A sharp decline in remittances from Russia, coupled with a soured domestic economic outlook, may sharpen political tensions within Armenia over the next few months, some economists are forecasting.
The auction of one of Armenia's leading mineral water companies has reignited criticism that the government is pursuing a political vendetta against supporters of ex-President Levon Ter-Petrosian.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe declined on January 27 to punish Armenia over Yerevan's failure to implement mandated reforms in the wake of 2008's political violence in the Armenian capital Yerevan.
It is known in opposition circles as the "Trial of the Seven." Instead of bringing a sense of closure in politically divided Armenia, the case is threatening to reopen old wounds.
It is known in opposition circles as the "Trial of the Seven." Instead of bringing a sense of closure in politically divided Armenia, the case is threatening to reopen old wounds.
Despite heavy government emphasis on the importance of freedom of speech, the violence against Armenian journalists is continuing. Civil society leaders and reporters contend that officials' sluggish response masks either rank incompetence or an intention to keep the lid on government criticism. Government officials reject the charges as groundless.
More than nine months after Yerevan's March 1 post-election clashes, the Council of Europe and many ordinary Armenians are taking issue with the official investigation into the violence for being long on promises and short on results.
Nearly eight months after Armenia's presidential election, Yerevan cars may still fly the national tricolor to show support for ex-President Levon Ter-Petrosian, but the opposition's recent decision to call a temporary halt to rallies suggests that its appeal is sagging, some observers believe.
The Armenian government has confirmed plans to build an Iran-Armenia railway and a new nuclear power plant as part of a series of new, "large-scale" initiatives.
Hovik Abrahamian, a major force within the governing Republican Party of Armenia, has assumed the leadership of the Caucasus country's parliament. Seeking to distance himself from a controversial past, Abrahamian has pledged to act as a conciliator. But many opposition leaders remain leery of the selection.
