Around 23 people including civilians and military have been killed after Fighting has erupted between Armenia and Azerbaijan around the separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-between-armenia-and-azerbaijan-deepen-both-sides-declare-martial-law-330733">Also read | Clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan deepen; both sides declare martial law</a>

The worst clashes since 2016 have raised the spectre of a fresh war between long-standing rivals Azerbaijan and Armenia which have been locked for decades in a territorial dispute over the Armenia-backed breakaway enclave. 
 
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced in a televised address that Azerbaijan's "authoritarian regime has once again declared war on the Armenian people."

"We are on the brink of a full-scale war in the South Caucasus, which might have unpredictable consequences," he added. "We are ready for this war."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
All <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Armenians?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Armenians</a> must unite to defend our history, our homeland, identity, our future and our present. And we will win and there is only one prerogative, that we promise ourselves that we won't retreat a single millimeter from defending our people and our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Artsakh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Artsakh</a>.
— Nikol Pashinyan (@NikolPashinyan) <a href="https://twitter.com/NikolPashinyan/status/1310288492329607176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The office of Azerbaijan's prosecutor general said an Azerbaijani family of five were killed as Armenian separatist forces shelled Azerbaijan's village of Gashalty.

Rebel authorities in Karabakh said 16 of its troops were killed and more than 100 wounded in fighting, as well as two civilians, a child and a woman.

Both sides have accused each other of starting the hostilities.

Ethnic Armenian separatists seized the Nagorny Karabakh region from Baku in a 1990s war that claimed 30,000 lives.

Talks to resolve one of the worst conflicts to emerge from the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union have been largely stalled since a 1994 ceasefire agreement.

In July, heavy clashes along the two countries' shared border — hundreds of kilometres from Karabakh — claimed the lives of at least 17 soldiers from both sides.

Raising the stakes, Azerbaijan at the time threatened to strike Armenia's atomic power station if Yerevan attacked strategic facilities.

During the worst recent clashes in April 2016, around 110 people were killed. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Around 23 people including civilians and military have been killed after Fighting has erupted between Armenia and Azerbaijan around the separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Around 23 people including civilians and military have been killed after Fighting has erupted between Armenia and Azerbaijan around the separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Also read | Clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan deepen; both sides declare martial law The worst clashes since 2016 have raised the spectre of a fresh war between long-standing rivals Azerbaijan and Armenia which have been locked for decades in a territorial dispute over the Armenia-backed breakaway enclave. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced in a televised address that Azerbaijan's "authoritarian regime has once again declared war on the Armenian people." "We are on the brink of a full-scale war in the South Caucasus, which might have unpredictable consequences," he added. "We are ready for this war." All #Armenians must unite to defend our history, our homeland, identity, our future and our present. And we will win and there is only one prerogative, that we promise ourselves that we won't retreat a single millimeter from defending our people and our #Artsakh. — Nikol Pashinyan (@NikolPashinyan) September 27, 2020 × The office of Azerbaijan's prosecutor general said an Azerbaijani family of five were killed as Armenian separatist forces shelled Azerbaijan's village of Gashalty. Rebel authorities in Karabakh said 16 of its troops were killed and more than 100 wounded in fighting, as well as two civilians, a child and a woman. Both sides have accused each other of starting the hostilities. Ethnic Armenian separatists seized the Nagorny Karabakh region from Baku in a 1990s war that claimed 30,000 lives. Talks to resolve one of the worst conflicts to emerge from the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union have been largely stalled since a 1994 ceasefire agreement. In July, heavy clashes along the two countries' shared border — hundreds of kilometres from Karabakh — claimed the lives of at least 17 soldiers from both sides. Raising the stakes, Azerbaijan at the time threatened to strike Armenia's atomic power station if Yerevan attacked strategic facilities. During the worst recent clashes in April 2016, around 110 people were killed. (With inputs from agencies)

23 killed as fighting erupts between Armenia, Azerbaijan in disputed area

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday said he was "extremely concerned over the fresh resumption of hostilities" between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Armenia-backed breakaway region of Nagorny Karabakh.

"The Secretary-General strongly calls on the sides to immediately stop fighting, de-escalate tensions and return to meaningful negotiations without delay," Guterres's spokesman said in a statement.

Arch-foes Armenia and Azerbaijan have accused each other of initiating clashes Sunday that claimed at least 23 lives and threatened to draw in regional powers Russia and Turkey.

The worst clashes since 2016 have raised the specter of a fresh war in the decades-long territorial dispute over Nagorny Karabakh.

Sixteen Armenian separatist fighters were killed and more than 100 wounded in fighting, rebel officials said.

Both sides also reported civilian casualties.

Guterres "condemns the use of force and regrets the loss of life and the toll on the civilian population," the statement said, adding that the secretary-general would speak to the president of Azerbaijan and the prime minister of Armenia.

France, Germany, Italy and the European Union also urged an immediate ceasefire, while Pope Francis prayed for peace.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday said he was "extremely concerned over the fresh resumption of hostilities" between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Armenia-backed breakaway region of Nagorny Karabakh.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday said he was "extremely concerned over the fresh resumption of hostilities" between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Armenia-backed breakaway region of Nagorny Karabakh. "The Secretary-General strongly calls on the sides to immediately stop fighting, de-escalate tensions and return to meaningful negotiations without delay," Guterres's spokesman said in a statement. Arch-foes Armenia and Azerbaijan have accused each other of initiating clashes Sunday that claimed at least 23 lives and threatened to draw in regional powers Russia and Turkey. The worst clashes since 2016 have raised the specter of a fresh war in the decades-long territorial dispute over Nagorny Karabakh. Sixteen Armenian separatist fighters were killed and more than 100 wounded in fighting, rebel officials said. Both sides also reported civilian casualties. Guterres "condemns the use of force and regrets the loss of life and the toll on the civilian population," the statement said, adding that the secretary-general would speak to the president of Azerbaijan and the prime minister of Armenia. France, Germany, Italy and the European Union also urged an immediate ceasefire, while Pope Francis prayed for peace.

UN chief calls for immediate end to Armenia, Azerbaijan clashes 

Footage released by the Defence Ministry of Azerbaijan on Monday (September 28) showed mortar teams and artillery bombarding positions the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh army as fighting between the two countries over the breakaway region continued.

Heavy fighting as Armenia and Azerbaijan clash over disputed Nagorno-Karakabh

Armenia and Azerbaijan: A decades-long bloody rivalry

At least 24 people got killed since Sunday in the heaviest clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan since 2016, reigniting concern about stability in the South Caucasus, a corridor for pipelines carrying oil and gas to world markets.

Armenia-Azerbaijan clashes over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh kill at least 24

At least 16 military members and several civilians were killed on Sunday in the heaviest clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan since 2016, reigniting concern about stability in the South Caucasus, a corridor for pipelines carrying oil and gas to world markets.

Clashes between Armenia-Azerbaijan over disputed region

Clashes erupted between Armenia and Azerbaijan on Sunday over the volatile Nagorno-Karabakh region, reigniting concern about instability in the South Caucasus, a corridor for pipelines transporting oil and gas to world markets.

At least 23 people -– civilians and military -- have died in the heavy fighting.

Both sides, which fought a war in the 1990s, reported fatalities. Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway region that is inside Azerbaijan but is run by ethnic Armenians, declared martial law and mobilised their male populations.

Following this, Azerbaijan’s parliament also approved the introduction of martial law across the country and imposed curfews on Sunday.

Also, the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh said that 16 of its servicemen were killed and more than 100 wounded in clashes with Azerbaijan’s forces.

The office of Azerbaijan's prosecutor general said an Azerbaijani family of five were killed as Armenian separatist forces shelled Azerbaijan's village of Gashalty.

Tensions flared up between Armenia and Azerbaijan on Sunday over clashes in which Yerevan said Azeri forces shelled the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, and Baku accused Armenian forces of targetting Azeri military and civilian positions.

Both sides have accused each other of starting the hostilities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-declares-martial-law-total-mobilisation-after-clashes-in-nagorno-karabakh-region-330645">Also read |&nbsp;Armenia declares martial law, total mobilisation after clashes in Nagorno-Karabakh region</a>

The worst clashes since 2016 have raised the spectre of a fresh large-scale war between arch enemies Azerbaijan and Armenia that have been locked for decades in a territorial dispute over Nagorny Karabakh.

To this end, world leaders urged both sides to call off the warring situation and resort to peace.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed clashes over the Nagorno-Karabakh region in a phone call on Sunday, the Kremlin said in a statement.

It said the conversation noted that it was important not to allow further escalation of the conflict and it was necessary to halt all military action.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, whose country has mediated between former Soviet republics Armenia and Azerbaijan, spoke by phone to the Armenian, Azeri and Turkish foreign ministers.

Turkey said Armenia must immediately cease what it said was hostility towards Azerbaijan that will “throw the region into fire”, and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Twitter that Ankara would continue to show solidarity with Azerbaijan.

Erdogan urged the Armenian people to “take hold of their future against their leadership that is dragging them to catastrophe and those using it like puppets”.

France also urged the sides to end hostilities and immediately restart dialogue. The pope appealed to Armenia and Azerbaijan to resolve their differences through negotiations, saying he was praying for peace.

The two countries have long been at odds over Azerbaijan’s breakaway, mainly ethnic Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh which declared independence during a conflict that broke out as the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.

Though a ceasefire was agreed in 1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia frequently accuse each other of attacks around Nagorno-Karabakh and along the separate Azeri-Armenian frontier.

In July, heavy clashes along the two countries' shared border -- hundreds of kilometres from Karabakh -- claimed the lives of at least 17 soldiers from both sides.

Raising the stakes, Azerbaijan at the time threatened to strike Armenia's atomic power station if Yerevan attacked strategic facilities.

During the worst recent clashes in April 2016, around 110 people were killed.&nbsp;

On Sunday morning, Azerbaijan started "active bombing" along Karabakh's frontline including civilian targets and in the main city Stepanakert, Karabakh's presidency said.

The rebel defence ministry claimed its troops shot down two Azerbaijani helicopters and three drones. The claims were denied by the defence ministry in Baku which said its forces were responding to an Armenian offensive.

(with inputs from agencies)

Clashes erupted between Armenia and Azerbaijan on Sunday over the volatile Nagorno-Karabakh region, reigniting concern about instability in the South Caucasus, a corridor for pipelines transporting oil and gas to world markets.

Clashes erupted between Armenia and Azerbaijan on Sunday over the volatile Nagorno-Karabakh region, reigniting concern about instability in the South Caucasus, a corridor for pipelines transporting oil and gas to world markets. At least 23 people -– civilians and military -- have died in the heavy fighting. Both sides, which fought a war in the 1990s, reported fatalities. Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway region that is inside Azerbaijan but is run by ethnic Armenians, declared martial law and mobilised their male populations. Following this, Azerbaijan’s parliament also approved the introduction of martial law across the country and imposed curfews on Sunday. Also, the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh said that 16 of its servicemen were killed and more than 100 wounded in clashes with Azerbaijan’s forces. The office of Azerbaijan's prosecutor general said an Azerbaijani family of five were killed as Armenian separatist forces shelled Azerbaijan's village of Gashalty. Tensions flared up between Armenia and Azerbaijan on Sunday over clashes in which Yerevan said Azeri forces shelled the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, and Baku accused Armenian forces of targetting Azeri military and civilian positions. Both sides have accused each other of starting the hostilities. Also read | Armenia declares martial law, total mobilisation after clashes in Nagorno-Karabakh region The worst clashes since 2016 have raised the spectre of a fresh large-scale war between arch enemies Azerbaijan and Armenia that have been locked for decades in a territorial dispute over Nagorny Karabakh. To this end, world leaders urged both sides to call off the warring situation and resort to peace. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed clashes over the Nagorno-Karabakh region in a phone call on Sunday, the Kremlin said in a statement. It said the conversation noted that it was important not to allow further escalation of the conflict and it was necessary to halt all military action. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, whose country has mediated between former Soviet republics Armenia and Azerbaijan, spoke by phone to the Armenian, Azeri and Turkish foreign ministers. Turkey said Armenia must immediately cease what it said was hostility towards Azerbaijan that will “throw the region into fire”, and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Twitter that Ankara would continue to show solidarity with Azerbaijan. Erdogan urged the Armenian people to “take hold of their future against their leadership that is dragging them to catastrophe and those using it like puppets”. France also urged the sides to end hostilities and immediately restart dialogue. The pope appealed to Armenia and Azerbaijan to resolve their differences through negotiations, saying he was praying for peace. The two countries have long been at odds over Azerbaijan’s breakaway, mainly ethnic Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh which declared independence during a conflict that broke out as the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Though a ceasefire was agreed in 1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia frequently accuse each other of attacks around Nagorno-Karabakh and along the separate Azeri-Armenian frontier. In July, heavy clashes along the two countries' shared border -- hundreds of kilometres from Karabakh -- claimed the lives of at least 17 soldiers from both sides. Raising the stakes, Azerbaijan at the time threatened to strike Armenia's atomic power station if Yerevan attacked strategic facilities. During the worst recent clashes in April 2016, around 110 people were killed. On Sunday morning, Azerbaijan started "active bombing" along Karabakh's frontline including civilian targets and in the main city Stepanakert, Karabakh's presidency said. The rebel defence ministry claimed its troops shot down two Azerbaijani helicopters and three drones. The claims were denied by the defence ministry in Baku which said its forces were responding to an Armenian offensive. (with inputs from agencies)

Clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan deepen; both sides declare martial law

Baku and Yerevan put themselves on a war footing after heavy fighting erupted Sunday between Azerbaijan and Armenian separatists, claiming military and civilian casualties on both sides, including at least one child.

Fighting erupts between Azerbaijan, Armenia over disputed Area

Armenia on Sunday declared martial law and a military mobilisation as Baku and Yerevan reported civilian casualties in heavy fighting along the Karabakh frontline.

"The government has decided to declare martial law and a total mobilisation," Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote on Facebook.&nbsp;

Tensions flared up between Armenia and Azerbaijan on Sunday over clashes in which Yerevan said Azeri forces shelled the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, and Baku accused Armenian forces of targetting Azeri military and civilian positions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/child-woman-among-casualties-in-nagorny-karabakh-heavy-fighting-330622">Also read |&nbsp;Child, woman among casualties in Nagorny Karabakh heavy fighting</a>

The worst clashes since 2016 have raised the spectre of a fresh large-scale war between arch enemies Azerbaijan and Armenia that have been locked for decades in a territorial dispute over Nagorny Karabakh.

Karabakh's leader Araik Harutyunyan told an emergency parliament session in the enclave's main city of Stepanakert that he had "declared martial law" and a mobilisation of all those fit for military service.

Armenia said earlier Sunday that Azerbaijan attacked civilian settlements in Nagorny Karabakh including &nbsp;Stepanakert, with the attacks killing of a woman and child.

Azerbaijan's defence ministry said it had launched a "counter offensive to suppress Armenia's combat activity and ensure the safety of the population," using tanks, artillery missiles, combat aviation and drones.

The two countries have long been at odds over Azerbaijan’s breakaway, mainly ethnic Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh which declared independence during a conflict that broke out as the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.

Though a ceasefire was agreed in 1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia frequently accuse each other of attacks around Nagorno-Karabakh and along the separate Azeri-Armenian frontier.

In July, heavy clashes along the two countries' shared border -- hundreds of kilometres from Karabakh -- claimed the lives of at least 17 soldiers from both sides.

Raising the stakes, Azerbaijan at the time threatened to strike Armenia's atomic power station if Yerevan attacked strategic facilities.

During the worst recent clashes in April 2016, around 110 people were killed.&nbsp;

On Sunday morning, Azerbaijan started "active bombing" along Karabakh's frontline including civilian targets and in the main city Stepanakert, Karabakh's presidency said.

The rebel defence ministry claimed its troops shot down two Azerbaijani helicopters and three drones. The claims were denied by the defence ministry in Baku which said its forces were responding to an Armenian offensive.

(with inputs from agencies)

Armenia on Sunday declared martial law and a military mobilisation as Baku and Yerevan reported civilian casualties in heavy fighting along the Karabakh frontline.

Armenia on Sunday declared martial law and a military mobilisation as Baku and Yerevan reported civilian casualties in heavy fighting along the Karabakh frontline. "The government has decided to declare martial law and a total mobilisation," Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote on Facebook. Tensions flared up between Armenia and Azerbaijan on Sunday over clashes in which Yerevan said Azeri forces shelled the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, and Baku accused Armenian forces of targetting Azeri military and civilian positions. Also read | Child, woman among casualties in Nagorny Karabakh heavy fighting The worst clashes since 2016 have raised the spectre of a fresh large-scale war between arch enemies Azerbaijan and Armenia that have been locked for decades in a territorial dispute over Nagorny Karabakh. Karabakh's leader Araik Harutyunyan told an emergency parliament session in the enclave's main city of Stepanakert that he had "declared martial law" and a mobilisation of all those fit for military service. Armenia said earlier Sunday that Azerbaijan attacked civilian settlements in Nagorny Karabakh including Stepanakert, with the attacks killing of a woman and child. Azerbaijan's defence ministry said it had launched a "counter offensive to suppress Armenia's combat activity and ensure the safety of the population," using tanks, artillery missiles, combat aviation and drones. The two countries have long been at odds over Azerbaijan’s breakaway, mainly ethnic Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh which declared independence during a conflict that broke out as the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Though a ceasefire was agreed in 1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia frequently accuse each other of attacks around Nagorno-Karabakh and along the separate Azeri-Armenian frontier. In July, heavy clashes along the two countries' shared border -- hundreds of kilometres from Karabakh -- claimed the lives of at least 17 soldiers from both sides. Raising the stakes, Azerbaijan at the time threatened to strike Armenia's atomic power station if Yerevan attacked strategic facilities. During the worst recent clashes in April 2016, around 110 people were killed. On Sunday morning, Azerbaijan started "active bombing" along Karabakh's frontline including civilian targets and in the main city Stepanakert, Karabakh's presidency said. The rebel defence ministry claimed its troops shot down two Azerbaijani helicopters and three drones. The claims were denied by the defence ministry in Baku which said its forces were responding to an Armenian offensive. (with inputs from agencies)

Armenia declares martial law, total mobilisation after clashes in Nagorno-Karabakh region

An Armenian woman and child were killed Sunday when heavy fighting erupted between Azerbaijan and Armenian separatists, with the two foes accusing each other of starting fighting that led to casualties on both sides.

Ethnic Armenian separatists seized the Nagorny Karabakh region from Baku in a 1990s war that claimed 30,000 lives.

Talks to resolve the Karabakh dispute -- one of the worst conflicts to emerge from the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union -- have been largely stalled since a 1994 ceasefire agreement.

Armenia said Sunday Azerbaijan attacked civilian settlements in Nagorny Karabakh including its main city Stepanakert.

Azerbaijan's defence ministry said it launched a "counter offensive to suppress Armenia's combat activity and ensure the safety of the population," using tanks, artillery missiles, combat aviation and drones.

"There are reports of dead and wounded among civilians and military servicemen," the spokesman for the Azerbaijani presidency, Hikmet Hajiyev, said in a statement.

Karabakh's ombudsman Artak Beglaryan said "there are civilian casualties" among the region's population.

Separately, a spokesman for the Armenian defence ministry said an Armenian woman and child were killed in Karabakh.&nbsp;

The worst clashes since 2016 have raised the spectre of a fresh large-scale war between arch-foes Azerbaijan and Armenia that have been locked for decades in a territorial dispute over Nagorny Karabakh.

A major confrontation between the ex-Soviet Caucasus neighbours would draw in big regional players Russia and Turkey.

On Sunday morning, Azerbaijan started "active bombing" along Karabakh's frontline and of civilian targets, including in the main city Stepanakert, Karabakh's presidency said.

The rebel defence ministry claimed its troops shot down two Azerbaijani helicopters and three drones.

- 'We will win' - 
The claims were denied by the defence ministry in Baku which said its forces were responding to an Armenian offensive.

Hajiyev said Armenian forces in Karabakh "blatantly violated the ceasefire regime and, using large-caliber weapons, mortar launchers and artillery have launched an intensive attack on the positions of the armed forces of Azerbaijan along the frontline."

"Let us stand firmly behind our state, our army... and we will win. Long live the glorious Armenian army!" Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Facebook.

Azerbaijan's transport ministry said it has "put restrictions on internet traffic" in the country "in order to prevent Armenian provocations."

On Friday, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev accused Armenia of undermining Karabakh peace talks.

In July, heavy clashes along the two countries shared border -- hundreds of kilometres from Karabakh -- claimed the lives of at least 17 troops from both sides.

Raising the stakes, Azerbaijan at the time threatened to strike Armenia's atomic power station if Yerevan attacked strategic facilities.

During the most recent serious clashes in April 2016, some 110 people were killed.&nbsp;

France, Russia and the United States have mediated peace efforts as the "Minsk Group" but the last big push for a peace deal collapsed in 2010.

An Armenian woman and child were killed Sunday when heavy fighting erupted between Azerbaijan and Armenian separatists, with the two foes accusing each other of starting fighting that led to casualties on both sides.

An Armenian woman and child were killed Sunday when heavy fighting erupted between Azerbaijan and Armenian separatists, with the two foes accusing each other of starting fighting that led to casualties on both sides. Ethnic Armenian separatists seized the Nagorny Karabakh region from Baku in a 1990s war that claimed 30,000 lives. Talks to resolve the Karabakh dispute -- one of the worst conflicts to emerge from the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union -- have been largely stalled since a 1994 ceasefire agreement. Armenia said Sunday Azerbaijan attacked civilian settlements in Nagorny Karabakh including its main city Stepanakert. Azerbaijan's defence ministry said it launched a "counter offensive to suppress Armenia's combat activity and ensure the safety of the population," using tanks, artillery missiles, combat aviation and drones. "There are reports of dead and wounded among civilians and military servicemen," the spokesman for the Azerbaijani presidency, Hikmet Hajiyev, said in a statement. Karabakh's ombudsman Artak Beglaryan said "there are civilian casualties" among the region's population. Separately, a spokesman for the Armenian defence ministry said an Armenian woman and child were killed in Karabakh. The worst clashes since 2016 have raised the spectre of a fresh large-scale war between arch-foes Azerbaijan and Armenia that have been locked for decades in a territorial dispute over Nagorny Karabakh. A major confrontation between the ex-Soviet Caucasus neighbours would draw in big regional players Russia and Turkey. On Sunday morning, Azerbaijan started "active bombing" along Karabakh's frontline and of civilian targets, including in the main city Stepanakert, Karabakh's presidency said. The rebel defence ministry claimed its troops shot down two Azerbaijani helicopters and three drones. - 'We will win' - The claims were denied by the defence ministry in Baku which said its forces were responding to an Armenian offensive. Hajiyev said Armenian forces in Karabakh "blatantly violated the ceasefire regime and, using large-caliber weapons, mortar launchers and artillery have launched an intensive attack on the positions of the armed forces of Azerbaijan along the frontline." "Let us stand firmly behind our state, our army... and we will win. Long live the glorious Armenian army!" Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Facebook. Azerbaijan's transport ministry said it has "put restrictions on internet traffic" in the country "in order to prevent Armenian provocations." On Friday, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev accused Armenia of undermining Karabakh peace talks. In July, heavy clashes along the two countries shared border -- hundreds of kilometres from Karabakh -- claimed the lives of at least 17 troops from both sides. Raising the stakes, Azerbaijan at the time threatened to strike Armenia's atomic power station if Yerevan attacked strategic facilities. During the most recent serious clashes in April 2016, some 110 people were killed. France, Russia and the United States have mediated peace efforts as the "Minsk Group" but the last big push for a peace deal collapsed in 2010.

Child, woman among casualties in Nagorny Karabakh heavy fighting

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his&nbsp;Azerbaijan counterpart&nbsp;Sakir Hasanov on Saturday that Russia is carrying out military exercises.

The drill includes nearly 150,000 troops and 400 aircrafts. While Shoigu described this as a reoutine check of the military's preparedness, the timing of these military exercises has fallen amid the rising tension and clashes between its ally Azerbaijan and Armenian forces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-us-and-canada-accuse-russia-of-vaccine-research-hacking-314318">Also read:&nbsp;UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of vaccine research hacking</a>

In the past few days, more than a dozen Armenian and Azeri soldiers have been killed due to the increased&nbsp;clashes between the two former Soviet republics which have long been at odds over Azerbaijan`s breakaway, mainly ethnic Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Russia, which has a military base in Armenia, has urged both countries to cease fire and has offered to be a mediator and peace maker between the two nations.

Armenia has accused&nbsp;Azerbaijan of being a possible threat to national and global security after Azerbaijan&nbsp;warned Armenia it could strike the Metzamor nuclear power station if its Mingechavir reservoir or other strategic outlets were hit. Armenia claims that the threat counts as "a threat to commit terrorism".

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his Azerbaijan counterpart Sakir Hasanov on Saturday that Russia is carrying out military exercises. The drill includes nearly 150,000 troops and 400 aircrafts.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his Azerbaijan counterpart Sakir Hasanov on Saturday that Russia is carrying out military exercises. The drill includes nearly 150,000 troops and 400 aircrafts. While Shoigu described this as a reoutine check of the military's preparedness, the timing of these military exercises has fallen amid the rising tension and clashes between its ally Azerbaijan and Armenian forces. Also read: UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of vaccine research hacking In the past few days, more than a dozen Armenian and Azeri soldiers have been killed due to the increased clashes between the two former Soviet republics which have long been at odds over Azerbaijan`s breakaway, mainly ethnic Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia, which has a military base in Armenia, has urged both countries to cease fire and has offered to be a mediator and peace maker between the two nations. Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of being a possible threat to national and global security after Azerbaijan warned Armenia it could strike the Metzamor nuclear power station if its Mingechavir reservoir or other strategic outlets were hit. Armenia claims that the threat counts as "a threat to commit terrorism".

Russia conducts 'routine' military exercise amid rising tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia

Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his family&nbsp;tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Monday, as the country saw a rise in infection cases.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanker-truck-drives-into-george-floyd-protests-in-minneapolis-driver-handed-over-to-police-302238" hreflang="en">Tanker truck drives into George Floyd protests in Minneapolis; driver handed over to police</a>

Pashinyan posted a self-recorded video on Facebook where he said: "My coronavirus test was positive yesterday." He also added that his family was also tested positive with the virus.&nbsp;

The Armenian Prime Minister said that he showed no &nbsp;"visible symptoms" of the virus and would be working from home. He and his journalist wife, Anna Hakobyan have four children.

The country with a population of 3 million has been hit by the novel coronavirus. They have recorded 9,492 cases and 139 deaths so far.&nbsp;

The hospitals in Armenia have faced a setback ever since the virus broke out in the country. Due to the shortage of space, their intensive care could be soon restricted to patients with the best chance of surviving the virus.&nbsp;

The country has faced a rise in infection after lifting their lockdown on May 4. Pashinyan administration has acknowledged that they have failed to enforce anti-virus measures and there had been widespread quarantine violations.

Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his family tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Monday, as the country saw a rise in infection cases. Also read: Tanker truck drives into George Floyd protests in Minneapolis; driver handed over to police Pashinyan posted a self-recorded video on Facebook where he said: "My coronavirus test was positive yesterday.

Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his family tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Monday, as the country saw a rise in infection cases. Also read: Tanker truck drives into George Floyd protests in Minneapolis; driver handed over to police Pashinyan posted a self-recorded video on Facebook where he said: "My coronavirus test was positive yesterday." He also added that his family was also tested positive with the virus. The Armenian Prime Minister said that he showed no "visible symptoms" of the virus and would be working from home. He and his journalist wife, Anna Hakobyan have four children. The country with a population of 3 million has been hit by the novel coronavirus. They have recorded 9,492 cases and 139 deaths so far. The hospitals in Armenia have faced a setback ever since the virus broke out in the country. Due to the shortage of space, their intensive care could be soon restricted to patients with the best chance of surviving the virus. The country has faced a rise in infection after lifting their lockdown on May 4. Pashinyan administration has acknowledged that they have failed to enforce anti-virus measures and there had been widespread quarantine violations.

Armenia PM Nikol Pashinyan tests positive for coronavirus as cases rise

The radar system is developed by the state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO’s) Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) Bengaluru-based laboratory and manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

India bags US$ 40 million defence deal to supply 4 radar systems to Armenia

Italy thumped hapless Armenia 9-1 on Monday to complete their Euro 2020 qualifying group with a perfect record and extend their record-breaking run to 11 successive international wins as they looked forward to next year's tournament.

Italy thumped hapless Armenia 9-1 on Monday to complete their Euro 2020 qualifying group with a perfect record and extend their record-breaking run to 11 successive international wins as they looked forward to next year's tournament. Twenty-year-old Nicolo Zaniolo scored a brace, his first international goals, while Ciro Immobile also scored twice as Italy, already qualified, completed Group J with 30 points from their 10 games. Nicolo Barella, Alessio Romagnoli, Jorginho, debutant Riccardo Orsolini and Federico Chiesa shared the other goals. Italy also beat the United States in a friendly before the group stage began and their winning run is the longest in their 109-year history. Armenia finished fifth with 10 points and were eliminated as they cannot qualify through the playoffs. "I think we have the basis to become a great team for many years," said coach Roberto Mancini. "All of our young players are improving - playing international football adds to the quality they already possess. "We have got six months to prepare for the European Championship and it is going to be difficult to decide who to leave out of the final 23." Italy have scored nine goals or more in a game on three occasions -- in a friendly against France in 1920 which they won 9-4 and in Olympic Games matches against Egypt in 1932, which they won 11-3, and the United States in 1948 when they won 9-0. NEW-LOOK SIDE Mancini made seven changes from Friday's 3-0 win in Bosnia and his new-look side were two goals ahead inside 10 minutes. Immobile headed in Chiesa's cross after eight minutes and one minute later the Lazio forward turned provider when he ran forward and slipped the ball to Zaniolo who scored with a shot between goalkeeper Arma Airapetyan's legs. Armenia nearly pulled one back when Aleksandr Karapetyan intercepted Leonardo Bonucci's back pass and saw his lob bounce off the bar before Italy quickly added two more. Bonucci sent Barella through and he dinked the ball over Airapetyan for the third before Immobile ran on to Zaniolo's through ball and rounded the beleaguered keeper for the fourth after only 33 minutes. Zaniolo added a fifth in the 64th, Romagnoli scored from a rebound eight minutes later and Jorginho converted a penalty in the 75th minute before substitute Orsolini headed in Chiesa's cross to make it 8-0. Edgar Babayan netted a consolation goal for Armenia with a long-range shot before Chiesa finally got on the scoresheet with by heading in an Orsolini cross. In the other games, Finland, who guaranteed second place on Friday to qualify for their first major tournament, lost 2-1 in Greece while Bosnia won 3-0 away to Liechtenstein. Bosnia could still qualify through the playoffs in March.

European qualifiers: Italy put nine past Armenia to finish with perfect record

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WION exclusively in conversation with Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan. Watch video to know more.

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The electoral bloc of Armenia's acting prime minister Nikol Pashinyan won a landslide victory in Sunday's snap parliamentary elections, which were triggered by the reformist leader seeking to cement his political authority in the post-Soviet country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-through-london-in-support-of-brexit-ahead-of-crucial-vote-182758">Thousands protest through London in support of Brexit ahead of crucial</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-through-london-in-support-of-brexit-ahead-of-crucial-vote-182758"> vote</a>

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India's growth very solid, government should heed RBI's message: IMF It is important for the Indian government to heed the RBI's message on financial stability, IMF's Chief Economist Maurice Obstfeld said, amid reports of friction between the central bank and the finance ministry.

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News brief: Big stories of the day

The electoral bloc of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-protest-leader-nikol-pashinyan-elected-as-prime-minister-135502?amp">Armenia's acting prime minister Nikol Pashinyan</a> won a landslide victory in Sunday's snap parliamentary elections, which were triggered by the reformist leader seeking to cement his political authority in the post-Soviet country.

The bloc led by Pashinyan's Civil Contract party had 70.45 per cent of the vote, and trailing in distant second place with 8.37 per cent was the Prosperous Armenia party, according to results from 90 per cent of precincts, the central election commission said.

The centrist My Step bloc also includes the Mission Party headed by rights activist Manuk Sukiasyan.

A small liberal pro-Western party, Bright Armenia, also cleared an electoral threshold with 6.33 per cent of the votes, the commission said.

Pashinyan became prime minister in May after spearheading weeks of peaceful anti-government rallies that ousted veteran leader Serzh Sarkisian.

The 43-year-old former journalist has pledged to root out endemic corruption and address widespread poverty, earning him supporters in the impoverished landlocked nation of about three million people.

"After the elections, we will be developing Armenian democracy and make an economic revolution happen," Pashinyan told reporters after casting his ballot.

Pashinyan's reform drive had been stalled for months by opposition from Sarkisian's then-ruling Republican Party, which dominated the National Assembly until his calculated resignation triggered parliament's dissolution last month.

The Republican Party took 4.56 per cent in Sunday's elections, failing to clear the five-percent threshold to make it into parliament.

At a polling station in central Yerevan, voters expressed optimism about the political change promised by Pashinyan and vented their anger at former corrupt officials.

"Thanks to the revolution, we will finally have fair elections," 72-year-old pensioner Parzik Avetisyan told AFP.

"I voted for the positive change promised by Nikol (Pashinyan)," he added.

Another voter, the 52-year-old painter Garnik Arakelyan, said: "I want all those corrupt officials who for many years were robbing and humiliating people to be jailed."

Turnout was 48.63 per cent when polls closed at 8:00 pm (1300 GMT), the election commission said.

Last week, Pashinyan promised "the best elections Armenia has ever seen", without ballot stuffing or voter intimidation.

'Revolutionary euphoria'&nbsp;

Parliamentary polls had not been scheduled to be held until 2022.

Analysts say Pashinyan sought new elections while he is at the peak of his popularity.

In September, his bloc scored a landslide victory in municipal elections, winning more than 80 per cent of the vote in the capital Yerevan, where nearly 40 per cent of the former Soviet Republic's population lives.

"The elections were called on the wave of a revolutionary euphoria," analyst Gevorg Poghosyan told AFP.

"But after the polls, that sentiment will inevitably weaken and Pashinyan and his team will face a reality check."

On foreign policy, Pashinyan has said Armenia will "further strengthen (our) strategic alliance with Russia and, at the same time, step up cooperation with the United States and European Union".

Nine political parties and two electoral blocs were competing for mandates in the 101-seat National Assembly.

A party needs at least five per cent of the vote to be elected to parliament, while an electoral bloc must clear a seven-percent barrier.

But -- regardless of how many votes they win -- opposition parties will take at least 30 per cent of parliamentary seats, according to Armenia's electoral law.

More than 2.6 million people were eligible to vote in the election monitored by international observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

The electoral bloc of Armenia's acting prime minister Nikol Pashinyan won a landslide victory in Sunday's snap parliamentary elections, which were triggered by the reformist leader seeking to cement his political authority in the post-Soviet country.

The electoral bloc of Armenia's acting prime minister Nikol Pashinyan won a landslide victory in Sunday's snap parliamentary elections, which were triggered by the reformist leader seeking to cement his political authority in the post-Soviet country. The bloc led by Pashinyan's Civil Contract party had 70.45 per cent of the vote, and trailing in distant second place with 8.37 per cent was the Prosperous Armenia party, according to results from 90 per cent of precincts, the central election commission said. The centrist My Step bloc also includes the Mission Party headed by rights activist Manuk Sukiasyan. A small liberal pro-Western party, Bright Armenia, also cleared an electoral threshold with 6.33 per cent of the votes, the commission said. Pashinyan became prime minister in May after spearheading weeks of peaceful anti-government rallies that ousted veteran leader Serzh Sarkisian. The 43-year-old former journalist has pledged to root out endemic corruption and address widespread poverty, earning him supporters in the impoverished landlocked nation of about three million people. "After the elections, we will be developing Armenian democracy and make an economic revolution happen," Pashinyan told reporters after casting his ballot. Pashinyan's reform drive had been stalled for months by opposition from Sarkisian's then-ruling Republican Party, which dominated the National Assembly until his calculated resignation triggered parliament's dissolution last month. The Republican Party took 4.56 per cent in Sunday's elections, failing to clear the five-percent threshold to make it into parliament. At a polling station in central Yerevan, voters expressed optimism about the political change promised by Pashinyan and vented their anger at former corrupt officials. "Thanks to the revolution, we will finally have fair elections," 72-year-old pensioner Parzik Avetisyan told AFP. "I voted for the positive change promised by Nikol (Pashinyan)," he added. Another voter, the 52-year-old painter Garnik Arakelyan, said: "I want all those corrupt officials who for many years were robbing and humiliating people to be jailed." Turnout was 48.63 per cent when polls closed at 8:00 pm (1300 GMT), the election commission said. Last week, Pashinyan promised "the best elections Armenia has ever seen", without ballot stuffing or voter intimidation. 'Revolutionary euphoria' Parliamentary polls had not been scheduled to be held until 2022. Analysts say Pashinyan sought new elections while he is at the peak of his popularity. In September, his bloc scored a landslide victory in municipal elections, winning more than 80 per cent of the vote in the capital Yerevan, where nearly 40 per cent of the former Soviet Republic's population lives. "The elections were called on the wave of a revolutionary euphoria," analyst Gevorg Poghosyan told AFP. "But after the polls, that sentiment will inevitably weaken and Pashinyan and his team will face a reality check." On foreign policy, Pashinyan has said Armenia will "further strengthen (our) strategic alliance with Russia and, at the same time, step up cooperation with the United States and European Union". Nine political parties and two electoral blocs were competing for mandates in the 101-seat National Assembly. A party needs at least five per cent of the vote to be elected to parliament, while an electoral bloc must clear a seven-percent barrier. But -- regardless of how many votes they win -- opposition parties will take at least 30 per cent of parliamentary seats, according to Armenia's electoral law. More than 2.6 million people were eligible to vote in the election monitored by international observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Armenia acting PM Nikol Pashinyan wins in snap parliamentary elections

Armenia on Sunday holds early parliamentary polls triggered by reformist leader Nikol Pashinyan who seeks to cement his political authority in the post-Soviet country.

The 43-year-old former journalist came to power in May after spearheading weeks of peaceful anti-government rallies that ousted veteran leader Serzh Sarkisian.

The popular politician's reform drive, however, was stalled for months by opposition from Sarkisian's ruling party which had dominated parliament.&nbsp;

After weeks of political manoeuvering by the prime minister and more street protests, the old parliament was dissolved last month.&nbsp;

Pashinyan's party is expected to get a majority in the new legislature, letting him push ahead with his campaign to reshape the South Caucasus nation's political landscape and spark an "economic revolution".

"We will turn Armenia into an industrial, high-tech, export-oriented country," Pashinyan said last week at a rally of supporters, pledging "the best elections Armenia has ever seen".

"The elections must conform to international standards. We must rule out the use of administrative resources, ballot stuffing, voter intimidation," he added.

Last month, Pashinyan stepped down as prime minister to pave the way for snap elections under a clause in Armenian law and is now acting prime minister.&nbsp;

Observers expect him to ultimately return to the post with his party in control of parliament.

Parliamentary elections were not normally scheduled until 2022.

Revolutionary euphoria

Pashinyan has pledged to root out endemic corruption and address widespread poverty, earning him supporters in the impoverished landlocked nation of about three million people.

"He organised this revolution well and intelligently," construction worker Georgi Grigoryan said of Pashinyan. "We all hope that now everything will work out well."

On foreign policy, Pashinyan said Armenia will "further strengthen strategic alliance with Russia and, at the same time, step up cooperation with the United States and European Union."

Analysts say Pashinyan has sought new elections while he is at the peak of his popularity.

In September, his bloc won a landslide victory in municipal elections, getting over 80 per cent of the vote in the capital Yerevan where nearly 40 per cent of the former Soviet republic's population lives.

"The elections were called on the wave of a revolutionary euphoria," analyst Gevorg Poghosyan told AFP.

"But after the polls, that sentiment will inevitably weaken and Pashinyan and his team will face a reality check."

While many in Armenia have high expectations, others already started to complain about slow progress.

"I will be voting for Pashinyan because I believe he will jail all the corrupt officials who were pillaging the state for many years," Iveta Bakhshyan, a 43-year-old flower vendor in Yerevan, told AFP.

Meanwhile, pensioner Simon Martirosyan, 67, said he will not vote for Pashinyan's party because "they failed to achieve any tangible results".

"Nothing has changed in my life during the seven months of Pashinyan's rule, people are not better off," he told AFP in Yerevan.

Nine political parties and two electoral blocs are competing for mandates in the 101-seat legislature.

A party needs to get at least five per cent of the votes to get elected in the parliament, while an electoral bloc must clear a seven-per cent barrier.

Polls will open at 0400 GMT and will close at 1600 GMT. Results are expected to be released in the early hours on Monday.

Armenia on Sunday holds early parliamentary polls triggered by reformist leader Nikol Pashinyan who seeks to cement his political authority in the post-Soviet country.

Armenia on Sunday holds early parliamentary polls triggered by reformist leader Nikol Pashinyan who seeks to cement his political authority in the post-Soviet country. The 43-year-old former journalist came to power in May after spearheading weeks of peaceful anti-government rallies that ousted veteran leader Serzh Sarkisian. The popular politician's reform drive, however, was stalled for months by opposition from Sarkisian's ruling party which had dominated parliament. After weeks of political manoeuvering by the prime minister and more street protests, the old parliament was dissolved last month. Pashinyan's party is expected to get a majority in the new legislature, letting him push ahead with his campaign to reshape the South Caucasus nation's political landscape and spark an "economic revolution". "We will turn Armenia into an industrial, high-tech, export-oriented country," Pashinyan said last week at a rally of supporters, pledging "the best elections Armenia has ever seen". "The elections must conform to international standards. We must rule out the use of administrative resources, ballot stuffing, voter intimidation," he added. Last month, Pashinyan stepped down as prime minister to pave the way for snap elections under a clause in Armenian law and is now acting prime minister. Observers expect him to ultimately return to the post with his party in control of parliament. Parliamentary elections were not normally scheduled until 2022. Revolutionary euphoria Pashinyan has pledged to root out endemic corruption and address widespread poverty, earning him supporters in the impoverished landlocked nation of about three million people. "He organised this revolution well and intelligently," construction worker Georgi Grigoryan said of Pashinyan. "We all hope that now everything will work out well." On foreign policy, Pashinyan said Armenia will "further strengthen strategic alliance with Russia and, at the same time, step up cooperation with the United States and European Union." Analysts say Pashinyan has sought new elections while he is at the peak of his popularity. In September, his bloc won a landslide victory in municipal elections, getting over 80 per cent of the vote in the capital Yerevan where nearly 40 per cent of the former Soviet republic's population lives. "The elections were called on the wave of a revolutionary euphoria," analyst Gevorg Poghosyan told AFP. "But after the polls, that sentiment will inevitably weaken and Pashinyan and his team will face a reality check." While many in Armenia have high expectations, others already started to complain about slow progress. "I will be voting for Pashinyan because I believe he will jail all the corrupt officials who were pillaging the state for many years," Iveta Bakhshyan, a 43-year-old flower vendor in Yerevan, told AFP. Meanwhile, pensioner Simon Martirosyan, 67, said he will not vote for Pashinyan's party because "they failed to achieve any tangible results". "Nothing has changed in my life during the seven months of Pashinyan's rule, people are not better off," he told AFP in Yerevan. Nine political parties and two electoral blocs are competing for mandates in the 101-seat legislature. A party needs to get at least five per cent of the votes to get elected in the parliament, while an electoral bloc must clear a seven-per cent barrier. Polls will open at 0400 GMT and will close at 1600 GMT. Results are expected to be released in the early hours on Monday.

Armenia holds snap polls to cement reform drive

Opposition leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nikol-pashinyan-armenias-maverick-street-leader-and-future-pm-135455">Nikol Pashinyan</a> was elected as Armenia's new prime minister on Tuesday, capping a peaceful revolution driven by weeks of mass protests against corruption and cronyism in the ex-Soviet republic.

Moscow, which has a military base in Armenia, is wary of an uncontrolled change of power which would pull the country out of its orbit, but Pashinyan has offered assurances that he will not break with the Kremlin.

The election of Pashinyan, a former newspaper editor who spent time in prison for fomenting unrest, marks a rupture with the cadre of rulers who have run Armenia since the late 1990s.

He spearheaded a protest movement that first forced veteran leader Serzh Sarksyan to step down as prime minister and then pressured the ruling party to abandon attempts to block his election as prime minister, the country's most powerful post.

In a vote in parliament on Tuesday, 59 lawmakers backed Pashinyan's candidacy, including some from the ruling Republican Party, with 42 voting against.

In a vote last week, the Republican Party blocked Pashinyan, but it said on Tuesday it had decided to get behind him for the sake of unity and the good of the nation.

A central square in the capital, where Pashinyan's supporters gathered to watch the voting on huge television screens, erupted into joy when the result was shown.

The tens of thousands of people in Republic Square shouted "Nikol!" and white doves were released into the air. People hugged and kissed each other.

"I'm the happiest person in the world," said Shogik, a 17-year-old Pashinyan supporter.

Armenia is a country of about three million people nestling in mountains between Turkey and Iran.

Pashinyan's protest movement was sparked when Sarksyan, barred by the constitution from seeking another term as president, became prime minister instead. Many Armenians saw that as a cynical ploy by Sarskyan to extend his hold on power.

The protests led by Pashinyan, wearing his trademark camouflage T-shirt and military-style cap, channelled a sense among many Armenians that corruption and cronyism was rife in the ruling elite.

The tens of thousands of people in Republic Square shouted "Nikol!" and white doves were released into the air. People hugged and kissed each other.

Opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan was elected as Armenia's new prime minister on Tuesday, capping a peaceful revolution driven by weeks of mass protests against corruption and cronyism in the ex-Soviet republic. Moscow, which has a military base in Armenia, is wary of an uncontrolled change of power which would pull the country out of its orbit, but Pashinyan has offered assurances that he will not break with the Kremlin. The election of Pashinyan, a former newspaper editor who spent time in prison for fomenting unrest, marks a rupture with the cadre of rulers who have run Armenia since the late 1990s. He spearheaded a protest movement that first forced veteran leader Serzh Sarksyan to step down as prime minister and then pressured the ruling party to abandon attempts to block his election as prime minister, the country's most powerful post. In a vote in parliament on Tuesday, 59 lawmakers backed Pashinyan's candidacy, including some from the ruling Republican Party, with 42 voting against. In a vote last week, the Republican Party blocked Pashinyan, but it said on Tuesday it had decided to get behind him for the sake of unity and the good of the nation. A central square in the capital, where Pashinyan's supporters gathered to watch the voting on huge television screens, erupted into joy when the result was shown. The tens of thousands of people in Republic Square shouted "Nikol!" and white doves were released into the air. People hugged and kissed each other. "I'm the happiest person in the world," said Shogik, a 17-year-old Pashinyan supporter. Armenia is a country of about three million people nestling in mountains between Turkey and Iran. Pashinyan's protest movement was sparked when Sarksyan, barred by the constitution from seeking another term as president, became prime minister instead. Many Armenians saw that as a cynical ploy by Sarskyan to extend his hold on power. The protests led by Pashinyan, wearing his trademark camouflage T-shirt and military-style cap, channelled a sense among many Armenians that corruption and cronyism was rife in the ruling elite.

After peaceful revolution, Nikol Pashinyan elected Armenia Prime Minister

Opposition leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nikol-pashinyan-armenias-maverick-street-leader-and-future-pm-135455">Nikol Pashinyan</a> was elected Armenia's prime minister on Tuesday, capping a peaceful revolution driven by weeks of mass protests against corruption and cronyism in the ex-Soviet republic.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-protest-leader-nikol-pashinyan-elected-as-prime-minister-135502">election of Pashinyan</a>, a former newspaper editor who spent time in prison for fomenting unrest, marks a dramatic rupture with the cadre of rulers who have run Armenia since the late 1990s.

Moscow, which has a military base in Armenia, is wary of an uncontrolled change of power which would pull the country out of its orbit, but Pashinyan has offered assurances that he will not break with the Kremlin.

Pashinyan, born in 1975, spearheaded a protest movement that first forced veteran leader Serzh Sarksyan to step down as prime minister and then pressured the ruling party to abandon attempts to block his election as prime minister, the country's most powerful post.

Pashinyan's protest movement was sparked when Sarksyan, barred by the constitution from seeking another term as president, became prime minister instead. Many Armenians saw that as a cynical ploy by Sarskyan to extend his hold on power.

In a speech to parliament moments before the vote, Pashinyan called on Armenia's people to come together behind the new government he will lead. "The page of hatred should be turned," he said, adding: "May God help us."

Pashinynan faces tough challenges. The civil service and security apparatus are dominated by allies of his ousted predecessor.

He has said his first step will be to hold an early parliamentary election. In the meantime, he said he would carry out root-and-branch reforms to cut out graft and cronyism.

He said he would fire some holdovers from the ruling elite, among them the defence minister, but said there would be no "pogrom."

He must also reckon with a parliament where the Republican Party, allied to Sarskyan, holds a majority of seats and is sceptical about his revolution.

Vahram Baghdasaryan, head of the Republican Party in parliament, said for the sake of unity it was backing Pashinyan for prime minister but it had concerns about his fitness to run the country.

"I hope we are mistaken," said Baghdasaryan, an ally of Sarskyan.

Pashinyan, born in 1975, spearheaded a protest movement that forced veteran leader Serzh Sarksyan to step down as prime minister.

Opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan was elected Armenia's prime minister on Tuesday, capping a peaceful revolution driven by weeks of mass protests against corruption and cronyism in the ex-Soviet republic. The election of Pashinyan, a former newspaper editor who spent time in prison for fomenting unrest, marks a dramatic rupture with the cadre of rulers who have run Armenia since the late 1990s. Moscow, which has a military base in Armenia, is wary of an uncontrolled change of power which would pull the country out of its orbit, but Pashinyan has offered assurances that he will not break with the Kremlin. Pashinyan, born in 1975, spearheaded a protest movement that first forced veteran leader Serzh Sarksyan to step down as prime minister and then pressured the ruling party to abandon attempts to block his election as prime minister, the country's most powerful post. Pashinyan's protest movement was sparked when Sarksyan, barred by the constitution from seeking another term as president, became prime minister instead. Many Armenians saw that as a cynical ploy by Sarskyan to extend his hold on power. In a speech to parliament moments before the vote, Pashinyan called on Armenia's people to come together behind the new government he will lead. "The page of hatred should be turned," he said, adding: "May God help us." Pashinynan faces tough challenges. The civil service and security apparatus are dominated by allies of his ousted predecessor. He has said his first step will be to hold an early parliamentary election. In the meantime, he said he would carry out root-and-branch reforms to cut out graft and cronyism. He said he would fire some holdovers from the ruling elite, among them the defence minister, but said there would be no "pogrom." He must also reckon with a parliament where the Republican Party, allied to Sarskyan, holds a majority of seats and is sceptical about his revolution. Vahram Baghdasaryan, head of the Republican Party in parliament, said for the sake of unity it was backing Pashinyan for prime minister but it had concerns about his fitness to run the country. "I hope we are mistaken," said Baghdasaryan, an ally of Sarskyan.

Challenges before Armenia's new prime minister Nikol Pashinyan

Just three weeks ago, few would have thought that Nikol Pashinyan, a 42-year-old former newspaper editor who served time in jail, would transform Armenia's political landscape and become its next leader.

Over the past weeks, Pashinyan -- the head of a small opposition party -- brought tens of thousands of people to the streets of the poor South Caucasus nation, accusing veteran leader Serzh Sarkisian of a power grab and forcing him to resign as prime minister after a decade in power.

Sporting a salt and pepper beard, a tan and a baseball cap, Armenia's rising political star channelled widespread desire for change into a broad protest movement.

The father-of-four has earned a reputation as a man of the people, wearing his trademark camouflage T-shirt during protests and carrying a massive rucksack which he says contains "everything I need" -- including a chocolate bar and a laptop.

After Sarkisian's resignation last month following ten days of peaceful protests, the opposition lawmaker said only he could be the next prime minister.

Crowds of villagers poured onto the streets to greet Pashinyan, offering him fresh bread and berries, as he travelled to rallies across the country.

"The spring of liberation has come to Armenia," one Pashinyan supporter, 56-year-old Sona Paremuzyan, told AFP in Yerevan.

After the ruling Republican Party narrowly blocked his first bid for prime minister on May 1 despite initially promising not to stand in the way, Pashinyan staged a general strike that shut down the capital Yerevan and other cities.

Pashinyan only called an end to the rallies after the Republicans said they would back his candidacy in a second attempt on Tuesday.

Man of the people

Before the start of the protests last month, he walked some 200 kilometres (125 miles) from Gyumri -- Armenia's second city -- to Yerevan with his supporters, often sleeping in the open.

His creativity was visible during a parliamentary election campaign last year, when he went into courtyards, clambered onto the roofs of garages and stood on benches to deliver speeches.

Ahead of Tuesday's vote, however, he swapped his street attire for a sleek suit, transforming himself into a polished politician with a soft handshake and a bashful smile.

Before the current rallies some have called a "revolution of love", Pashinyan was mostly associated with the tragic events following the 2008 presidential vote that first brought Sarkisian to power, when 10 people died in clashes between police and supporters of the defeated opposition candidate.

Authorities at the time accused Pashinyan of seeking to seize power and provoking mass riots, claims he has denied.

He went into hiding but surrendered in 2009. He was released from jail in 2011 under a prisoner amnesty scheme and elected to parliament the next year.

'Classic revolutionary'

Analyst Vigen Hakobyan called Pashinyan a "classic revolutionary" who is ready to act decisively without hesitation.

"On the other hand, as the protest movement has shown, he can be flexible," he said.&nbsp"In recent days he wanted to show the world he is capable of compromise."

David Alaverdyan, chief editor of a local news agency who studied with Pashinyan, praised his "quick wit, rich language and humour".

"He's got a certain charm that attracts people," he told AFP.

Opponents from the ruling Republican Party have accused Pashinyan -- who says he wants good relations with both Russia and the West -- of being unpredictable and lacking a clear programme and ideology.

Pashinyan was born in 1975 in the small resort town of Ijevan in northern Armenia during the Soviet era. He studied journalism at Yerevan State University but was expelled in 1995.

He worked as a reporter and newspaper editor before getting involved in politics.

Pashinyan set up the Civil Contract party, which entered parliament in 2017 as part of the opposition coalition.

With his fiery rhetoric and penchant for asking awkward questions, Pashinyan quickly became a thorn in the side of the ruling party.

Pashinyan said the protest movement empowered ordinary Armenians, showing them they could determine the future of their country.

"Prime ministers will come and go," he told a rally in Yerevan.

"But they will know that if they grow impudent, there are people who will say: 'We are the masters of our country.'"

Over the past weeks, Pashinyan -- the head of a small opposition party -- brought tens of thousands of people to the streets of the poor South Caucasus nation, accusing veteran leader Serzh Sarkisian of a power grab and forcing him to resign as prime minister after a decade in power

Just three weeks ago, few would have thought that Nikol Pashinyan, a 42-year-old former newspaper editor who served time in jail, would transform Armenia's political landscape and become its next leader. Over the past weeks, Pashinyan -- the head of a small opposition party -- brought tens of thousands of people to the streets of the poor South Caucasus nation, accusing veteran leader Serzh Sarkisian of a power grab and forcing him to resign as prime minister after a decade in power. Sporting a salt and pepper beard, a tan and a baseball cap, Armenia's rising political star channelled widespread desire for change into a broad protest movement. The father-of-four has earned a reputation as a man of the people, wearing his trademark camouflage T-shirt during protests and carrying a massive rucksack which he says contains "everything I need" -- including a chocolate bar and a laptop. After Sarkisian's resignation last month following ten days of peaceful protests, the opposition lawmaker said only he could be the next prime minister. Crowds of villagers poured onto the streets to greet Pashinyan, offering him fresh bread and berries, as he travelled to rallies across the country. "The spring of liberation has come to Armenia," one Pashinyan supporter, 56-year-old Sona Paremuzyan, told AFP in Yerevan. After the ruling Republican Party narrowly blocked his first bid for prime minister on May 1 despite initially promising not to stand in the way, Pashinyan staged a general strike that shut down the capital Yerevan and other cities. Pashinyan only called an end to the rallies after the Republicans said they would back his candidacy in a second attempt on Tuesday. Man of the people Before the start of the protests last month, he walked some 200 kilometres (125 miles) from Gyumri -- Armenia's second city -- to Yerevan with his supporters, often sleeping in the open. His creativity was visible during a parliamentary election campaign last year, when he went into courtyards, clambered onto the roofs of garages and stood on benches to deliver speeches. Ahead of Tuesday's vote, however, he swapped his street attire for a sleek suit, transforming himself into a polished politician with a soft handshake and a bashful smile. Before the current rallies some have called a "revolution of love", Pashinyan was mostly associated with the tragic events following the 2008 presidential vote that first brought Sarkisian to power, when 10 people died in clashes between police and supporters of the defeated opposition candidate. Authorities at the time accused Pashinyan of seeking to seize power and provoking mass riots, claims he has denied. He went into hiding but surrendered in 2009. He was released from jail in 2011 under a prisoner amnesty scheme and elected to parliament the next year. 'Classic revolutionary' Analyst Vigen Hakobyan called Pashinyan a "classic revolutionary" who is ready to act decisively without hesitation. "On the other hand, as the protest movement has shown, he can be flexible," he said. "In recent days he wanted to show the world he is capable of compromise." David Alaverdyan, chief editor of a local news agency who studied with Pashinyan, praised his "quick wit, rich language and humour". "He's got a certain charm that attracts people," he told AFP. Opponents from the ruling Republican Party have accused Pashinyan -- who says he wants good relations with both Russia and the West -- of being unpredictable and lacking a clear programme and ideology. Pashinyan was born in 1975 in the small resort town of Ijevan in northern Armenia during the Soviet era. He studied journalism at Yerevan State University but was expelled in 1995. He worked as a reporter and newspaper editor before getting involved in politics. Pashinyan set up the Civil Contract party, which entered parliament in 2017 as part of the opposition coalition. With his fiery rhetoric and penchant for asking awkward questions, Pashinyan quickly became a thorn in the side of the ruling party. Pashinyan said the protest movement empowered ordinary Armenians, showing them they could determine the future of their country. "Prime ministers will come and go," he told a rally in Yerevan. "But they will know that if they grow impudent, there are people who will say: 'We are the masters of our country.'"

Nikol Pashinyan: Armenia's maverick street leader and future PM

Armenian opposition leader Nikol Pashiyan told his supporters to stage protests on Tuesday in a bid to pressurize the parliament to elect him as Prime Minister and further warned of a "political tsunami" if top echelons of RPA and former presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Robert Kocharyan clings to power.&nbsp

While addressing the people at the National Assembly on Monday, Pashiyan said that &nbspSerzh Sargsyan and Robert Kocharyan had been threatening all the Armenian MP's and preventing them to vote for people's candidate, claiming that the duo plan to return to power.&nbsp

Pashinyan led days of protests that forced veteran leader Serzh Sarksyan to step down as prime minister last week and is the sole nominee to take over the role. But he needs approval from a parliament dominated by Sarksyan supporters.

As tens of thousands of people gathered in central Yerevan, Pashinyan told lawmakers before a vote on his candidacy that Sarksyan's backers in the ruling Republican Party should not snub the Armenian people's demands for change.

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"You would think that in the situation that has unfolded conclusions would have been drawn, but the Republican Party has started to play cat-and-mouse with the people," said Pashinyan, who had swapped his usual camouflage T-shirt for a suit and tie.

Addressing Republican Party officials, he said: "Your behaviour, treating the tolerance of the people as a weakness, could become the cause of a tsunami."

"I turn to the nation of the Republic of Armenia and every citizen of the Republic of Armenia," Pashinyan said in a speech broadcast live on two big screens to the crowd in the capital's central Republic Square.

"Don't stay at home, and right now, go out into the streets if you have not done it yet ... Flood out onto the streets and the squares of the capital and other towns in the republic."

People gathered at the venue waved the Armenian flag, blew horns and shouted "Nikol - prime minister!"

<img alt="Untitled 2_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="450" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Untitled%202_0.jpg" width="770" />

The deadline for parliamentary factions to nominate their candidates ran out at 18:00 on Monday.

According to the Article 149 of the Armenia's Constitution, "In case the Prime Minister submits a resignation or in other cases of the office of the Prime Minister becoming vacant, the factions of the National Assembly shall be entitled to nominate candidates for Prime Minister within a period of seven days after accepting the resignation of the Government. The National Assembly shall elect the Prime Minister by majority of votes of the total number of Deputies."

National Assembly (NA) of Armenia will convene a special session on May 1, and the topic of the agenda will be the election of a new Prime Minister.

Pashiyan stated that taking the current delicate situation into consideration “we have created all conditions for Serzh Sargsyan and RPA’s top echelons to leave in a dignified manner”.

Pashinyan led days of protests that forced veteran leader Serzh Sarksyan to step down as prime minister last week and is the sole nominee to take over the role

Armenian opposition leader Nikol Pashiyan told his supporters to stage protests on Tuesday in a bid to pressurize the parliament to elect him as Prime Minister and further warned of a "political tsunami" if top echelons of RPA and former presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Robert Kocharyan clings to power. While addressing the people at the National Assembly on Monday, Pashiyan said that &nbspSerzh Sargsyan and Robert Kocharyan had been threatening all the Armenian MP's and preventing them to vote for people's candidate, claiming that the duo plan to return to power. Pashinyan led days of protests that forced veteran leader Serzh Sarksyan to step down as prime minister last week and is the sole nominee to take over the role. But he needs approval from a parliament dominated by Sarksyan supporters. As tens of thousands of people gathered in central Yerevan, Pashinyan told lawmakers before a vote on his candidacy that Sarksyan's backers in the ruling Republican Party should not snub the Armenian people's demands for change. "You would think that in the situation that has unfolded conclusions would have been drawn, but the Republican Party has started to play cat-and-mouse with the people," said Pashinyan, who had swapped his usual camouflage T-shirt for a suit and tie. Addressing Republican Party officials, he said: "Your behaviour, treating the tolerance of the people as a weakness, could become the cause of a tsunami." "I turn to the nation of the Republic of Armenia and every citizen of the Republic of Armenia," Pashinyan said in a speech broadcast live on two big screens to the crowd in the capital's central Republic Square. "Don't stay at home, and right now, go out into the streets if you have not done it yet ... Flood out onto the streets and the squares of the capital and other towns in the republic." People gathered at the venue waved the Armenian flag, blew horns and shouted "Nikol - prime minister!" The deadline for parliamentary factions to nominate their candidates ran out at 18:00 on Monday. According to the Article 149 of the Armenia's Constitution, "In case the Prime Minister submits a resignation or in other cases of the office of the Prime Minister becoming vacant, the factions of the National Assembly shall be entitled to nominate candidates for Prime Minister within a period of seven days after accepting the resignation of the Government. The National Assembly shall elect the Prime Minister by majority of votes of the total number of Deputies." National Assembly (NA) of Armenia will convene a special session on May 1, and the topic of the agenda will be the election of a new Prime Minister. Pashiyan stated that taking the current delicate situation into consideration “we have created all conditions for Serzh Sargsyan and RPA’s top echelons to leave in a dignified manner”.

Armenian leader warns of 'political turmoil' if not elected Prime Minister

Armenian police detained three opposition leaders on Sunday and held nearly 200 protesters during the latest demonstrations against the appointment of the former President Serzh Sarksyan as prime minister.

Protesters accuse Sarksyan of clinging to power after he was appointed premier this month following 10 years as president. Tens of thousands of opponents have marched through the capital Yerevan, blocking streets in the city centre and staging sit-ins.

Under a revised constitution approved in a 2015 referendum, most state powers have shifted to the prime minister while the presidency has become a largely ceremonial post.

Police said in a statement that opposition politician Nikol Pashinyan and two other lawmakers had been "forcibly removed" from the protest. A Reuters reporter witnessed the 'red berets', as Armenian special forces are known, grab one lawmaker by his hands and feet and carry him behind the police cordon.

The public prosecution service confirmed the three opposition leaders had been detained on suspicion of organising an illegal protest.

Almost 200 people have been taken to police stations by law enforcement, Interfax news agency cited police representatives as saying. Seven people had been taken to hospital, the Ministry of Health said in a statement.

According to the law, the detainees must either be released within 72 hours, or a criminal case can be opened against them, leading to a longer-term arrest.

Opposition leader Pashinyan had earlier held talks with Sarksyan, who walked out of the meeting after accusing his opponents of trying to "blackmail" the authorities.

"This is not talks, not a dialogue, it's just an ultimatum, blackmail of the state, of the legitimate authorities," Sarksyan had said.

Armenia seceded from the Soviet Union in 1991 but remains dependent on Russia for aid and investment. Many Armenians accuse the government of corruption and mishandling an economy that has struggled to overcome the legacy of central planning.

Noisy protests

Demonstrators continued to march in large numbers in the capital, blowing vuvuzelas and sounding car horns, despite earlier attempts by police to break up the march with batons and shields.

The police called on protesters to stop the situation from escalating, Interfax news agency said, quoting an official statement.

"If these demands are not fulfilled, the police has the right to take demonstrators into custody and to use force," Interfax cited the statement as saying.

In a statement, the European Union's foreign policy arm called for more dialogue and a peaceful resolution.

"All those who have been detained while exercising their fundamental right of assembly in accordance with the law must be released immediately," it said.

"It is of utmost importance that all parties involved show restraint and act responsibly."

Parliament voted last Tuesday to allow Sarksyan to become premier, angering opposition leaders.

"I am telling you: you have no understanding of the situation in the country. The situation is different to the one you knew 15-20 days ago," Pashinyan had told Sarksyan on Sunday.

"The situation in Armenia has changed, you don't have the power of which you are told. In Armenia, the power has passed to the people," he said.

Protesters accuse Sarksyan of clinging to power after he was appointed premier this month following 10 years as president

Armenian police detained three opposition leaders on Sunday and held nearly 200 protesters during the latest demonstrations against the appointment of the former President Serzh Sarksyan as prime minister. Protesters accuse Sarksyan of clinging to power after he was appointed premier this month following 10 years as president. Tens of thousands of opponents have marched through the capital Yerevan, blocking streets in the city centre and staging sit-ins. Under a revised constitution approved in a 2015 referendum, most state powers have shifted to the prime minister while the presidency has become a largely ceremonial post. Police said in a statement that opposition politician Nikol Pashinyan and two other lawmakers had been "forcibly removed" from the protest. A Reuters reporter witnessed the 'red berets', as Armenian special forces are known, grab one lawmaker by his hands and feet and carry him behind the police cordon. The public prosecution service confirmed the three opposition leaders had been detained on suspicion of organising an illegal protest. Almost 200 people have been taken to police stations by law enforcement, Interfax news agency cited police representatives as saying. Seven people had been taken to hospital, the Ministry of Health said in a statement. According to the law, the detainees must either be released within 72 hours, or a criminal case can be opened against them, leading to a longer-term arrest. Opposition leader Pashinyan had earlier held talks with Sarksyan, who walked out of the meeting after accusing his opponents of trying to "blackmail" the authorities. "This is not talks, not a dialogue, it's just an ultimatum, blackmail of the state, of the legitimate authorities," Sarksyan had said. Armenia seceded from the Soviet Union in 1991 but remains dependent on Russia for aid and investment. Many Armenians accuse the government of corruption and mishandling an economy that has struggled to overcome the legacy of central planning. Noisy protests Demonstrators continued to march in large numbers in the capital, blowing vuvuzelas and sounding car horns, despite earlier attempts by police to break up the march with batons and shields. The police called on protesters to stop the situation from escalating, Interfax news agency said, quoting an official statement. "If these demands are not fulfilled, the police has the right to take demonstrators into custody and to use force," Interfax cited the statement as saying. In a statement, the European Union's foreign policy arm called for more dialogue and a peaceful resolution. "All those who have been detained while exercising their fundamental right of assembly in accordance with the law must be released immediately," it said. "It is of utmost importance that all parties involved show restraint and act responsibly." Parliament voted last Tuesday to allow Sarksyan to become premier, angering opposition leaders. "I am telling you: you have no understanding of the situation in the country. The situation is different to the one you knew 15-20 days ago," Pashinyan had told Sarksyan on Sunday. "The situation in Armenia has changed, you don't have the power of which you are told. In Armenia, the power has passed to the people," he said.

Armenian police detain almost 200 in protests

Pro-opposition gunmen locked in a protracted stand-off with police in the Armenian capital Yerevan today took four medics hostage, officials said, after a shootout left five people wounded. 
 
Police said the medics were held after entering a police compound seized by the assailants 10 days ago to treat two gunmen injured in clashes that also left two attackers and a police officer hospitalised. 
 
&quot;The doctors who went into the captured territory to assist two members of the armed group who refused to go to hospital have been taken hostage,&quot; police spokesman Ashot Aharonyan wrote on Facebook. 
 
&quot;The police are taking steps to free the doctors through negotiations.&quot; 
 
 
Lengthy stand-off shakes&nbsp;tiny Caucasus republic &nbsp; 
 
The lengthy stand-off has shaken the tiny Caucasus republic and sparked clashes between police and protesters furious over the handling of the incident.&nbsp; 
 
Gunmen supporters of fringe jailed opposition leader Zhirair Sefilyan, stormed a police building in Yerevan on July 17, killing one officer, taking several more hostage and seizing a store of weapons. 
 
Over the weekend, they released the final four police officers being held captive but remained holed up inside the police building surrounded by law enforcement officers. 
 
The group has demanded the resignation of the ex-Soviet nation&#39;s President Serzh Sarkisian and the release of Sefilyan. 
 
Sefilyan, the leader of a small opposition group named the New Armenia Public Salvation Front and six of his supporters were arrested in June accused of preparing to seize government buildings and telecoms facilities in Yerevan. 
 
A fierce critic of the government, he was previously arrested in 2006 over calls for &quot;a violent overthrow of the government&quot; and jailed for 18 months. He was released in 2008. 
 
Sarkisian, a pro-Russian former military officer, has been president of the country of 2.9 million people since winning a vote in 2008 that saw clashes between police and supporters of the defeated opposition candidate in which 10 people died. 
 
(AFP)

Police said medics were held after entering a police compound seized by assailants 10 days ago to treat two gunmen injured in clashes

Pro-opposition gunmen locked in a protracted stand-off with police in the Armenian capital Yerevan today took four medics hostage, officials said, after a shootout left five people wounded. Police said the medics were held after entering a police compound seized by the assailants 10 days ago to treat two gunmen injured in clashes that also left two attackers and a police officer hospitalised. "The doctors who went into the captured territory to assist two members of the armed group who refused to go to hospital have been taken hostage," police spokesman Ashot Aharonyan wrote on Facebook. "The police are taking steps to free the doctors through negotiations." Lengthy stand-off shakes tiny Caucasus republic The lengthy stand-off has shaken the tiny Caucasus republic and sparked clashes between police and protesters furious over the handling of the incident. Gunmen supporters of fringe jailed opposition leader Zhirair Sefilyan, stormed a police building in Yerevan on July 17, killing one officer, taking several more hostage and seizing a store of weapons. Over the weekend, they released the final four police officers being held captive but remained holed up inside the police building surrounded by law enforcement officers. The group has demanded the resignation of the ex-Soviet nation's President Serzh Sarkisian and the release of Sefilyan. Sefilyan, the leader of a small opposition group named the New Armenia Public Salvation Front and six of his supporters were arrested in June accused of preparing to seize government buildings and telecoms facilities in Yerevan. A fierce critic of the government, he was previously arrested in 2006 over calls for "a violent overthrow of the government" and jailed for 18 months. He was released in 2008. Sarkisian, a pro-Russian former military officer, has been president of the country of 2.9 million people since winning a vote in 2008 that saw clashes between police and supporters of the defeated opposition candidate in which 10 people died. (AFP)

Armenia stand-off drags on: Pro-opposition gunmen take 4 medics hostage

Authorities in Armenia called on gunmen holed up in a police station in the capital Yerevan to lay down their arms today and release five police officers they were holding hostage. 
 
The gunmen seized the police station and hostages on Sunday, killing one police officer and wounding two others in the process before demanding Armenians take to the streets to secure the release of jailed opposition politicians. 
 
They released two hostages on Sunday and released two more today, the security service said. 
 
Negotiations to end the situation peacefully are underway. 
 
The hostage takers main demand is to free Jirair Sefilian, an opposition leader whom the authorities have accused of plotting civil unrest. Sefilian was jailed in June over allegations of illegally possessing weapons. 
 
The security service said talks were deadlocked so far. 
 
&quot;The armed group is refusing to release other hostages, including high ranking officials, to lay down their weapons, or to surrender,&quot; the National Security Service said in a statement, saying the group posed a direct threat to society. 
 
Yerevan&#39;s deputy police chief, Valery Osipyan, was reported to be among the hostages as was Vardan Yeghiazaryan, the country&#39;s deputy police chief. 
 
The security service said the outcome remained uncertain. 
 
&quot;Law enforcement agencies are doing everything they can to end this peacefully, but in the circumstances it might not be enough,&quot; it said. 
 
&quot;That&#39;s why we again appeal to the members of the armed group ... to end their armed resistance. For now, there is still time and the opportunity to do that.&quot; 
 
 
(Reuters)

National Security Service said four hostages have been released so far. The country's deputy police chief is reportedly held captive

Authorities in Armenia called on gunmen holed up in a police station in the capital Yerevan to lay down their arms today and release five police officers they were holding hostage. The gunmen seized the police station and hostages on Sunday, killing one police officer and wounding two others in the process before demanding Armenians take to the streets to secure the release of jailed opposition politicians. They released two hostages on Sunday and released two more today, the security service said. Negotiations to end the situation peacefully are underway. The hostage takers main demand is to free Jirair Sefilian, an opposition leader whom the authorities have accused of plotting civil unrest. Sefilian was jailed in June over allegations of illegally possessing weapons. The security service said talks were deadlocked so far. "The armed group is refusing to release other hostages, including high ranking officials, to lay down their weapons, or to surrender," the National Security Service said in a statement, saying the group posed a direct threat to society. Yerevan's deputy police chief, Valery Osipyan, was reported to be among the hostages as was Vardan Yeghiazaryan, the country's deputy police chief. The security service said the outcome remained uncertain. "Law enforcement agencies are doing everything they can to end this peacefully, but in the circumstances it might not be enough," it said. "That's why we again appeal to the members of the armed group ... to end their armed resistance. For now, there is still time and the opportunity to do that." (Reuters)

Authorities in Armenia called on gunmen to release remaining hostages

A group of armed men seized a police station in Armenia&#39;s capital Yerevan along with an unknown number of hostages today&nbsp;morning, the country&#39;s security service said.

Negotiations were underway to resolve the situation peacefully, the security service said, accusing the hostage takers&#39; supporters of spreading false rumours on the internet that an armed uprising against the government was underway.

Armenian&nbsp;news agencies reported that the armed men were demanding the release of Jirair Sefilian, an opposition leader and former military commander, who was arrested in June.

Sefilian has strongly criticised Armenia&#39;s President Serzh Sargsyan and is unhappy about the way the government has been handling a long-running conflict between pro-Armenian separatists and the breakaway Azeri region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Agencies reported that the armed men were demanding that President Sargsyan quit. Some&nbsp;policemen and hostage takers had been wounded. The assertion could not be confirmed.

The security service said law enforcement agencies were working as normal to uphold public safety. TV images of the scene showed a heavy police presence with armoured vehicles blocking off the road to the police station.

The security service said the hostage takers&#39; supporters were spreading what it called &quot;disinformation&quot; about the seizure of other buildings as part of an armed uprising.

&quot;The National Security Service officially announces that such information is absolutely untrue,&quot; it said. 
 
(Reuters)

It has been reported that the armed men were demanding the release of Jirair Sefilian, an opposition leader who wanted the President to quit

A group of armed men seized a police station in Armenia's capital Yerevan along with an unknown number of hostages today morning, the country's security service said. Negotiations were underway to resolve the situation peacefully, the security service said, accusing the hostage takers' supporters of spreading false rumours on the internet that an armed uprising against the government was underway. Armenian news agencies reported that the armed men were demanding the release of Jirair Sefilian, an opposition leader and former military commander, who was arrested in June. Sefilian has strongly criticised Armenia's President Serzh Sargsyan and is unhappy about the way the government has been handling a long-running conflict between pro-Armenian separatists and the breakaway Azeri region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Agencies reported that the armed men were demanding that President Sargsyan quit. Some policemen and hostage takers had been wounded. The assertion could not be confirmed. The security service said law enforcement agencies were working as normal to uphold public safety. TV images of the scene showed a heavy police presence with armoured vehicles blocking off the road to the police station. The security service said the hostage takers' supporters were spreading what it called "disinformation" about the seizure of other buildings as part of an armed uprising. "The National Security Service officially announces that such information is absolutely untrue," it said. (Reuters)

Armed men seize police station in Armenia, take hostages

Armenia&#39;s Parliament on Thursday approved the government&#39;s decision to join Russia&#39;s air defence system in a move criticised by the opposition as surrendering the country&#39;s sovereignty. 
 
Moscow is working on merging the air defence capabilities of its former Soviet partners that are now its military allies in the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), a regional answer to NATO. 
 
Lawmakers in the landlocked Caucasus country approved the initiative with 102 votes for and eight against and Armenia&#39;s deputy defence minister Ara Nazaryan applauded it as a boost to its defences. 
 
Nazaryan said the command of the joint air defences will be in Russia, but that Armenia&#39;s military will control separate air defence systems.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;With this agreement we will be able to use the technical capabilities and resources of Russia&#39;s air defence, including weapons, aircraft, and the ability to use fighter aircraft,&quot; he said in parliament. 
 
Some opposition forces have decried the decision, saying it cedes the impoverished country&#39;s sovereignty to Moscow, which also has sizeable military cooperation with Yerevan&#39;s arch-foe Azerbaijan. 
 
&quot;This is an attempt to hand over the last bits of Armenian sovereignty to a foreign state that sold $5 billion worth of weapons to Azerbaijan,&quot; the pro-Western Heritage party said in a statement. 
 
Moscow has stepped up military cooperation with its CSTO allies since becoming embroiled in its worst standoff with the West since the Cold War over its 2014 annexation of the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine and the subsequent start of a pro-Russian uprising in Ukraine&#39;s east. 
 
Russia, for its part, accuses NATO of expanding its military reach close to its borders. 
 
In May, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Washington that Moscow will consider measures to &quot;end threats&quot; from NATO&#39;s anti-missile systems in Europe that are based essentially on US technology. 
 
The Western military bloc&#39;s missile shield includes the progressive deployment of missile interceptors and powerful radar in eastern Europe and Turkey. 
 
(AFP)

?Russia accuses NATO of expanding military reach close to its borders and is merging air defence capabilities with former Soviet partners

Armenia's Parliament on Thursday approved the government's decision to join Russia's air defence system in a move criticised by the opposition as surrendering the country's sovereignty. Moscow is working on merging the air defence capabilities of its former Soviet partners that are now its military allies in the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), a regional answer to NATO. Lawmakers in the landlocked Caucasus country approved the initiative with 102 votes for and eight against and Armenia's deputy defence minister Ara Nazaryan applauded it as a boost to its defences. Nazaryan said the command of the joint air defences will be in Russia, but that Armenia's military will control separate air defence systems. "With this agreement we will be able to use the technical capabilities and resources of Russia's air defence, including weapons, aircraft, and the ability to use fighter aircraft," he said in parliament. Some opposition forces have decried the decision, saying it cedes the impoverished country's sovereignty to Moscow, which also has sizeable military cooperation with Yerevan's arch-foe Azerbaijan. "This is an attempt to hand over the last bits of Armenian sovereignty to a foreign state that sold $5 billion worth of weapons to Azerbaijan," the pro-Western Heritage party said in a statement. Moscow has stepped up military cooperation with its CSTO allies since becoming embroiled in its worst standoff with the West since the Cold War over its 2014 annexation of the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine and the subsequent start of a pro-Russian uprising in Ukraine's east. Russia, for its part, accuses NATO of expanding its military reach close to its borders. In May, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Washington that Moscow will consider measures to "end threats" from NATO's anti-missile systems in Europe that are based essentially on US technology. The Western military bloc's missile shield includes the progressive deployment of missile interceptors and powerful radar in eastern Europe and Turkey. (AFP)

Armenia ratifies joint air defence with Moscow

Armenia expects more countries to recognise the 1915 massacre of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire a century ago as a &quot;genocide&quot; after remarks by Pope Francis and the stance taken by Germany&#39;s Parliament, its President said. 
 
Germany&#39;s lower house adopted a resolution this month declaring the killings of Christian Armenians by Ottoman forces in World War I a &quot;genocide&quot;, a term used by many Western historians and parliaments, but rejected by Ankara. 
 
During a visit to Armenia on Friday, the pope departed from his prepared text to use the term, angering Turks. 
 
Turkey accepts that many Christian Armenians were killed in clashes with Ottoman forces at the time, but contests assertions that up to 1.5 million were killed, and denies the killings were orchestrated and so constitute a genocide. 
 
&quot;The principled position of the pope and the views expressed by the Bundestag will pave the way for new recognitions by other nations,&quot; President Serzh Sarksyan told Reuters in an interview. 
 
&quot;Germany is a very important and significant actor on the international stage and this (decision) will serve as a good example for other nations to follow and to learn from it,&quot; he said. 
 
Sarksyan criticised Turkey&#39;s position over its aspiration to join the European Union, saying Ankara was trying to use a policy of dictatorship to bring pressure to bear on the bloc. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t think that Turkey is ... an actor that can impose its views, or exercise pressure, on the European Union,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t honestly see any prospects that would pave the way for Turkey joining the EU.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

Germany adopted a resolution declaring the killings of Christian Armenians by Ottoman forces in World War I a 'genocide' rejected by Ankara

Armenia expects more countries to recognise the 1915 massacre of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire a century ago as a "genocide" after remarks by Pope Francis and the stance taken by Germany's Parliament, its President said. Germany's lower house adopted a resolution this month declaring the killings of Christian Armenians by Ottoman forces in World War I a "genocide", a term used by many Western historians and parliaments, but rejected by Ankara. During a visit to Armenia on Friday, the pope departed from his prepared text to use the term, angering Turks. Turkey accepts that many Christian Armenians were killed in clashes with Ottoman forces at the time, but contests assertions that up to 1.5 million were killed, and denies the killings were orchestrated and so constitute a genocide. "The principled position of the pope and the views expressed by the Bundestag will pave the way for new recognitions by other nations," President Serzh Sarksyan told Reuters in an interview. "Germany is a very important and significant actor on the international stage and this (decision) will serve as a good example for other nations to follow and to learn from it," he said. Sarksyan criticised Turkey's position over its aspiration to join the European Union, saying Ankara was trying to use a policy of dictatorship to bring pressure to bear on the bloc. "I don't think that Turkey is ... an actor that can impose its views, or exercise pressure, on the European Union," he said. "I don't honestly see any prospects that would pave the way for Turkey joining the EU." (Reuters)

Armenia expects wider recognition of 'genocide' after German vote, pope's remarks

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