( dpa ) - The Vatican's second highest official Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone cancelled his trip Sunday to Armenia owing to unrest in the country, the Vatican said.
"In consideration of the situation in Armenia following the protests and the government's declaration of a state of emergency, His Eminence Cardinal Bertone will not depart today for Yerevan", the Vatican said in a statement.
"However the visit... could still take place in the coming days with a changed programme," the statement said.
At least eight people were killed overnight in unrest in Armenia where a 20-day state of emergency was declared by outgoing President Robert Kocharian following protests by demonstrators who allege the February 19 presidential election was rigged. dpa pwm sc