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Armenian Presidential Candidate Shot

Medical staff members carry Paruir Airikian, candidate for the Armenian presidency at a hospital in Yerevan, Armenia, February 1, 2013.
Medical staff members carry Paruir Airikian, candidate for the Armenian presidency at a hospital in Yerevan, Armenia, February 1, 2013.
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VOA News
Armenian police say a gunman has shot and wounded one of the country's eight presidential candidates.

Authorities say Paruir Airikian was shot by an unknown assailant late Thursday in Yerevan, the capital.

Officials say Airikian, who is 63, is in satisfactory condition.

Authorities say that according to Armenian law, the presidential campaign could be postponed for two weeks if Airikian, a former dissident, is not able to continue campaigning.

Incumbent President Serzh Sarkisian is expected to win the February 18 presidential election.

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