Targeted News Service Tuesday 7:01 AM EST Helsinki Commission Announces Briefing on the Protest Movement in Armenia The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe issued the following briefing: The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today announced the following briefing: REVOLUTION IN ARMENIA? THE POWER AND PROSPECTS OF THE PROTEST MOVEMENT Thursday, 4:00 p.m. Capitol Visitor Center Room SVC 200 Live Webcast: www.facebook.com/HelsinkiCommission Under pressure from a surging popular protest movement, Armenia's Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan resigned on Monday, less than one week after taking office. The mass demonstrations were sparked by Armenia's transition this month to a parliamentary system from a semi-presidential one. Small-scale protests emerged in mid-April as it became clear that parliament would elect Sargsyan, who served as president since 2008, to the newly empowered post of prime minister, and culminated with tens of thousands of demonstrators in Armenia's central square. Protestors met news of Sargsyan's resignation with jubilation, but after securing its principal demand, the loosely organized, youth-led movement faces uncertain prospects going forward. What will be the outcome of early dialogue between the government and protest leaders? Can the movement achieve more lasting reform of the entrenched power structures in Armenia's political system? Will this collective mobilization translate into sustained political engagement? What are the regional implications of this domestic upheaval? The following expert panelists will address these questions and others: * Elen Aghekyan, Independent Research Analyst * Stephen Nix, Eurasia Regional Director, International Republican Institute Other panelists may be added. Contact: Stacy Hope, 202/225-1901, [email protected] Copyright Targeted News Services MSTRUCK-6261413 MSTRUCK