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101 results found
Items 1 - 50 of 101
Armenia
| 1 May 2013
As president Sargsyan sworn in for 2nd term 9 April, defeated candidate Raffi Hovannisian, who continues to contest result of Feb presidential poll, held “alternative inauguration” drawing several thousand supporters.
Armenia
| 1 Apr 2013
As supporters of defeated candidate in Feb presidential election Raffi Hovannisian continued to rally against result, Hovannisian 4 March made formal complaint to constitutional court alleging electoral fraud, went on hunger strike 10-29 March calling for President Sargsyan to step down. Court ruled no violations during vote. Sargsyan 25 March signalled readiness to engage in talks with Hovannisian.
Armenia
| 1 Mar 2013
President Sargsyan re-elected to 2nd term in first round presidential election 18 Feb with 58.64% of vote. Main opponent, American-born former FM Raffi Hovannisian, took 2nd place with unexpectedly strong 36.75%; refused to recognise results. Several thousand rallied in Yerevan against electoral process over following days. OSCE criticised lack of real competition in election.
Armenia
| 1 Feb 2013
8 candidates registered for 18 Feb presidential election. Candidate Andreas Ghukasyan, manager of private radio station, began hunger strike 21 Jan after his bid to have incumbent president Sargsyan rendered ineligible for registration was rejected by electoral commission. Other opposition candidates questioned accuracy of voters list, warned of possible irregularities. Sargsyan reaffirmed pledges to ensure proper conduct of election. Candidate Paruyr Hairikian wounded in attack by unidentified gunman 31 Jan.
Armenia
| 30 Dec 2012
Prosperous Armenia Party 12 Dec announced its leader, wealthy businessman Gagik Tsarukian, would not run in 18 Feb 2013 presidential election; former president Ter-Petrossian also said he will not run. President Sargsyan unlikely to face challenger in race.
Armenia
| 1 Nov 2012
Ahead of Feb 2013 elections, authorities charged major opposition candidate MP Vartan Oskanian, former foreign minister and possible contender for presidency, with money laundering. Oskanian accused of embezzling more than $1.4 million from donation made by U.S. businessman to his Civilitas Foundation. Oskanian stripped of immunity from criminal prosecution in 2 Oct parliamentary vote boycotted by all parties except ruling coalition. Many condemn charges against Oskanian, say trial politically motivated.
Armenia
| 1 Oct 2012
Continued anger over Azerbaijan’s pardon of Ramil Safarov, convicted of 2004 murder of Armenian soldier in Hungary (see Azerbaijan); President Sargsyan conveyed country’s readiness for war in event of military provocation, suspended ties with Hungary. Armenia mid-Sept hosted joint Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) military exercises; coincided with significant Russian military exercises.
Armenia
| 1 Sep 2012
President Sargsyan 31 Aug labelled Azerbaijan President Aliyev’s pardoning of Azerbaijani soldier “grave mistake” (see Azerbaijan). President Sargsyan 8 Aug met with Russian President Putin to negotiate price of Russian natural gas, set to rise dramatically to market value.
Armenia
| 1 Aug 2012
Hundreds attended 3 July funeral of military doctor Vahe Avetyan who died after severe beating in Yerevan restaurant by bodyguards of oligarch and senior Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) MP Ruben Hayrapetyan; Hayrapetyan forced to resign from Parliament following national outcry.
Armenia
| 1 Jul 2012
Month saw escalating clashes with Azerbaijan. Increasing tensions between ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) and former coalition partner Prosperous Armenia (BHK) ahead of 2013 presidential elections; Armenian National Congress (HAK) leader Ter-Petrosyan voiced support for BHK during 26 June rally held in Yerevan. Money laundering case launched by authorities against Civilitas NGO run by former FM and BHK MP Vartan Oskanyan. President Sargsyan 16 June announced new cabinet.
Armenia
| 1 Jun 2012
Ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) won 69 of 131 mandates in 6 May parliamentary elections with reported 44% of votes; opposition coalition Armenian National Congress (HAK) surpassed 7% threshold to enter parliament. Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK), Armenian Revolutionary Federation (HHD), HAK alleged widespread violations, fraud; BHK leader Gagik Tsarukian 24 May ruled out joining ruling-coalition.
Armenia
| 1 May 2012
Registration for participation in 6 May parliamentary elections closed 1 April: 8 parties, 1 bloc registered including ruling Republican Party (HHK), leading opposition parties Armenian National Congress (HAK) and Zharangutyun (Heritage). Independent candidate Meruzhan announced withdrawal from polls following 6 April abduction, beating by unknown assailants; supporters blamed violence on HHK rival Aleksan Petrosyan. 3 HAK activists reportedly assaulted 15 April by govt loyalists while campaigning in Yerevan; authorities denied role in attack.
Armenia
| 1 Apr 2012
4 of 22 political groups aligned with opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) 6 March announced boycott of 6 May parliamentary elections after failing to reach agreement with former President and HAK leader Ter-Petrossian over electoral list. 9 Iranians, 1 other injured 20 March in grenade attack on Yerevan night club.
Armenia
| 1 Mar 2012
Ruling coalition partners 13 Feb announced plans to run separately in 6 May parliamentary elections, signalling split in 2-party coalition and intensifying pre-election competition.
Armenia
| 1 Feb 2012
Ahead of scheduled 6 May parliamentary elections, 2 opposition parties 20 Jan tabled amendments to Electoral Code, 20 Jan held conference promoting holding elections solely on proportional party-list basis to reduce vote-rigging. Proposal supported by main opposition HAK coalition, opposed by ruling HHK. HAK announced street protests starting Feb. FM welcomed “historic” French law criminalising denial of Armenian genocide (see Turkey).
Armenia
| 2 Jan 2012
Ruling HHK party 1 Dec named Samvel Nikoyan candidate for parliament speaker; opposition HAK criticised Nikoyan’s role in parliament commission into 2008 post-election violence, which found use of force against protesters justified.
Armenia
| 1 Dec 2011
Ahead of May 2012 parliamentary elections and 2013 presidential elections, former president Kocharian indicated possible intent to return to politics. Parliament 1 Nov approved increase in 2012 military budget to $400mn. Armenia signed cooperation plan with Collective Security Treaty Organisation to promote military ties. Armenian and Turkish business leaders meeting in Yeveran 22 Nov called for opening of border.
Armenia
| 1 Nov 2011
Several thousand in opposition rallies in Yerevan early month following HAK party’s late Sept call for return to protests after breakdown in dialogue with govt. Addressing protesters 8 Oct HAK leader Ter-Petrosian announced temporary stop to demonstrations, despite not having secured concessions from govt; called for “immediate resignation” of President Sargsyan. Several thousand reportedly attended 28 Oct opposition rally.
Armenia
| 1 Oct 2011
Following opposition Armenian National Congress’s (HAK) late Aug suspension of its participation in dialogue with govt to protest detention of one of its youth activists, govt said it does not intend to expedite activist’s release. Fears that dialogue in danger of collapse. Thousands attended 9 Sept HAK rally; HAK 30 Sept called for “nonstop rallies”. President Sargysyan addressing UNGA blamed Azerbaijan for lack of progress in Nagorno-Karabakh negotiations, accused Turkey of obstructing normalisation of Armenia-Turkey relations.
Armenia
| 1 Sep 2011
7 opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) activists severely beaten, detained by police in Yerevan 9 Aug, charged with assaulting police; 6 later released, remaining detained activist facing lengthy prison sentence. Activists claimed they were targeted after confronting police conducting arbitrary search of citizens. After several rounds of negotiations between HAK and govt over month, HAK 26 Aug announced suspension of talks until remaining detained activist released.
Armenia
| 1 Aug 2011
Representatives from 3-party ruling coalition and opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) 18 July formed official working group to host series of discussions regarding political reform; second session of talks 26 July. Defence Ministry 25 July announced U.S., Armenian agreement to hold first ever joint military exercises.
Armenia
| 1 Jul 2011
Govt continued policies to neutralise opposition movement, with 2 May release of Aram Bareghamyan, Armenian National Congress (HAK) member imprisoned following March 2008 unrest; following 26 May approval by parliament of general amnesty, 2 more prominent opposition members freed from jail. HAK announced it remains committed to holding snap presidential and parliamentary elections, but will consider negotiations with govt. Justice Minister 20 May ruled out early elections.
Armenia
| 1 Jun 2011
Govt continued policies to neutralise opposition movement, with 2 May release of Aram Bareghamyan, Armenian National Congress (HAK) member imprisoned following March 2008 unrest; following 26 May approval by parliament of general amnesty, 2 more prominent opposition members freed from jail. HAK announced it remains committed to holding snap presidential and parliamentary elections, but will consider negotiations with govt. Justice Minister 20 May ruled out early elections.
Armenia
| 1 May 2011
Thousands of opposition supporters attended rally in Yerevan 8 Apr, fourth such protest this year. Addressing rally, Armenian National Congress (HAK) leader Levon Ter-Petrossian gave President Sargsyan further ultimatum with 28 Apr deadline to release “political prisoners”, conduct probe into March 2008 post-election violence, and give opposition movement access to Liberty Square, or HAK will move from “dialogue” to more active protest. Authorities 26 Apr gave permission for further opposition rally; several thousand joined opposition demonstration in Liberty Square 28 Apr. Special Investigative Service 22 Apr said it would conduct “thorough review” of its investigation into 2008 post-election violence, following 20 Apr call by Sargsyan. Parliament speaker and others 29 Apr made request to Sargysyan to consider release of prominent opposition figure Sasun Mikaelian. U.S. Ambassador 15 Apr said U.S. would not renew Millennium Challenge funding when it ends in Sept. Parliament 12 Apr ratified defence agreement signed with Russia Aug 2010.
Armenia
| 1 Apr 2011
President Sargysan facing increased opposition political mobilization in form of street protests organized by former President Levon Ter-Petrossian, campaigning for immediate presidential, parliamentary elections. Over 10,000 people rallied in Yerevan 1, 17 March. Recent demonstrations largest since 2008, despite ban on anti-govt protests. Ter-Petrossian’s HAK party issued series of demands to govt including release of all political prisoners, ceasing of prosecution of opposition activists for alleged political purposes, and firing of PM and ministers accountable for weak economy. Ahead of protests authorities summoned several opposition activists to police stations, blocked public transport to Yerevan, released 2 Ter-Petrossian loyalists from jail 17 March. Next rally scheduled 8 April.
Armenia
| 1 Mar 2011
Constitutional Court 15 Feb ratified agreement signed Aug 2010 with Russia extending Russian military base in Armenia to 2044. Leading opposition newspaper Haykakan Zhamanak found guilty of libel for Oct report alleging 3 businessmen engaged in criminal activity in Russia; editor denounced verdict as politically motivated. Over 10,000 opposition supporters participated in anti-govt rally in Yerevan 18 Feb.
Armenia
| 1 Feb 2011
President Sarkisian 13 Jan signed
controversial amendments to Law on International Agreements, adopted by parliament
17 Dec, allowing Armenian state institutions to establish “legal relations” and
sign agreements with unrecognised entities. Deputy FM Shavarsh Kocharian said
document will facilitate international recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh, making
it an “international entity” with which Armenia signs “inter-entity”
agreements. Parliament’s budgetary affairs committee 13 Jan reported national
debt tripled from under 15% of GDP in 2008 to 40% at $3.4bn.
Armenia
| 3 Jan 2011
National Security Council (NSC) 11 Dec approved 2011-2015 military modernisation program including acquisition of long-range, precision-guided weapons and development of domestic defence industry. NSC head said program will neutralize all possible threats to national security; also recalled Aug Armenian-Russian agreement to set up joint military ventures. U.S. diplomatic cables released by Wikileaks revealed U.S. claims Armenia transferred weapons to Iran in 2003.
Armenia
| 1 Dec 2010
President Sarkisian boycotted 19-20 Nov NATO summit in Lisbon over anticipated adoption of declaration stressing NATO’s commitment to territorial integrity and sovereignty of countries in South Caucasus; stated Nagorno-Karabakh peace process led by OSCE Minsk group also based on principles of right to self-determination and non-use of force. Growing concern over abuse in army after 2 cases of non-combat shootings mid month left 5 soldiers dead, 4 injured. Followed July shooting spree in another army detachment killing 6.
Armenia
| 1 Sep 2010
Turkish FM Davutoğlu 26 Aug confirmed country’s participation in NATO’s disaster relief exercise to be held in Armenia 11-17 Sept; denied reports of possible temporary border opening during drills.
Armenia
| 1 Aug 2010
Opposition leaders, including ex-President Ter-Petrossian, stated govt acceptance of Madrid principles for Nagorno-Karabakh settlement likely to result in domestic backlash, including possible regime change. 2 opposition youth activists went on trial 14 July on charges of hooliganism and resistance to police during 31 May demonstration; opposition Armenian National Congress said charges politically motivated. EU High Rep Ashton in Yerevan 19 July announced start of talks on association agreement to lead potentially to visa-free travel and free-trade regime.
Armenia
| 1 Jul 2010
Armenian parliament 10 June passed controversial amendments to law on television and radio regulating mandatory transition to digital broadcasting. Media watchdogs, OSCE, U.S., rights groups denounced measure, claiming it allowed govt to reduce plurality of media, prevent emergence of independent broadcasters.
Armenia
| 1 Jun 2010
Yerevan court 4 May sentenced former senior Defence Ministry official Armen Sarkisian to 2 years in prison, gave his former subordinate and accomplice 1 year suspended jail term for leaking in Dec 2009 secret govt order sanctioning military’s involvement in suppressing 2008 post-election protests. Directive issued Feb 2008 amidst opposition demonstrations in Yerevan and gave specially created command structure unlimited control over military units in capital. Highest criminal court 5 May rejected appeals against 2 lower-court rulings, upholding 3.5 year jail term of opposition leader Nikol Pashinian sentenced for alleged role in 2008 post-election unrest.
Armenia
| 1 May 2010
In 24 Apr statement on anniversary of 1915 Ottoman killings of Armenians, U.S. President Obama avoided term “genocide”, described events using Armenian phrase “Meds Yeghern” meaning “Great Calamity”.
Armenia
| 1 Apr 2010
Armenian investigation into 10 Jan parliamentary bi-election, condemned by opposition and observers as fraudulent, concluded 19 Feb, finding no evidence of wrongdoing. Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe early month stated intention to raise case of jailed opposition member and losing candidate Nikol Pashinian during spring visit to Yerevan.
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Armenia
| 1 Mar 2010
Armenian investigation into 10 Jan parliamentary bi-election, condemned by opposition and observers as fraudulent, concluded 19 Feb, finding no evidence of wrongdoing. Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe early month stated intention to raise case of jailed opposition member and losing candidate Nikol Pashinian during spring visit to Yerevan.
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Armenia
| 1 Feb 2010
In defeat viewed as demoralizing for opposition, jailed Armenian National Congress (HAK) candidate Nikol Pashinian lost 10 Jan parliamentary bi-election; polls condemned by opposition, U.S. observer mission and media as fraudulent, marred by violence. Pashinian given 7-year jail sentence 19 Jan for role in March 2008 post-election violence. Govt engaged in high-level meetings with Russia on issues including rapprochement with Turkey and Nagorno-Karabakh 12, 19 Jan.
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Armenia
| 4 Jan 2010
14 opposition parties appealed to Constitutional Court 3 Dec to declare 10 Oct rapprochement protocols with Turkey unconstitutional; Armenian National Congress (HAK) did not participate. Tensions increased ahead of 10 Jan parliamentary by-election: state prosecutors 22 Dec demanded 8 years in prison for HAK candidate Nikol Pashinian, on trial for alleged role in March 2008 post-election violence. Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly 21 Dec criticised govt report justifying use of force against protesters following 2008 elections, demanded new inquiry.
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Armenia
| 1 Dec 2009
Opposition Armenian National Council (HAK) leader and former president Ter-Petrossian 11 Nov suggested readiness to recognise President Sarkisian’s legitimacy if govt cooperates with opposition; also denounced “extreme nationalist” demands for land claims against Turkey. Sarkisian 19 Nov formally submitted 10 Oct Turkey rapprochement protocols to Constitutional Court, which must rule on constitutionality before protocols can go to parliament for ratification. Court 23 Nov released opposition journalist Nikol Pashinian, on trial for alleged role in March 2008 post-election violence, removed bar on his candidacy in Jan parliamentary by-election. NATO special representative to South Caucasus 6 Nov announced Armenian troops to go to Afghanistan 2010.
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Armenia
| 1 Nov 2009
Internal consultations on rapprochement with Turkey continued with public hearings in parliament 1 Oct; opposition parties continued to reject agreements. President Sarkisian met with protests early month during tour to discuss deal with diaspora communities in U.S., Europe, Russia, Lebanon. Opposition journalist Nikol Pashinian went on trial 20 Oct for alleged role in March 2008 unrest.
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Armenia
| 1 Oct 2009
As part of planned internal political consultations, President Sarkisian held meeting with over 50 opposition leaders 17 Sept regarding rapprochement process with Turkey (see Armenia/Turkey). Meeting boycotted by Heritage party, which is calling for referendum on issue, and Armenian National Congress (HAK). Rapprochement agreement drew criticism from number of sources over month including hardline Dashnaksutiun party; and support including from prominent genocide scholar. Addressing thousands attending HAK rally 18 Sept, former President Ter-Petrosian called for opposition unity.
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Armenia
| 1 Sep 2009
Armenian National Congress 21 Aug accused ad hoc committee investigating March 2008 post-election violence of stalling final report; parliament speaker 22 Aug said committee must present report by 15 Sept. Senior police officer charged with excessive force during post-election violence by Special Investigation Service. Hardline Dashnaksutyun party 25 Aug said process of Armenian-Turkish normalisation poses “serious dangers” for Armenia (see Armenia/Turkey).
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Armenia
| 1 Aug 2009
Opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) 13 July issued statement of concern over govt concessions in revised Madrid Principles forming basis for continuing talks on resolving Karabakh conflict (See Nagorno-Karabakh). Hardline nationalist Dashnaksutiun party 14 July demanded resignation of FM Nalbandian for “failed” Karabakh policy. Nalbandian 20 July said Yerevan has not endorsed Madrid Principles, regards them as “basis for negotiations”. Fugitive opposition journalist Nikol Pashinian jailed after turning himself in 1 July; opposition said his arrest contrary to 19 June amnesty, reflects ongoing “political vendetta”.
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For background, see Crisis Group Europe Briefing N° 48, Armenia: Picking up the Pieces, 8 April 2008.
Armenia
| 1 Jul 2009
President Sarkisian’s Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) won 31 May Yerevan municipal election with over 46% of vote (35 of 65 Council seats), defeating coalition member Prosperous Armenia (22%, 17 seats) and opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) candidate Ter-Petrosian (3rd with 17%, 13 seats). 2 main opposition groups claimed fraud; HAK 1 June vowed to boycott municipal council in front of rally of some 10,000. President Sarkisian 8 June dissolved task force investigating March 2008 post-election violence citing problems due to members’ political differences. Following 19 June parliamentary approval of general prisoner amnesty, some 28 opposition members released. U.S. reduced foreign assistance to Armenia citing slow progress on democratization.
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For background, see Crisis Group Europe Briefing N° 48, Armenia: Picking up the Pieces, 8 Apr. 2008.
Armenia
| 1 Jun 2009
Campaigning for 31 May Yerevan mayoral election, 1st in nearly 2 decades, began 2 May. Defence Minister Ohanian 6 May said Armenia pulled out of NATO exercises in Georgia due to NATO support for Azerbaijan in NK conflict. Armenia began importing natural gas from Iran.
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For background, see Crisis Group Europe Briefing N° 48, Armenia: Picking up the Pieces, 8 Apr. 2008.
Armenia
| 1 May 2009
Nationalist Dashnaktsutiun party 25 Apr quit 4-party coalition govt in protest at perceived concessions to Turkey. Coup attempt charges against opposition activists on trial for March 2008 post-election violence dropped 1 Apr; to be tried for “inciting mass disturbances”.
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Armenia
| 1 Apr 2009
Former President Ter-Petrosian 1 March addressed first opposition rally since Oct, commemorating 1-yr anniversary of clashes between security forces, opposition. Rally passed without incident; opposition claimed turnout 100,000, authorities said 10,000. Opposition Armenian National Congress 15 March nominated Ter-Petrosian as candidate for 31 May Yerevan mayoral elections; Heritage Party 23 March announced support. Following increasing pressure on fixed exchange rate, Central Bank 3 March let dram float against dollar: initially depreciated 30%, causing panic-buying, price increases.
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For background, see Crisis Group Europe Briefing N° 48, Armenia: Picking up the Pieces, 8 Apr. 2008.
Armenia
| 1 Mar 2009
Umbrella opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) 9 Feb announced resumption of protests, suspended Oct by opposition leader Ter-Petrossian. 1st rally took place on 1 Mar anniversary of 2008 post-election violence, despite official ban; thousands participated, demanding early elections. Trial of 7 opposition members accused of instigating violence adjourned again. Deputy police chief shot dead 3 Feb outside Yerevan home. Following late-Jan Davos meeting between President Sarkisian and Turkish PM Erdogan, Sarkisian and FM met with Turkish FM Babacan 7 Feb in Munich for talks on normalising relations.
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For background, see Crisis Group Europe Briefing N° 48, Armenia: Picking up the Pieces, 8 Apr. 2008.
Armenia
| 1 Feb 2009
Following mid-month visit to Armenia by members of its monitoring committee, Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) 27 Jan adopted resolution expressing concern over persons detained following March 2008 post-election violence, but decided not to apply sanctions at this stage. Govt 13 Jan pardoned 9 more prisoners who had appealed for amnesty; around 60 remain in prison. Trial of 7 opposition members accused of instigating post-election violence repeatedly adjourned after defendants refused to stand for judge. Ombudsman 19 Jan criticized “excessive force” by riot police dispersing over 200 opposition supporters outside court 16 Jan. European Court of Human Rights 13 Jan ruled arrest of 3 opposition supporters contravenes freedom of assembly rules. Opposition 9 Jan threatened parliamentary boycott in protest at govt’s failure to address post-election crisis. After Turkish FM Babacan 16 Jan said Turkey and Armenia “never closer” to plan on normalizing relations, FM Nalbandian said Armenian position unchanged.
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For background, see Crisis Group Europe Briefing N° 48, Armenia: Picking up the Pieces, 8 Apr. 2008.
Armenia
| 5 Jan 2009
PACE Monitoring Mission 18 Dec criticised slow progress of investigation of March post-election violence, threatened to lift Armenian PACE voting rights. Trial of 7 opposition members accused of instigating March violence, including ex-FM Arzumanyan, started 19 Dec. President Sarkisian and Russian Gazprom chief Miller 1 Dec inaugurated gas pipeline from Iran.
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For background, see Crisis Group Europe Briefing N° 48, Armenia: Picking up the Pieces, 8 Apr. 2008.
Items 1 - 50 of 101