Armenian Archbishop Leads Protest March Against Border Concessions

Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, Primate of the Tavush Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, has announced a protest march from the Armenian border village of Kirants to the capital Yerevan. The march, organized by the Tavush for the Homeland movement, aims to demand an end to what protesters claim are illegal border delimitation and demarcation processes with Azerbaijan in Tavush Province and other parts of Armenia.

Why this matters: The border demarcation process has significant implications for Armenia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the government's handling of the issue could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and security. The protest march highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the decision-making process, ensuring that the interests of the Armenian people are protected.

The march comes in response to what Archbishop Galstanyan and other critics say are unilateral territorial concessions being made by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government to Azerbaijan. "This process has to stop," said Fr. Bagrat, stressing that border delimitation and demarcation should comply with Armenian laws and international agreements.

Led by political analyst Suren Petrosyan and opposition MP Garnik Danielyan, the protesters will set out from Kirants, aiming to reach Yerevan by May 9. "Unilateral decisions and attempts to mislead people must be ruled out. We know that the mine clearance has already started, but it cannot prevent us from voicing our demands and achieving our goal," noted Fr. Bagrat.

The situation in Kirants has been tense in recent days, with police forces blocking roads leading to the village and reports of altercations between law enforcement and the primate of the Tavush diocese. The Armenian police have denied allegations of beating residents detained in Kirants.

Opposition figures have strongly criticized the government's handling of the border issue. Suren Petrosyan, Chairman of the Democratic Consolidation party, stated that "what happened in the morning in the village of Kirants, Tavush region of Armenia, cannot fit into the head of any Armenian." Artsvik Minasyan, Secretary of the opposition faction Armenia, accused Prime Minister Pashinyan of using police violence against Kirants residents.

The border demarcation process with Azerbaijan has been a contentious issue in Armenia. While Prime Minister Pashinyan has explained that the delimitation is being carried out based on certain criteria, the opposition has questioned whether the government has the necessary documents to proceed. The protest march from Kirants to Yerevan aims to draw attention to the issue and pressure the government to halt the process pending more transparent and inclusive negotiations with Azerbaijan.

Key Takeaways

• Armenian Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan leads protest march from Kirants to Yerevan against border demarcation with Azerbaijan.
• Protesters demand end to "illegal" border delimitation and demarcation processes in Tavush Province and other parts of Armenia.
• Government accused of making unilateral territorial concessions to Azerbaijan, sparking concerns over sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Protest march aims to pressure government to halt demarcation process pending more transparent and inclusive negotiations with Azerbaijan.
• Opposition figures criticize government's handling of border issue, accusing it of using police violence against Kirants residents.