Armenian Protests Erupt Against Prime Minister Pashinyan's Border Deal with Azerbaijan

On May 31, thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Yerevan, Armenia, to protest against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's border demarcation deal with Azerbaijan. The controversial agreement, which cedes several territories to Azerbaijan, has sparked widespread outrage among Armenians, leading to a series of anti-government demonstrations.

Why this matters: The ongoing protests in Armenia have significant implications for the country's political stability and its relationships with neighboring countries. If the protests continue to escalate, it could lead to a change in government or a shift in Armenia's foreign policy, which could have far-reaching consequences for the region.

The protests, led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanian, turned violent as police clashed with demonstrators. At least 29 people were arrested during the scuffles, including two deacons of the Armenian Apostolic Church, one of whom was seriously injured. The demonstrators demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Pashinyan, accusing him of betraying the country's interests.

The protesters marched to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeking a meeting with Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan to address what they called 'humiliating anti-Armenian statements' made by Azerbaijan's leaders. When Mirzoyan refused to meet with them, Galstanian threatened to enter the building, leading to a four-hour standoff with riot police.

Security forces attempted to push the crowd back from the entrance, resulting in further scuffles and arrests. Galstanian blamed the police and Mirzoyan for the violence, stating, 'Let the police know that they can't intimidate us. This is just a prelude.'

The protests are part of a larger movement that began on May 9, aimed at forcing Prime Minister Pashinyan to resign over his decision to cede several border areas to Azerbaijan. Pashinyan has defended the territorial concessions as necessary to prevent Azerbaijani military aggression against Armenia. However, his detractors argue that he is creating additional security risks for the country and encouraging Baku to demand more territory.

The border demarcation deal has also strained Armenia's relations with Russia. Prime Minister Pashinyan recently accused two unnamed member states of the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) of conspiring to help Azerbaijan reconquer Nagorno Karabakh. This accusation has further complicated Armenia's diplomatic ties with Russia, which has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations.

The situation in Yerevan remains tense, with protests continuing to escalate. Demonstrators are determined to hold the government accountable for what they see as a betrayal of national interests. The standoff's persistence leaves Armenia's political future hanging in the balance.

The protests highlight the deep-seated dissatisfaction among many Armenians regarding their government's handling of the border dispute with Azerbaijan. The outcome of these demonstrations could have significant implications for Armenia's domestic and foreign policies, and its relations with neighboring countries.

Key Takeaways

• Thousands protest in Yerevan against PM Pashinyan's border deal with Azerbaijan.
• Protesters demand Pashinyan's resignation, accusing him of betraying Armenia's interests.
• At least 29 arrested, including 2 deacons, as police clash with demonstrators.
• Protests strain Armenia's relations with Russia, with Pashinyan accusing 2 CSTO member states of conspiring with Azerbaijan.
• Ongoing protests threaten Armenia's political stability and foreign policy.