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 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, csce.press@mail.house.gov
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