Armenia
Prankster strikes again, catches Juncker out on Putin, Trump
In a recorded telephone call with a prankster impersonating Armenia's new prime minister, Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker described Russian President Vladimir Putin as his friend but said US President Donald Trump couldn’t understand what the world is about.
Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict: Between lasting peace and eternal war
A solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is possible but hostile rhetoric is counter-productive argues Hikmat Hajiyev.
Azerbaijan asserts its power in the South Caucasus
A minor escalation carries an important message. Russia has reason to support Azerbaijan’s move in Nakhchivan, as its primary imperative in the South Caucasus is to prevent any country from moving too far into the Western camp, writes Xander Snyder.
France to intensify efforts to end Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
France plans to intensify efforts to find a solution to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has said.
MEP Nicolai: European Parliament is sometimes arrogant with EU’s neighbours
The EU has already failed in the Mediterranean and is hardly a relevant player there. Now it risks being isolated if it repeats the same mistake with its Eastern neighbours, Norica Nicolai, the European Parliament Rapporteur on the EU-Azerbaijan Comprehensive Agreement, told EURACTIV.
The Brief: Smooth velvet
Away from the spotlight, while Europe was biting its nails over Trump and Iran, one of the continent’s most far-flung corners had itself a peaceful revolution this week. It may be too early to tell, but it’s worth asking: Could...
Armenia’s revolutionary PM: ‘Deepened relations with EU’ on agenda
New Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan used his first day in power on Wednesday (9 May) to call for deeper relations with both the European Union and Russia, as well as insisting that the public support that swept him to his new job will help build a majority government.
Armenia’s peaceful revolution yields new leader
Armenia’s parliament voted in favour of a new prime minister on Tuesday (8 May) as the romantically dubbed ‘love and solidarity revolution’ peacefully put the Caucasus republic’s opposition party in power.
Armenia protest leader calls for general strike
The leader of an Armenian protest movement that forced the country's veteran leader to step down announced on Tuesday (1 May) a nationwide campaign of civil disobedience after the ruling party thwarted his bid to take over as prime minister.
Armenia opposition leader calls for popular support ahead of crucial vote
Armenian opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan was formally nominated on Monday (30 April) for the post of prime minister by his supporters, inching closer to victory after two weeks of mass protests that have transformed the country's political landscape.
Armenian protests leader: We didn’t allow any international actor to get involved
"What we have in Armenia is a fantastically working revolution," said Armen Grigoryan, one of the leaders of the “Reject Serzh“ movement, organising Armenia's ongoing nation-wide protests. EURACTIV.sk reports.
Analysts: Armenia street protests pose no danger to Kremlin
The Kremlin is famous for its hatred of “colour revolutions” but Armenian protests present no danger to Moscow because the rallies eschew anti-Russian slogans and Yerevan is hugely dependent on Moscow’s military and economic aid. Over the past days Moscow...
EU applauds peaceful ousting of Armenia’s Sargsyan
The EU stated that it “takes note” of the resignation of the Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan following eleven days of protests against his rule and that they “applaud” the peaceful nature of the changes.
Armenia PM resigns after days of mass protests
Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan said on Monday (23 April) he would resign to help maintain peace in the ex-Soviet republic following daily street protests since before he took up the post on April 17.
Police in Armenia detain opposition leaders, protesters
Police in Armenia detained three opposition leaders and nearly 200 protesters on Sunday (22 April), drawing a rebuke from the European Union after demonstrators demanded newly appointed Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan quit.
Armenian president calls for dialogue as opposition chants ‘Say no to Serzh’
Armenian President Armen Sargsyan on Thursday (19 April) called for dialogue, as thousands continued to protest on the streets against the appointment of the new prime minister, who was president for 10 years before switching jobs this month.
Thousands protest in Armenian capital as Sargsyan approved as PM
Tens of thousands rallied in the Armenian capital on Tuesday (17 April) after ex-president Serzh Sargsyan was elected prime minister by the country’s parliament despite several days of protests, an AFP journalist reported from the scene. Opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan...
Thousands protest Sargsyan’s PM bid in Armenia, several hurt in scuffles
Around 6,000 gathered in Armenia's capital on Monday (16 April) in protest at what the opposition calls a power grab by former president Serzh Sargsyan and several people were injured in scuffles with police.
Armenia and Azerbaijan simultaneously re-boot their leaders
Armenia's Serzh Sargsyan was nominated yesterday (11 April) to be the country's prime minister, days after he stepped down as president. On the same Azerbaijan strongman Ilham Aliyev secured a fourth consecutive term in an early election.
Game of thrones in Armenia and Azerbaijan
There is little doubt that the winner of the snap presidential election in Azerbaijan on Wednesday (11 April) will be its incumbent head of state, Ilham Aliyev. More interesting is the motive for such a move - which may well be the wish to counter the consolidation of power in arch-foe Armenia.
Ukraine says DCFTAs outdated, need deep review
One of the key messages from the EURACTIV debate on the Eastern Partnership – “Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and the EU: The Road to 2020” held on March 20 in Brussels was that the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements with these countries need a revamp.
Armenia: Balancing act between Russia and Europe
Few countries have established such close political and economic ties with Russia as Armenia has. But a new agreement is now meant to bring the small Caucasus republic closer to the EU. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Armenia lawmakers elect president as Sargsyan eyes ‘super’ powers as PM
Armenian lawmakers today (2 March) will elect a largely ceremonial president to succeed Serzh Sargsyan as he seeks to extend his grip on power under a new parliamentary system of government.