Armenia Election Could Reshape Ties With EU and Neighbors

Nicole Pashinian has been clear how he would steer Armenia if he wins Sunday's election. Closer relations with the EU and resolving problems with his neighbors are at the top of his list. Points he emphasized at a major European summit in Armenia last month. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the European Union for close cooperation and partnership in coorganizing in the summit as well as two partners beyond the continent for expanding the geography of this format. I also acknowledge the remote participation of the president of Azerbajan and the presence of the vice president of Turkey in line with the peace developments and

regional cooperation. Several decades of conflict between Armenia and Azabaijan were effectively ended last year following a deal overseen by Donald Trump. But a comprehensive peace agreement only looks likely if Pashinian wins the election. and changes the constitution to remove Armenian claims on Azabaijan's Caribach. The result of the election will also be followed closely here at the Turkish foreign ministry. Turkey has said it will normalize relations with Armenia at the same time as progress is made with its close ally Aabai Jan. Turkish vice president Jevdat Yilmaz was also in Armenia last month. the highest level visit from Anchora to Yeravan in more than 15 years. Both sides now focusing

on potential economic benefits and putting historic differences behind them. But difficulties may come from Russia if Pinion remains in power and US and EU influence continues. Armenia is a former Soviet republic and it's already disengaged from some Russian-led international organizations. they seems to be supportive but at the same time they look like a sea and wait what will happen in the region uh if the new formation of these the uh that kind of the regional mechanism will work for the advantage for the Russia it will be okay for them but if there will be the another scenario then we will see the Russian real reactions how much meaning that when Nicole Pashin weighs up Armenia's future he will have to

consider how much he wants to poke the Russian bear hopkins TRT World anchor