US president Donald Trump congratulated Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan on his Civil Contract party’s “decisive victory” in the recent national election despite alleged interference by Russia. Mr Pashinyan’s party secured a parliamentary majority with 49.8 per cent of the vote. “I was very proud to have endorsed him for re-election,” Mr Trump posted on social media, “and have no doubt that, with him as the leader of the beautiful country of Armenia, it’ll attain levels of greatness and success beyond everyone’s wildest expectations!” The
re-election came amid escalating pressure from Russia on the South Caucasus nation, which Moscow once governed. Since taking power in 2018, Mr Pashinyan has pursued European Union membership and fostered closer ties with Washington. Russia, which has imposed wide-ranging trade restrictions on Armenia, accused the West of interfering in the vote and joined the country’s opposition in alleging election violations. On Wednesday, Moscow said the question of whether Armenia remained part of both a military alliance of former Soviet states and a separate economic grouping
must be settled quickly. Russia has also requested suspension of certification for most Armenian fish exporters, shifting trout sourcing to Iran and Turkey, the TASS news agency reported, citing agriculture watchdog chief Sergei Dankvert.
Donald Trump, Nikol Pashinyan, Civil Contract, Armenia election, Russia pressure, European Union membership, Washington ties, trade restrictions, fish exporters certification, Sergei Dankvert, TASS
So Russia wants the fish certification stopped??
Wild that Trump is congratulating him while Russia is “tightening pressure.” I don’t even get how an election can be interference if it’s already like, a win, y’know? Also the trout thing sounds insane like they’re just doing trade war stuff.
Wait… isn’t Armenia already kind of in Russia’s stuff? I read “military alliance” and thought that meant they’re basically still controlled by Moscow. If they’re trying to join the EU and Washington, Russia cracking down makes sense but the article makes it sound like the fish export certificate is the main issue??
Trump congratulated him like it’s a good thing the Russians are accusing the West. Typical. Half these ‘election interference’ stories are just politics anyway. And now Russia wants to settle whether they’re in some alliance quick… but who even cares about “certification for fish” like it’s not the real power. Sounds like both sides just throwing everything at each other.