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Armenians go to the polls under Russian pressure aimed at preventing a drift toward West

Armenians go to the polls under Russian pressure aimed at preventing a drift toward West

Armenians are voting in parliamentary elections as the government seeks to loosen ties with Moscow and increase cooperation with the West
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Armenians vote with peace efforts and Russia in focus

Armenians vote with peace efforts and Russia in focus

By Lucy Papachristou YEREVAN, June 7 (Reuters) - Armenians head to the polls on Sunday in a parliamentary election seen as a test of the government's efforts to forge a peace deal after a crushing military defeat by Azerbaijan three years ago.
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Armenia's ruling party leads parliamentary vote with 54% in early results

Armenia's ruling party leads parliamentary vote with 54% in early results

By Lucy Papachristou YEREVAN, June 8 (Reuters) - Armenia's ruling Civil Contract party is leading in a parliamentary election with 54.44% of the vote, according to early voting results from Armenia's electoral commission that were broadcast on public TV.
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Armenian Prime Minister's Western Shift Tested in Parliamentary Election Amid Russian Tensions

Armenian Prime Minister's Western Shift Tested in Parliamentary Election Amid Russian Tensions

Armenia held a parliamentary election on Sunday, which is seen as a critical test of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's efforts to pivot the country towards the West. This election comes in the wake of Armenia's historical ties with Russia, which have been strained due to Pashinyan's recent foreign policy shifts. The election follows a period of significant upheaval in Armenia, including the 2018 revolution that brought Pashinyan to power and the recent conflict with Azerbaijan over the Karabakh region. The Prime Minister has been advocating for a balanced foreign policy, aiming to reduce Armenia's reliance on Russia by strengthening ties with the European Union and the United States. This shift has been met with resistance from Moscow, which has expressed concerns over Armenia's EU ambitions, likening them to Ukraine's path that led to conflict with Russia. U.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed Pashinyan, highlighting the geopolitical stakes involved.
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Armenians Vote Amid Russian Pressure to Prevent Western Drift

Armenians Vote Amid Russian Pressure to Prevent Western Drift

Armenians participated in a parliamentary election as the government, led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, seeks to reduce reliance on Russia and strengthen ties with the West. The election comes amid Russian-imposed restrictions on Armenian exports and veiled threats from Moscow. Pashinyan's Civil Contract party aims for a strong mandate to pursue a new geopolitical course, while facing opposition from pro-Russian parties. The election is seen as a pivotal moment for Armenia's foreign policy direction.
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Armenia's Election Could Shift Geopolitical Ties Amid Russian Tensions

Armenia's Election Could Shift Geopolitical Ties Amid Russian Tensions

Armenia is preparing for a pivotal parliamentary election that could redefine its geopolitical alliances. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is seeking to strengthen ties with the European Union and the United States, moving away from Armenia's traditional alignment with Russia. This shift comes after dissatisfaction with Russia's role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, where Russian peacekeepers were accused of failing to prevent Azerbaijan's takeover of the region. Pashinyan's Civil Contract party is favored to retain control, but faces opposition from pro-Russia parties. The election is seen as a referendum on Armenia's future international orientation, with potential economic repercussions from Russia if Armenia pivots towards the West.
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UK's Starmer hosts Zelenskyy, Macron and Merz to discuss support for Ukraine

UK's Starmer hosts Zelenskyy, Macron and Merz to discuss support for Ukraine

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday
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EU Leaders Urge Acceleration of Enlargement Process Amid Geopolitical Tensions

EU Leaders Urge Acceleration of Enlargement Process Amid Geopolitical Tensions

European Union leaders have emphasized the need to accelerate the bloc's enlargement process during a summit with Western Balkan countries. The meeting, held in Tivat, Montenegro, included discussions on the EU's capability and willingness to incorporate new members. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the importance of making the enlargement process faster and more credible. The summit comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has prompted Ukraine and Moldova to seek EU membership. The EU aims to reduce the influence of foreign powers by expanding its membership. However, the accession process remains complex, requiring extensive negotiations and legal changes, as well as unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states.
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Armenia prepares for an election that could reshape ties with Moscow and the West

Armenia prepares for an election that could reshape ties with Moscow and the West

Armenia's parliamentary elections Sunday will focus on its geopolitical future as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan seeks closer ties with the EU and the U.S. That is despite Armenia's longstanding relations with Russia that are favored by most of the country's opposition parties
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Armenia Faces Russian Pressure Amid Parliamentary Elections and Economic Tensions

Armenia Faces Russian Pressure Amid Parliamentary Elections and Economic Tensions

Armenia is heading to the polls for parliamentary elections amidst significant pressure from Russia. The elections are seen as a critical test for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government, which has been steering the country towards closer ties with Europe. This shift has strained Armenia's historically close relationship with Russia, which has responded with economic measures such as banning imports of Armenian cognac and other goods. The Kremlin's actions are perceived as attempts to discourage Armenia's westward orientation. The geopolitical tension is further complicated by Armenia's economic dependence on Russia, particularly in terms of subsidized gas supplies. The elections will determine whether Pashinyan's Civil Contract party can maintain its political dominance despite these challenges.
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Montenegro is ‘within reach’ of joining the EU by 2028, von der Leyen says after Balkans summit

Montenegro is ‘within reach’ of joining the EU by 2028, von der Leyen says after Balkans summit

Montenegro is on track to join the European Union by 2028, according to EU leaders and the country's president
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Balkan leaders attend EU summit in Montenegro as enlargement gains urgency

Balkan leaders attend EU summit in Montenegro as enlargement gains urgency

European Union and Balkan leaders are meeting in Montenegro for talks on expanding the bloc