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The Federal Foreign Office on the situation in Armenia
A Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson issued the following statement today (23 April) on the current situation in Armenia:
The Federal Government is closely monitoring the development of the domestic political situation in Armenia. The transition from a semi presidential to a parliamentary system is bound up with hopes and expectations in broad sections of Armenian society that should not be disappointed.
The non violent conduct of the demonstrations in Yerevan and other Armenian cities in recent days is a sign for us that Armenian society intends to shape its future peacefully and with respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Following the resignation of Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan, which was announced today, we call on all sides to exercise restraint and to be willing to enter into dialogue in the coming days.
Background information:
Armenia has been undergoing a transition from a semi presidential to a parliamentary system since 2015. As part of this process, the Parliament will be accorded greater powers while the head of state will play a predominantly representative role. The final steps in this process were the election of the new President Armen Sarkissian on 2 March by the Parliament (Sarkissian took office on 9 April), as well as the election of the previous President Serzh Sargsyan as Prime Minister on 17 April. The election of the former President as head of government has triggered social protests in Armenia in recent days, prompting him to resign on 23 April.