Opposition Protest, Liberty Square, Yerevan, Armenia © Onnik James Krikorian 2007
Tensions are mounting in Armenia ahead of next year’s parliamentary elections, with the nation’s future hanging in the balance. Despite the excitement surrounding the Trump-brokered Washington Declaration in August, it is unclear whether it can overcome the lingering division that set in after defeat by Azerbaijan in the 44-day war. Recent surveys have shown a slight majority against the proposed TRIPP.
At the weekend, supporters of Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, currently under pre-trial detention, took to the streets of Yerevan and Etchmiadzin. Karapetyan is charged with calling for the overthrow of the Pashinyan government though many believe that his detention was unwarranted and politically motivated because of the coming vote.
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The furore stems from an interview given by Karapetyan in June during which he said that the opposition would defend the Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II, if Pashinyan moves to forcibly remove him from his position. That same month, two archbishops and other clergy were detained and charged with planning to instigate a coup. It is believed that the church’s opposition to a compromise deal with Azerbaijan is the reason.
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At stake is more than just political power. It is the prospect of a long-awaited peace agreement with Azerbaijan that could finally close that chapter in the modern history of both countries. If the coming months are instead disrupted by infighting and clashes, progress made since the Washington Declaration could easily unravel.
The full piece is available here.
