Yerevan - Armenians spent Sunday commemorating a devastating earthquake that left about 25,000 people dead on December 7, 1988.

The earthquake, which also left about 500,000 homeless, marked the first time that the Soviet Union - to which Armenia belonged in 1988 - allowed foreign aid workers to enter its territory.

As part of the day's ceremonies, President Serzh Sargsyan was expected to approve a memorial to the earthquake's victims in the town of Gyumri.

Yerevan  - Thousands of Armenians protested in the capital, Yerevan, Friday against the policies of President Serzh Sarkisian, demanduing the immediate release of supporters detained during bloody demonstrations last March that saw nine people killed.

Opposition politician Levon Surabian announced at the unauthorised rally that the protesters would begin a 28-day sit-down. "We cannot go home while our friends are in prison," he declared.

Moscow/Yerevan- Armenia's President Serzh Sarkisian was sworn into office Wednesday after months of violent protests in the capital since his February 19 election in a contested vote.