARMENIA PARTICIPATED IN THE REFERENDUM FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17. ARMINFO. As for 3:05 PM 496 persons kept at 7 Penitentiary Establishments of Armenia have participated in the referendum for Constitutional Reforms. Only those persons whose sentences have not come into effect yet have the right to vote.

Press Secretary of Armenian Justice Minister Ara Saghatelyan told ARMINFO that at Nubarashen penitentiary 305 persons of 551 having the right to vote participated in the referendum, in Gyumri penitentiary - 47 of 50, in Vardashen - 25 of 26, in Vanadzor - 78 of 78, in Goris - 16 of 18 (two persons refused voting for reasons of religious matter), in Yerevan-Kentron - 18 of 19, in Abovian - 24 of 24.

A NATION-WIDE REFERENDUM FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS UNDERWAY IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. A nation-wide referendum for constitutional amendments is underway in Armenia.

Today, at 8:00 am local time, 1,922 election districts opened in the country. 44 polling stations operate in 40 cities of 28 countries. Electoral registers include 2 million 301 thousand 828 citizens of Armenia, including nonresidents having a right to vote. To note, adoption of the bill requires the votes of 1/3 of the electors included in the lists or about 750,000 people. Over 10,000 observers are following the referendum, including 12 members of PACE. The opposition called on the people to boycott the voting. Besides, oppositionists intend to organize a number of action of protest today.

REFERENDUM FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS IN ARMENIA HELD WITH GROSS INFRINGEMENTS OF EXISTING LEGISLATION: OPPOSITION PARTY

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. The nation-wide referendum for constitutional amendments in Armenia held with gross infringements of the existing legislation, says the statements by "Republic" opposition party received by ARMINFO, Sunday.

The party calls the speeches by Armenian President and Prosecutor General on television an open pressure and blackmail with respect to opposition representatives at election commissions. After these speeches, the opposition representatives were invited or taken to the regional police departments by force already on November 26. Moreover, employees of the Prosecutor's Office visit their homes, threatening them with criminal responsibility for boycotting the voting, the party says.

PACE OBSERVATION MISSION MEETS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF ARMENIAN PARLIAMENTARY FACTIONS

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. The members of PACE observation mission, who arrived in Yerevan in connection with today's nation-wide referendum for constitutional amendments, met with Armenian parliamentary delegation to PACE, members of "Justice" factions, and the parliamentary factions of the ruling coalition parties. The press-service of the Armenian National Assembly told ARMINFO.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT VOTES FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. Armenian President Robert Kocharyan has attended the polling station located in Spandaryan school with the spouse. The president voted for the constitutional amendments openly, folding the ballot-paper face outside as he had promised to do earlier.

Talking to journalists, Robert Kocharyan said that he will respect any choice of the people, both the positive and the negative result of the referendum. "if the people vote for the reform, we shall actively work to bring the country's legislation in accordance with the new norms of the Constitution. If the people vote against it, the strong presidential power will be maintained, which will mean that President Robert Kocharyan will further do what he did for the last ten years," the president said. He expressed hope for a well-organized referendum. "I have not asked even about the turnout for the morning, however, the election commission reported that it was like during the previous presidential election," Robert Kocharyan said.

Regarding the dissatisfaction of a number of NGOs and political organizations with his open voting, Robert Kocharyan said that the law stipulates secret voting as a right of voters and not as their obligation. The president asked journalists if they fulfilled their civil right, adding that all the members of his family will vote within the coming hours.

FAILURE OF REFERENDUM WILL NOT LEAD TO ANY INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS: DEFENSE MINISTER

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. If the constitutional amendments are adopted, Armenia will live a new life. If they are not adopted, we shall continue living as we do at present, Defense Minister Serge Sarsgyan told journalists during the exit poll.

He said the failure of the reform will neither have any serious impact on the situation in the country, nor lead to international sanctions, nor hinder the development of economy. It may only suspend the country's development to some extent, however, it remains for the people to decide, the minister said. He refused from forecasting the results, promising to express his position after the referendum.

Asked why he was passive during the propaganda campaign, the minister said that the live participation of so many public and political figures in the campaign was enough. "I was engaged in other issues," the minister said. As regards the opposition rally against the reform and a possible confrontation after the referendum, Serge Sargsyan said: "If 50 oppositionists are unable to gather 1,000 supporters, how can they speak of a confrontation?" the minister said. "If I were the organizer of a meeting, which would fail to gather 1,000 people, I would not commit a suicide, but I could not be able to look into the people's eyes," Serge Sargsyan said.

TURNOUT FOR 11:00 AM: 223,747 VOTERS PARTICIPATED IN REFERENDUM FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. As of 11:00 am, 223.747 voters or 9.7% of the total number of voters in Armenia participated in the referendum for constitutional amendments, CEC Secretary Hamlet Abramyan told journalists.

He said the voting is underway in 24 countries world wide. At 12:00 opened the polling stations in London and Brussels. On the whole, 37 polling stations opened abroad by the afternoon. As of 12:00, 57,308 people participated in the voting at 13 polling stations in Yerevan, which is 7.7% of the total number of voters.

In Aragatsotn region 11,068 people voted at the 14th polling-station, which is 17.1% of the total number of voters, 7,350 people at the 15th or 12.9%. In Ararat, 14,1% or 8,768 voters at the 16th polling station, 14% or 8,012 people at the 17th polling station, 15.7% or 9,505 people at the 18th polling station. In Armavir 7,620 voters or 12.2% voted at the 19th polling stations, 5,200 people or 9.8% at the 20th polling station and 5,400 people of 9.1% at the 21st polling station in Metsamor. 19,276 voters or 11.4% voted at three polling stations in the region of Gegharkunik. In Kotayk 21,794 or 10.6% of voters participated in the referendum. In the region of Lori, at the 29th polling station in Spitak 4,520 people or 7.6% voted, at the 30th polling station - 523 people or 6.6%, at the 31st polling station in the town of Alaverdy - 3.750 people of 6.6% voted, at the 32nd polling station in the town of Tashir 6,900 people or 15% voted. At four polling stations in the region of Shirak, 16,429 people or 7.95 voted. At two polling station in the region of Syunik 11.424 people or 10.8% voted, in the region of Vayots Dzor - 6.400 people or 12.4%, in the region of Tavush 3,628 people or 6.45 at the 40th polling station, 3,534 or 6.5% at the 41st polling station. The turnout abroad was 22.6% or 2,698 people by 11:00 am.

CONCERT IN YEREVAN FREEDOM SQUARE INSTEAD OF OPPOSITION RALLY

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. About 100-150 supporters of oppositionists, who gathered in the Freedom Square as a sign of protest against today's referendum for constitutional amendments, did not create any obstacles for a concert in the square, ARMINFO's correspondent reports. The orchestra of Defense Ministry opened the concert, which will last till the evening. The event organizer is Yerevan Municipality. Opposition leaders Aram Sargsyan, Aram Karapetyan and Hovhanness Hovhannissyan seems to be in confusion because of the small number of their supporters. They intend to address the people in an hour.

PENITENTIARY ESTABLISHMENTS OF ARMENIA PARTICIPATE IN REFERENDUM FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. The persons kept at penitentiary establishments in Armenia whose sentences have not come into effect yet are participating in the voting.

Press Secretary of Armenian Justice Minister Ara Saghatelyan told ARMINFO that as of 11:50 am, voting at 5 penitentiaries was over. At Vardashen penitentiary 25 of 26 persons having the right to vote participated in the referendum. At Vanadzor penitentiary all the 78 persons voted, at Goris penitentiary 16 of 18 persons voted, the two refused to vote for religious reasons. At Yerevan-Center penitentiary 18 of 19 persons having a right to vote participate in the voting, while, at Abovyan penitentiary the voters numbered 24 people.

COURTS RESTORE THE VOTES OF 20 PERSONS

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. In the course of the referendum for constitutional amendments in Armenia, 2O persons have applied to the courts for restoration of their votes so far. All the application were satisfied. Press Secretary of the Armenian Court of Cassation Anna Mkrtchyan told ARMINFO.

ARMENIAN OPPOSITION CALLS ILLEGITIMATE REFERENDUM FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. The referendum for constitutional amendments which has started in the country today is an illegitimate farce, Secretary of the opposition bloc Justice, MP Victor Dallakyan said at a press conference at the office of the opposition people's Party of Armenia, today.

He noted that before the referendum, President of Armenia and Prosecutor General openly called on the people to vote "for" the amendments, 2 days before the referendum, the results of a certain poll were published , which is a gross violation of the legislation. Moreover, President Kocharyan voted openly. Head of Visa and Passports Department of the Armenian Police Colonel Alvina Zakaryan reported on crossing of the names of 159,707 people with passports of Soviet model from the electors' registers, which is also violation, Dallakyan said. Opposition representatives of election commissions were called to the police late at night on Saturday, wherein they were threatened with criminal responsibility for boycotting the referendum.

In his turn, MP representing the Justice bloc Grigor Haroutiunyan said that according to data of joint headquarters of the bloc and the National Unity party, only 39,203 people voted at all the polling-stations by the afternoon, while the official turnout is trice overstated. Already 11 cases of "replacement" of opposition members of election commissions have been registered i.e. some unknown persons present original certificates of Justice bloc. It means that the whole state apparatus is working to push through the necessary result of the referendum, Haroutiunyan said.

Regarding the opposition's intentions in connection with the above violations, Victor Dallakyan said: "We just inform the public through the press that the referendum is illegitimate and non-democratic."

ARMENIAN PARLIAMENTARY SPEAKER OPTIMISTIC WITH REFERENDUM RESULT

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. The propaganda campaign for the bill on constitutional amendments was within the framework of the law and the Armenian people had a chance to get full information on the document, Armenian Parliamentary Speaker Artur Baghdasaryan said, exit poll data.

He said the public had not been so well-informed about the Constitution during the last 15 years. The bill was discussed in details both in Armenia and abroad. The speaker was optimistic with the referendum result. The turnout for 12:00 was satisfactory, which testified to the seriousness of the propaganda campaign, the speaker said. He expressed confidence in more active participation of voters in the second half of the day.

As regards the opposition's intention to turn the referendum into a process of changing the power, the speaker called it inappropriate. He called the opposition's statement on recall of its representatives at election commissions a lack of political culture. The Election Code provides for the members of election commissions fulfilling their duty, he said.

Regarding the statement of US Embassy in Armenia which urged the US citizens not to participate in opposition rallies, Artur Baghdasaryan explained it with an intention to avoid any excesses. He noted that both the US Embassy and other embassies and international organizations welcome the constitutional reform in Armenia.

The speaker preferred secret voting unlike the president. According to data of the CEC, the turnout for 11:00 am was 9.7%.

ARMINFO NEWS AGENCY PARTICIPATES IN INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION PRESS-2006 IN MOSCOW

MOSCOW, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. The exposition of ARMINFO agency, i.e. samples of the agency's printed output, were presented to the 13th international professional exposition Press-2006 in Moscow November 23-25. The products were a great success with visitors.

The event organizers were the Union of Publishers and Distributors Printed Products of Russia, the Union of Journalists of Russia, the Union of Journalists of Moscow, the International Academy of Television and Radio, the Federal Agency of Press and Mass Communications, the All Russian Exhibition Center and Moscow Government. Chairman of the Press-2006 Organization Committee Mikhail Nenashev opened the exposition.

The exposition granted the following awards: "Gold Badge" for perfect business authority, "Immortality Chronicles" for the best coverage of the 60th anniversary of Great Victory and the statuette "Gold Mercury" for the best distribution of printed output.

ARMENIAN PRIME MINISTER: PROPAGANDA CAMPAIGN SHOWED THAT BILL ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS WILL ATTRACT MANY VOTES

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. The propaganda campaign showed that the bill on constitutional amendments will attract many votes at a nation-wide referendum, Armenian Prime Minister, Leader of the Republican Party of Armenia Andranik Margaryan said, exit poll data.

The prime minister will stay at the government the whole day to follow the referendum in the regions. A. Margaryan came to the polling station with his family. The prime minister said the opinion of his family coincides with that of the Republican party.

CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM TURNOUT HIGH IN RUSSIA-BASED POLLING STATIONS

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. The constitutional referendum turnout is quite high in the 12 polling stations opened for Armenian citizens in 9 Russian cities, says Ambassador of Armenia to Russia Armen Smbatyan.

1,212 people (almost all voters) have already voted in Vladivostok with the local polling station to be closed already at 2 PM. Very active are voters in Rostov and Sochi.

Smbatyan approves of the voting process and hopes that all the voters will turn out by the end of the day.

FATHERLAND PARTY NOT REGISTERED FOR MOSCOW DUMA ELECTIONS FOR ANTI-ARMENIAN VIDEO

MOSCOW, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. The Fatherland party has not been registered for the elections into the Moscow DumA.

The decision was made by Moscow Municipal Court in the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia vs Fatherland lawsuit. LDPR accused Fatherland candidates of using their offices and kindling ethnic strife during the electoral campaign particularly telecasting an anti-Caucasian and anti-Armenian video, report Vesti TV program.

The Fatherland leader Dmitry Rogozin says that the party will appeal against the verdict. This is a farce, he said during a rally held by 140 party members in front of the court building with some of them detained by the police.

26.2% TURNOUT AS OF 2 PM

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27. ARMINFO. 602,778 of 2,301,828 voters had taken part in the constitutional referendum as of 2:00 PM which is 26.2% of the voters, reports the vice chairman of the Central Electoral Commission Abraham Bakhchyan.

The voting is being held in Armenia and 26 countries. In Armenia already voting are 597,548 people - 26.1%, in Yerevan 149,395 people - 20%.

In Aragatsotn region 21,433 people voted at the 14th polling-station, which is 33.1% of the total number of voters, 21,313 people at the 15th or 37.4%. In Ararat, 35.9% or 22,405 voters at the 16th polling station, 35.1% or 20,032 people at the 17th polling station, 33% or 19,958 people at the 18th polling station. In Armavir 16,706 voters or 28% voted at the 19th polling stations, 15,735 people or 29.5% at the 20th polling station and 15,705 people or 26.5% at the 21st polling station in Metsamor.

54,868 voters or 32.5% voted at three polling stations in the region of Gegharkunik. In Kotayk 55,380 or 27% of voters participated in the referendum. In the region of Lori, at the 29th polling station in Spitak 15,468 people or 25.9% voted, at the 30th polling station - 7,746 people or 14.5%, at the 31st polling station in the town of Alaverdy - 14.084 people or 24.6% voted, at the 32nd polling station in the town of Tashir 13,900 people or 30.1% voted. At four polling stations in the region of Shirak, 54,397 people or 26% voted. At two polling station in the region of Syunik 31.414 people or 29.7% voted, in the region of Vayots Dzor - 15.013 people or 29%, in the region of Tavush 16,949 people or 30.1% at the 40th polling station, 15,647 or 28.9% at the 41st polling station. The turnout abroad was 5,230 people.