‘It’s time to move forward’: Armenians vote in election closely watched by Russia and EU
Summary
Armenians are voting in an important election that could change the country's direction toward closer ties with Europe instead of Russia. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who supports peace with neighboring countries and closer relations with the West, is the favorite, while opponents want stronger links to Moscow.Key Facts
- The election is closely watched by Russia, the European Union, and the United States.
- Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's party, Civil Contract, is expected to win.
- Pashinyan supports peace agreements with Azerbaijan and improved ties with Turkey.
- His main rival, Samvel Karapetyan, a billionaire with close Russian ties, is campaigning under house arrest.
- The vote follows Armenia's 2023 loss of Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan, a major issue in the campaign.
- Many Armenians are unhappy with Russia after it did not effectively protect Nagorno-Karabakh despite having peacekeepers there.
- Pashinyan suspended Armenia’s participation in a Russian-led security alliance after the conflict.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin warned against Armenia moving closer to the EU, comparing it to Ukraine's situation.
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