World Vision continues its work in Armenia with necessary precautions in spite of the recent political turmoil over presidential election results and renewed clashes on the border with Azerbaijan. All World Vision staff, sponsored children and communities are safe.

Eleven days of opposition protests over the presidential vote, judged by international observers as 'generally democratic', have resulted in a clash between police and protestors. According to police, eight people were killed in the riot. On 1 March, the government declared a state of emergency in Yerevan that bans public gatherings and imposes restrictions on media reports until 20 March. Currently, the relative calm is sustained in Armenia and Yerevan with strict control being enforced by police and army forces.

Following the state of emergency, movement within Armenia is restricted for persons who reside outside the capital, slowing but not inhibiting some World Vision activities.

In addition, World Vision is closely monitoring the situation in communities on the border with Azerbaijan where renewed clashes have broken out recently. World Vision Armenia continues to support those communities, many of which are populated by refugees from the war with Azerbaijan in 1992-1994. Communities near the Azeri border are being supported through two community development programs.

World Vision Armenia is praying for a peaceful resolution to the political turmoil in Armenia and to the recent clashes on the Azeri and Armenian border for the sake of girls and boys, whose best interests are ensured by a safe and secure environment.