Dispute over election rules threatened to split governing coalition.

Journalist Samvel Aleksanian of “Syuniats Yerkir” weekly claimed was attacked and office ransacked after he ran articles questioning government policies.

Proposed amendments to Armenia’s 1995 constitution dominated political debate; pro-government coalition suggested strengthening president’s powers. Opposition repeated call for nation-wide vote of confidence in President Robert Kocharian.

Opposition rejected package of constitutional amendments proposed by President Robert Kocharian and endorsed by pro-government majority in parliament. (See also Nagorno-Karabakh below.)

Group of opposition parties said would not abandon 6-month boycott of parliament, despite having suspended campaign of public demonstrations aimed at ousting President Robert Kocharian. (See also Nagorno-Karabakh below.)

Opposition announced protest campaign to remove President Robert Kocharian would be suspended for foreseeable future due to insufficient public support.

Following weeks of protests against President Robert Kocharian - and 13 April police crackdown on demonstrators - opposition's momentum appears to have stalled. Movement's leaders announced 2-week postponement of demonstrations 21 May to reassess strategy.

Dozens injured and over 100 arrested 13 April as police used water canons, batons, and stun grenades to disperse demonstrators calling for resignation of President Robert Kocharian. Demonstrations steadily gathered momentum in recent weeks: over 10,000 people turned out 9 April, first anniversary of Kocharian's inauguration. Opposition led jointly by Stepan Demirchian, chief of Justice Bloc and runner up to Kocharian in disputed 2003 election, Artashes Geghamian, leader of National Accord Party, and former PM Aram Sargisian. Group began boycotting parliamentary sessions in February, and had set 12 April deadline for parliament to pass law allowing no-confidence referendum on president - as stipulated by constitutional court following 2003 election. Protests continued throughout month as government cracked down on opposition. Public particularly angered by widespread reports that police stood by as unknown assailants beat group of journalists during 5 April demonstration.