Category: 2022

Armenian PM, Lithuanian President highlight NK conflict settlement under auspices of OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs

Maral Takmazian

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 18:08,

YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, who is in Armenia on an officiual visit, and the delegation led by him

In his welcoming remarks, the Prime Minister of Armenia said,

“Dear Mr. President,

Dear colleagues,

I welcome you in Armenia and your visit to our country. I recall my last visit to Lithuania with warmth, by which we started a very important dialogue that should continue. I think we should try to use this visit for the intensification of our bilateral relations. Receiving you on an official visit in our country is a very good sign, we can say that our bilateral visits and relations have gained a certain dynamics, which we should maintain.

Thank you for visiting us, for the readiness to support us and to promote the further development of our relations. I think we will discuss a wide range of issues and agenda related to our bilateral relations and the international, regional situation. I will be glad to hear your assessments and views on the current situation, our bilateral relations, international developments and, of course, also on our regional situation. Thank you, welcome.”

In turn, the President of Lithuania said,

“Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

First of all, I would like to thank you for the warm reception which I felt in all the structures, starting from the presidential residence, and now here in the government. I think there are two topics that are very important. One, as you mentioned, is the bilateral relations between our countries. You mentioned your visit, which I remember very well, last fall in Vilnius, and now my task is to revive our relations in the economic, cultural and educational spheres. This is why I did not come alone. Not only are my advisers with me, but my delegation also includes the Deputy Ministers of Transport and Agriculture.

It is very important to find niches in the market where we can really work, and I think, given the fact that Lithuania is moving to a higher value-added economy, there will be new areas of mutual interest, such as biotechnology, finance, information and communication technologies that are developing very fast in our country and make up a large percentage of the GDP.”

The interlocutors discussed the agenda of Armenia-Lithuania relations and development prospects. Nikol Pashinyan praised Lithuania’s support for Armenia’s democracy, in response to which Gitanas Nausėda reaffirmed Lithuania’s readiness to continue supporting Armenia’s democratic path and the government’s reform agenda. The parties reaffirmed their readiness to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in the economic, technological, educational and cultural spheres.

During the meeting the sides exchanged views on regional situation and developments.

The Prime Minister presented the positions of the Republic of Armenia on the demarcation and delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the unblocking of communication channels. Nikol Pashinyan referred to the agreements reached during the meetings mediated by international partners, emphasizing that Armenia is guided by the peace agenda, but that process cannot be unilateral. In this context, the Prime Minister attached importance to the support of the international community and its targeted response to actions aimed at disrupting stability in the region.

Gitanas Nausėda noted that peace, stability and economic growth are of common interest to the countries of the region, Lithuania and the European Union, and that Lithuania will continue to contribute to the establishment of regional dialogue, stability and prosperity.

Nikol Pashinyan thanked for that readiness and praised the efforts of the EU, President of the European Council Charles Michel, which, together with the efforts of other international partners, contribute to the creation of an atmosphere of dialogue.

The sides stressed the need for a comprehensive settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. Issues related to the preservation of the Armenian religious and cultural heritage in Artsakh and the involvement of UNESCO in that process were also touched upon.

The sides emphasized the role of democracy in serving security challenges, protecting human rights, the rule of law, the success in sectoral reforms, and ensuring economic growth. The President of Lithuania noted that his country has some experience and is ready to share with Armenia, to exchange information. Prime Minister Pashinyan welcomed the proposal, noting that Armenia attaches importance to the study of the experience of countries with successful development.

PM Pashinyan sends condolence message on the occasion of Yuri Javadyan’s death

Chmshkian Vicken

PM Pashinyan sends condolence message on the occasion of Yuri Javadyan’s death

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 18:40,

YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent a condolence letter on the occasion of Yuri Javadyan’s death. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister, the message runs as follows,

“It was with deep grief that I learnt about the death of deputy of the Supreme Council of 3 convocations, Minister of Agriculture in 1991-1992, a long-term member of the public administration system Yuri Javadyan.

His contribution to the development of the agricultural sector and the management of water resources in our country is invaluable. He has shared his experience and knowledge with young professionals for many years, thus contributing to the recruitment of the necessary personnel in the above-mentioned areas. Lake Sevan was also in the center of his attention, making a significant contribution to solving its problems.

I offer my deep condolences to Yuri Javadyan’s family, relatives and colleagues, I share their grief”.

Supreme Religious Council issues statement on external, domestic challenges

Alex Jidarian

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 18:52,

YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. The Supreme Religious Council, chaired by Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, referred to the external and domestic challenges, geopolitical and regional developments facing Armenia and Artsakh following the 44-day catastrophic war.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Mother See, the Supreme Religious Council said in the statement

  • The Azerbaijani authorities continue their condemnable hostile attitude towards Armenia, Artsakh and the Armenian people. After the signing of the trilateral statement, Azerbaijan regularly makes provocations on the borders of Armenia, Artsakh, targets also the civilian population, continues to hold prisoners of war, destroys and appropriates the Armenian religious and cultural heritage in the territories that have passed under its control.
  • In the light of geopolitical developments, the Armenian authorities and national structures need to be vigilant so that the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination does not become a bargaining chip.
  • Peace cannot be established at the expense of the humiliation of national dignity, in the conditions of incessant encroachments on the territorial integrity of the Motherland, the presence of prisoners of war, the constant threats of Azerbaijan and the propaganda of anti-Armenianism. Peace should be based on the principles of justice, dignity and respect for rights.
  • Regardless of the existing pressures, external threats, especially in the conditions of internal social polarization, the authorities of Armenia and Artsakh should not take steps endangering the independent statehood of Armenia, the future of Artsakh, there should be no compromise in the commitment to the fundamental rights of the nation, the pursuit of historical justice.

 

The Supreme Religious Council, deeply concerned with the complicated situation created, with the domestic political developments in the homeland, relying on the mercy of the Supreme Lord, the wisdom of our people, urges:

  • To Give priority to national-state interests, act responsibly and conscientiously, seek decent solutions to problems exclusively within our common will and consensus,
  • To make every effort in the Homeland and in the Diaspora to strengthen our national unity by eliminating divisive fragmentation, set to strengthening the homeland; protection of national-religious values,
  • To show tolerance, law abidance, respect for each other’s rights, excluding any kind of violence, disproportionate use of force, provocation or violation of the law in domestic political processes, peaceful assemblies, regardless of political views or official functions. Hate speech, insult, incitement of enmity can never be good.

 

The Supreme Religious Council calls on our faithful people all over the world to continue to support our sisters and brothers in Artsakh, to contribute to the strengthening of the Artsakh Republic, to its peaceful and secure life.

“We pray for the peace and progress of our country, we ask for the blessing and support of the Heavenly Father to our people.

Let the prayer for the homeland be constantly on the lips of our nation,” the statement reads.

Ruben Rubinyan presents to the Iranian Ambassador the process of normalization of Armenia- Turkey relations

Emil Lazarian

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 19:19,

YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. Vice President of the National Assembly of Armenia Ruben Rubinyan received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia Abbas Badakhshan Zohouri on May 20.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the National Assembly, welcoming the Ambassador, Ruben Rubinyan noted that the two countries have a high level of relations based on both historical and existing realities.

The Vice President of the National Assembly emphasized that the inter-parliamentary cooperation is of special importance for strengthening the bases of the mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation, to which the mutual visits give a qualitatively new level.

Ambassador Abbas Badakhshan Zohuri, emphasizing the centuries-old history of Armenian-Iranian relations, noted that they should be developed, including in the inter-parliamentary platforms.

Highlighting the centuries-old Armenian-Iranian relations, Ambassador Abbas Badakhshan Zohouri noted that they need to be developed, including at parliamentary platforms. The Ambassador emphasized the need for cooperation between the Committees of the two parliaments.

At the request of the Ambassador, Ruben Rubinyan presented details on the process of normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations, emphasizing the positions and priorities of the Republic of Armenia.

The Vice President of the parliament highly assessed Iran’s position on the territorial integrity of Armenia and the inviolability of its borders.

The parties also referred to the importance of the construction of the “North-South” highway.

The wives of Armenian PM and President of Lithuania visit the children being treated at the Hematology Center

Alex Jidarian

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 19:37,

YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. The wife of the Prime Minister of Armenia Anna Hakobyan hosted the wife of the President of the Republic of Lithuania Diana Nausėdienė. The Lithuanian President is in Armenia on a two-day official visit.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of Anna Hakobyan, Anna Hakobyan and Diana Nausėdienė held a private conversation. Welcoming Mrs. Nausėdienė, the wife of the Armenian PM noted that she is very happy to host her friend in Yerevan. During the private conversation, they referred to the importance of activating the role of women in public life.

“Mrs. Nausėdienė, we first met in 2019 in Lithuania. I am glad that the opportunity to meet for the second time has been created and I am hosting you in Yerevan. I think that there are great prospects for discussing and implementing joint programs. We will be able to use this opportunity to get to know each other better and try to find different ways of cooperation. I hope that this meeting will contribute to the strengthening of the centuries-old friendly ties between the Armenian and Lithuanian peoples,” Anna Hakobyan said.

Anna Hakobyan recalled that two years ago, when the world was fighting against the coronavirus, Diana Nausėdienė sent gifts to the Armenian children infected with the coronavirus by a Lithuanian military plane. Anna Hakobyan again thanked Diana Nausėdienė for the humanitarian act.

The wife of the President of the Republic of Lithuania thanked for the warm reception and recalled with joy their first meeting. It was the first official meeting of Diana Nausėdienė as the wife of the President of Lithuania.

During the conversation, the Lithuanian President’s wife presented her activities to Anna Hakobyan, emphasizing that it is based on the campaign for a healthy lifestyle and sustainable development of societies. She expressed confidence that by increasing the role of women in our societies, they will be able to make the world a better place.

Then the wife of the President of Lithuania accompanied by the wife of the Prime Minister of Armenia visited Hematology Center after Professor R.O. Yolyan, where she met with children receiving treatment. The guests toured the center, got acquainted with the conditions, inquired about the children’s health condition. The wife of the President of Lithuania handed over an official invitation to Anna Hakobyan so that the doctors of Hematology Center after Professor R.O. Yolyan will visit Lithuania and take training.

Anna Hakobyan and Diana Nausėdienė agreed to strengthen contacts in the spheres of healthcare and culture. For that purpose, the wife of the President of Lithuania invited the wife of the Prime Minister of Armenia to Lithuania. Anna Hakobyan accepted the invitation and expressed readiness to implement the agreements reached.

Armenpress: Lithuania stops importing electricity from Russia

Khoyetsian Rose

Lithuania stops importing electricity from Russia

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 21:22,

YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. The import of Russian electricity to Lithuania will be stopped, ARMENPRESS reports, citing “RIA Novosti”, the operator of the Lithuanian Litgrid electricity transmission system said.

Nord Pool operator made such a decision on . The import of Russian electricity to Lithuania will be suspended from May 22.

Asbarez: AEF Raises $560,000 for Educational Programs in Armenia

Kalantarian Kevo
by Contributor

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Community, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

From l to r: (From Left) Vice President Peter Baghdassarian, President Al Cabraloff, the Shrikchian Family & AEF Fundraising Chair Melody


More than $560,000 was raised at the Armenian Educational Foundation’s donor appreciation dinner on Sunday, May 15 at the home of Harry and Shireen Shirikchian. Over 140 supporters, sponsors and members attended the evening event.

The program kicked off with AEF President, Al Cabraloff, opening the evening with a brief update report on the AEF. Some highlights included the completion of 8 school renovation projects in Armenia and Artsakh in 2021. He also highlighted that AEF provided over 1,000 scholarships in 2021 to university students in Armenia, Artsakh and Javakhk.

Vahik Petrossian, AEF Scholarship Chair, presented an overview of the current status of the scholarship program as well as the desperate need to continue to raise funds to support more students, including for our wounded soldiers and veterans. During the event, AEF announced a $100,000 donation from the Armenian Wounded Heroes Fund to cover scholarships for wounded soldiers and veterans of the 2020 war and another 15 new donors confirmed support for over 50 additional four-year scholarships for university students in Armenia and Artsakh.

The guests listen to a presentation about AEF’s activities

During acknowledgments, AEF also announced major gifts from benefactors including a $100,000 donation from Mr. & Mrs. Rafik & Helly Khatchaturian, as well as a $50,000 contribution from Mr. & Mrs. Bobken and Hasmik Amirian.

AEF’s Fundraising Chair, Melody Petrossian, commented, “The success of our fundraising directly impacts the future we can give our Armenian youth and we are grateful to our donors who continue to entrust the AEF with the responsibility to assist Armenian students with its programs.”

The Armenian Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1950. Since 2000, AEF has disbursed over $11.4M for various education programs, including $5.2M renovating over 200 village schools in Armenia, Artsakh and Javakhk and $4.3 million in scholarships.

For more information on the Armenian Educational Foundation or to donate online, please visit www.aefweb.org.

Artsakh Plans to Transition to Semi-Presidential Government System

Kajoyan Gevork
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

The Artsakh government building


The Republic of Artsakh plans to transition to a semi-presidential system of government. A constitutional reform commission established by Artsakh’s president published a draft proposal on Friday, which, among other reforms, suggests separation of executive powers between a president and a prime minister.

Below is the text of the proposal.

Taking into consideration the imperative to ensure the security of the Republic of Artsakh, the existing challenges facing the Republic of Artsakh, as well as with the goal of achieving flexibility within the state administration system in times of martial law or state of emergency and in emergency situations, it is proposed to transform the government system by transitioning to a semi-presidential system of government.

The semi-presidential system would rely on two hubs: the President and a Prime Minister enjoying the trust of the parliament.

The President, being the guarantor of the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and security of the Republic of Artsakh, will coordinate the work of state bodies in the defense area, and will serve as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the President of the Security Council.

The executive power will be vested in the government led by the Prime Minister, who will coordinate the work of a 15-member Cabinet (ministers). Currently, the President is the head of the executive power. There is no position of a prime minister now and the government is composed of the State Minister and Ministers who are appointed by the President.

Given the current military-political situation, the commission also proposed to hold general elections gradually – parliamentary elections with proportional system in 2023 and presidential elections in 2024. At the same time, the concept proposes to reserve parliament the right to elect a President in emergency cases.

Artsakh changed its constitution in 2018, adopting an exclusively presidential system of government. In 2020 Artsakh voters elected Arayik Harutyunyan as president, in a heated election that saw a runoff.

As Pashinyan Touts Democracy, Tracy Calls for Probing Use of Force Against Opposition Whose Protests Continue

Anna Tamamian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Main, Latest, News, Top Stories

Opposition protesters outside a democracy forum let by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on May 20


Opposition protesters gathered outside Yerevan’s Marriott Hotel in Republic Square, where Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was presiding over a “Democracy Forum,” during which he touted Armenia’s democratic advances as a pivot to peace in the region, and U.S. Ambassador to Armenia voiced concern about police use of force against demonstrators.

Saying that the U.S. Embassy has seen images of police violence against demonstrators, Tracy said that there were concerns and said these episodes must be investigated and there should be accountability.

“I have noticed the government’s approach to investigate these episodes, to carry out investigations, and there is also an approach of respecting the rights of the demonstrators and the work of journalists. Of course the demonstrators also have an obligation to demonstrate peacefully that doesn’t create a chaotic situation and doesn’t violate the rights of others,” she said.

U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy addresses the Armenian Democracy Forum

The Ambassador said that democracy is a process for ensuring progress. “People write me about police reforms and ask me ‘is this your democracy?’ No, democracy isn’t perfect, democracy is a continuous process to ensure accountability, to protect human rights, but this isn’t just one part. In case of the police, what matters is the accountability of their actions,” she added.

Tracy pointed out that problems concerning police conduct occur in the United States as well. She said the United States seeks to carry out reforms in the area. “Meaning, this isn’t something that happens only in Armenia. What matters is for accountability to exist in these issues,” Tracy said.

Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers had gone to the hotel but were barred from entering the conference hall where the forum was being held, further fueling their claims that democracy was dead in Armenia. Journalists were also not allowed to enter the conference hall.

Opposition lawmakers accused Pashinyan of only inviting pro-government lawmakers and supporters to the Democracy forum. They criticized the government’s claims that Armenia is “bastion of democracy,” and complained that Pashinyan and his government were selective about which sector they are engaging in the country’s processes.

On Friday, opposition protesters marched from Yerevan’s France Square to the presidential residence, where the Lithuanian president Gitanas Nauseda was meeting his Armenian counterpart Vahagn Khachaturyan.

Gegham Manukyan, a member of the opposition Armenia Alliance said their goal was to show that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has no mandate to negotiate (with Azerbaijan) on behalf of Armenia.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan speaks during the democracy forum

In his remarks at the Democracy Forum, Pashinyan complained that “democracy was being used to destroy democracy,” presumable voicing his disdain about opposition protests.

It is my strongest conviction that the best way to overcome this challenge is the establishment of democratic institutions, the democratization of state institutions literally based on the professionalism, lawfulness, transparency and accountability of the state institutions,” Pashinyan said.

He went on to advance his government’s policy of “peace in the region,” at a time when Azerbaijan continues to undermine all agreements that were reached following the Artsakh war.

“Now, in order to strengthen democracy, it’s very important that we unite around one more mission. As we have brought democracy to Armenia, so let’s bring peace to Armenia, because I think that one cannot exist without the other,” said Pashinyan, adding “with pride” that his political team “is united around this mission.”

RFE/RL Armenian Report – 05/20/2022

Hambik Zargarian 
                                        Friday, 
Armenian Church Warns Against ‘Humiliating’ Concessions To Baku
Armenia - Catholicos Garegin II holds a religious ceremony on an open-air altar 
in Echmiadzin, April 14, 2022.
The Armenian Apostolic Church on Friday warned Armenia’s political leadership 
against compromising on Nagorno-Karabakh’s right to self-determination in peace 
talks with Azerbaijan.
The church’s Supreme Spiritual Council headed by Catholicos Garegin II said it 
must not make such concessions “regardless of existing pressures and external 
threats.”
“Peace cannot be established through the humiliation of national dignity, amid 
incessant encroachments on the territorial integrity of our state, the presence 
of prisoners of war, and Azerbaijan’s constant threats and propaganda of 
anti-Armenianism,” the council said after a three-day meeting held at the 
church’s Mother See in Echmiadzin.
It said the Armenian authorities must make sure that the Karabakh Armenians 
right to self-determination does not become “a subject of bargaining” in the 
negotiating process.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and other senior officials have not stated 
publicly whether they will bring up the principle of self-determination of 
peoples, long championed by Armenia, in planned negotiations on a comprehensive 
peace treaty with Azerbaijan. They have said only that the talks should address 
the questions of Karabakh’s status and the security of its population.
Speaking in the Armenian parliament on April 13, Pashinian said that the 
international community is pressing Armenia to “lower a bit the bar on the 
question of Nagorno-Karabakh’s status” and recognize Azerbaijan’s territorial 
integrity. He hinted at his readiness to make such concessions, drawing strong 
criticism from his political opponents and Karabakh’s leadership.
Armenia - Opposition supporters march through Republic Square in Yerevan, May 
17, 2022.
Armenian opposition leaders charged that Pashinian has agreed to Azerbaijani 
control over the disputed territory. They went on to launch on May 1 daily 
street protests in Yerevan aimed at forcing him to step down.
The church council, which also comprises prominent laymen, expressed concern at 
“internal political developments” in Armenia. It urged all sides to display 
mutual “tolerance” and avoid violence and “disproportionate use of force.”
The ancient church, to which the vast majority of Armenians nominally belong, 
enjoyed strong government support until the 2018 “velvet revolution” that 
brought Pashinian to power. The prime minister’s frosty relationship with 
Garegin has increasingly deteriorated since then.
Pashinian openly attacked the church when he campaigned for the June 2021 
parliamentary elections. He said “corrupt clergymen” are part of Armenia’s 
traditional political, intellectual and spiritual elites that “did everything” 
to prevent the 2018 regime change. Garegin’s office rejected the accusations.
Turkey Worried About Opposition Pressure On Armenian PM
        • Tatevik Sargsian
Uruguay - Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu makes a hand gesture 
associated with a Turkish ultranationalist group to Armenians protesting against 
his visit to Montevideo, April 23, 2022.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has signaled concerns about ongoing 
street protests against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s conciliatory policy on 
Azerbaijan, saying that the United States and other foreign partners should 
increase their support for his government.
“We can see that the Armenian authorities are under pressure from radical forces 
at home and the [Armenian] Diaspora abroad,” Cavusoglu told Azerbaijani 
journalists on Thursday. “We have told [U.S. Secretary of State] Antony Blinken 
and our other partners that Armenia needs to be encouraged more on this issue.”
Blinken praised “the courage and the flexibility” demonstrated by Pashinian 
after holding talks with Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Washington on May 2.
Armenia’s leading opposition forces launched daily demonstrations in Yerevan on 
May 1, accusing Pashinian of planning to cede Karabakh to Azerbaijan.
Pashinian fuelled such allegations after his April 6 meeting with Azerbaijani 
President Ilham Aliyev held in Brussels. Speaking in the Armenian parliament on 
April 13, he said the international community wants Armenia to scale back its 
demands on the status of Nagorno-Karabakh and sign a corresponding peace treaty 
with Azerbaijan.
Cavusoglu mentioned the treaty, saying that Ankara looks forward negotiations on 
it planned by Armenia and Azerbaijan. He also noted that Baku supports 
Turkish-Armenian talks on normalizing bilateral relations which were launched in 
January.
Armenian opposition leaders have voiced serious concerns over the normalization 
talks as well. They say that Pashinian is ready to accept Turkish preconditions 
relating to not only the Karabakh conflict but also the 1915 Armenian genocide 
in Ottoman Turkey.
Pashinian Touts ‘Armenian Democracy’ Amid Continuing Protests
        • Artak Khulian
        • Robert Zargarian
Armenia - Opposition supporters demonstrate outside the venue of the Democracy 
Forum attended by Armenian officials and Western diplomats, Yerevan, May 20, 
2022.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian again claimed to have turned Armenia into an 
established democracy on Friday as the country's main opposition groups 
continued daily demonstrations demanding his resignation.
“Our task today is to prove that democracy can ensure the internal and external 
security of our country,” Pashinian told a “forum for democracy” in Yerevan 
attended by Armenian government officials, pro-government lawmakers, civic 
activists and Western diplomats.
“We have fought for the establishment of democracy in Armenia and we have 
accomplished our mission, even though we have not completed our mission,” he 
said in a speech. “In order to strengthen democracy, it is now very important to 
rally around another mission: we must bring peace to Armenia just like we have 
brought democracy to Armenia. One can hardly exist without the other.”
Pashinian alluded to his conciliatory policy on Azerbaijan and Turkey which 
triggered the opposition protests three weeks ago.
The prime minister said last month that the international community is pressing 
Armenia to “lower the bar” on the status of Nagorno-Karabakh and recognize 
Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. He signaled readiness to make such 
concessions, stoking opposition allegations that he has agreed to help Baku 
regain full control over Karabakh.
Armenia - Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian addresses the Armenian Forum for 
Demoracy, .
The forum took place in a Yerevan hotel guarded by scores of riot police and 
other security forces. Hundreds of people led by opposition parliamentarians 
rallied outside the building.
Some of those lawmakers tried to enter the hotel’s main conference room to take 
part in the forum but were stopped by Pashinian’s bodyguards. One of them, Agnes 
Khamoyan, said this made mockery of the declared purpose of the gathering.
Other lawmakers again hit out at the U.S. ambassador to Armenia, Lynne Tracy, 
who effectively welcomed earlier this week the outcome of last year’s 
parliamentary elections won by Pashinian’s party.
In an interview with the Armenpress news agency, Tracy said Armenians 
“recommitted themselves” to democratic values during the snap polls. Ishkhan 
Saghatelian, the main speaker at the ongoing opposition protests, responded by 
accusing the United States and other Western powers of turning a blind eye to 
government pressure on the Armenian judiciary, the existence of “dozens of 
political prisoners” and other human rights abuses in the country.
“With you silence, you are contributing to dictatorship in Armenia,” Saghatelian 
charged on Wednesday.
Armenia - Riot police guard the venue of the Armenian Forum for Democracy, 
Yerevan, .
Speaking at Friday’s conference, Tracy expressed concern over what she described 
as disproportionate of use of force by the Armenian police against protesters. 
She suggested that Pashinian’s government is “taking heed of the need to 
investigate” the police actions.
The U.S. envoy said at the same time that the protests should be peaceful and 
not create “chaos” in the streets.
The police arrested hundreds of protesters in Yerevan earlier this week. 
Virtually all of them were set free a few hours later.
Still, law-enforcement authorities are pressing criminal charges against more 
than a dozen opposition activists and supporters arrested since the start of the 
“civil disobedience” campaign on May 1. Most of them are accused of assaulting 
police officers or government supporters. The opposition rejects the accusations 
as politically motivated.
Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
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