Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian on Saturday called on the country’s majority ethnic Armenians to refrain from violence in the run-up to the March 18 parliamentary election, saying it would serve as a reminder of the countrys commitment to peace.

Sarkisian, who has been in office for nearly five years, made the call after clashes erupted in a town near the Armenian capital of Yerevan.

More than 100 people were injured in the clashes, which also left more than 100 policemen injured.

More:The violence was triggered by a police raid on a house belonging to the chief of a paramilitary group.

Police later found two firearms and ammunition, two rocket launchers and a bomb at the home, according to police.

Sarksi, who spoke by phone with Prime Minister Yevgeny Dendyan, also called on ethnic Armenian youths to not participate in the March election, which is being held under a presidential decree.

More details:AP English version