Supporters of Armenian opposition presidential candidate Levon Ter-Petrosian shout during their rally in Yerevan, March 1, 2008. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    MOSCOW, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Armenia's parliament on Sunday approved a presidential decree introducing a state of emergency in the Caucasus nation after police crackdown on street protests.

    Armenian President Robert Kocharian on Saturday introduced a 20-day state of emergency in the capital Yerevan, banning rallies and protest.

    Opposition supporters have been rallying in Yerevan to protest the Feb. 19 presidential election, in which Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan won with 52.8 percent of the vote.

Supporters of Armenian opposition presidential candidate Levon Ter-Petrosian shout as riot policemen stand during their rally in Yerevan, March 1, 2008. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    The opposition led by Levon Ter-Petrosyan, who got 21.5 percent of the vote, claimed the vote was rigged and demanded a repeat vote.

    Police dispersed an unsanctioned rally in downtown Yerevan on Saturday. More than 30 people, including six policemen, were injured during the police operation, the Itar-Tass news agency reported.

    The government has moved troops to the capital, Itar-Tass said.