Armenian President Armen Sarkissian issued the following message on the anniversary of the March 1, 2008 post-presidential protests in Yerevan.

The events of March 1, 2008, resulting in innocent victims, are painful for all of us.

The political struggle must not go beyond the bounds of legitimacy; it must not lead to shocks and instability. Contradictions must not turn into an atmosphere of intolerance, mutual hatred, and confrontation or division.

Once again, I call on everyone for tolerance and solidarity. We need unity and solidarity.

Especially today, unity and tolerance are vital for our state and people.