The Caucasus Neighborhood is a weekly roundup of the important stories from the past week across the region. This time we look at a prison sentence in Turkey for an ethnic Armenian blogger, questions around the steep rise in prices for Armenians to purchase Russian gas, and the strange case of disappearing Azerbaijani points for Russia at this year’s Eurovision song contest.
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What would it take to defeat Pashinyan?
In this episode of the CivilNet podcast, commentator Eric Hacopian surveys the political field ahead of the 2026 Armenian parliamentary elections, which will pit Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan against known and possibly yet-to-emerge opposition figures. He discusses the impact that a referendum to change the country’s constitution will have on Pashinyan’s prospects, as well as what it will take for each side to win. He also considers the matters of foreign interference and possible events that could drastically alter the situation.
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European Parliament calls for Ankara’s stronger role in Yerevan–Baku normalization
By Alexander Pracht The European Parliament adopted a new report on Turkey during a plenary session on Wednesday, expressing support for the normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey and urging Ankara to play a more decisive role in advancing peace in the South Caucasus. The vote passed with 367 in favor, 74 against, and 188 abstentions, according to Armenia’s state news agency Armenpress. The report highlighted both Turkey’s domestic shortcomings and its regional responsibilities. It was previously approved by the Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs. It also commended efforts to establish ties between Armenia and Turkey, emphasizing reconciliation, good-neighborly […]
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Armenian alcohol exports stuck at Georgia-Russia border amid customs delays,
Dozens of Armenian trucks carrying alcoholic beverages have been stuck at the Georgia-Russia border in recent weeks, as Georgian customs authorities subject the shipments to unexpected laboratory testing, delaying their journey to export destinations such as Russia and the Baltic states. Exporters say the situation has persisted for over a month and a half and is costing them significant losses. Speaking to Radio Azatutyun, an exporter familiar with the situation, who wished to remain anonymous, said the inspections were taking place in Tbilisi, where samples are collected and sent for analysis. Georgia is a transit country. It makes no sense […]
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Justice Minister: Draft of Armenia’s New Constitution Expected in 10
By Elen Muradyan Armenian Justice Minister Srbuhi Galyan said on Wednesday that no decision has yet been made on when the draft of a new Constitution will be put to a referendum. Speaking to reporters in parliament, Galyan said the text is still being developed and is expected to be ready within ten months. “The Constitution is still in the drafting phase, and the process is being carried out using internal resources of the Ministry of Justice,” she said. Once the draft is complete, Galyan added, its key provisions will be made public for discussion. “There will be no backroom […]
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Pashinyan heads to Moscow as Aliyev snubs Victory Day celebrations
By Zhanna Avagyan Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will travel to Moscow to take part in the May 9 Victory Day celebrations, underscoring what he described as Armenia’s “balanced and balancing” foreign policy—even as relations with Russia remain tense. Meanwhile, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has declined the same invitation, highlighting the deepening rift between Baku and Moscow. Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, Pashinyan defended his upcoming Moscow visit against criticism that it could undermine Armenia’s growing ties with the West. “This policy does not entail building relationships in one direction at the expense of others,” he said, adding that commemorating […]
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Armenia affirms India’s right to self-defense amid renewed tensions with
By Elen Muradyan Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has expressed support for India’s right to defend itself against terrorism amid a new escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan. Speaking in parliament during a government Q&A session on Wednesday, Mirzoyan underscored Armenia’s firm stance against terrorism and reiterated the country’s solidarity with the victims of recent attacks. The comments came days after India launched strikes on nine targets inside Pakistani territory, which New Delhi claims were being used by terrorist groups. Indian officials stressed that no Pakistani military sites were targeted in the operation. “A terrorist act took place. The […]
