Armenians Demand Prime Minister Pashinyan's Resignation Over Territorial Concessions

In Yerevan, Armenia, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan over his decision to cede four border villages to Azerbaijan. The protests, which have been ongoing for weeks, have resulted in the detention of at least 226 demonstrators.

The protests were sparked by Pashinyan's agreement to return the villages of Baghanis, Voskepar, Kirants, and Berkaber in Armenia's northern Tavush region to Azerbaijan. This move followed Azerbaijan's military regaining control of Nagorno-Karabakh last year, a region previously held by ethnic Armenians.

Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, a senior cleric in the Armenian Apostolic Church and the archbishop of the Tavush diocese, has emerged as a prominent figure in the protests. Galstanyan has called for a 'nationwide campaign of disobedience' and announced his intention to run for prime minister.

Why this matters: The ongoing protests in Armenia have significant implications for the country's political stability and its relations with Azerbaijan, a neighboring nation. The outcome of this standoff could lead to a change in government, affecting Armenia's domestic and foreign policies.

Galstanyan has been actively participating in the protests, urging demonstrators to block roads and personally blocking an intersection in central Yerevan with his own car. He has stated that Pashinyan has 'no political or moral legitimacy' to remain in power.

Despite the growing opposition, Pashinyan's governing coalition holds a substantial majority in parliament, making it challenging for the opposition to initiate impeachment proceedings. At least 18 lawmakers from Pashinyan's own party would need to vote to unseat him for the process to begin.

The protests have evolved beyond the initial issue of territorial concessions, with demonstrators expressing broader grievances against Pashinyan's government. Complaints range from dissatisfaction with the handling of the territorial concessions to general discontent with the government's performance.

Pashinyan has defended the concessions, arguing that they are aimed at securing a wider peace deal with Azerbaijan. He has emphasized the need to quickly define the border with Azerbaijan to avoid a new round of hostilities.

The situation remains tense while protests continue, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. The outcome of this political standoff could have significant implications for Armenia's future and its relations with Azerbaijan.

Key Takeaways

• Thousands protest in Yerevan, Armenia, demanding PM Pashinyan's resignation over border village concessions to Azerbaijan.
• At least 226 demonstrators detained, including Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, who's leading the protests and running for PM.
• Pashinyan's government defends concessions as necessary for a wider peace deal with Azerbaijan, citing need to define borders.
• Protests have evolved into broader grievances against Pashinyan's government, including dissatisfaction with its performance.
• The outcome of the standoff could lead to a change in government, affecting Armenia's domestic and foreign policies.