Innovative activism makes a difference in Armenia: The GuardianJanuary 9, 2019 - 10:33 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An exciting wave of innovative activism is emerging across the former Soviet Union -from Russia to Armenia to Belarus - The Guardian says in a fresh article about a surge in online justice campaigns which is making a difference. "In Armenia, the optimism and energy of young civil society is contagious, says the author of the article Barbara von Ow-Freytag, a Brussels-based writer and political scientist. "Anyone still convinced that all is doom and gloom in the post‑Soviet era should pay a visit. "Last year, young tech-savvy activists played a key part in encouraging citizens to take to the streets – a grassroots mobilisation that led to the resignation of the prime minister. "Their communication skills also ensured the protests remained peaceful." Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across Armenia to demand the resignation of then authorities in April-May 2018. As a result, campaign leader Nikol Pashinyan was elected the new Prime Minister, and a new Parliament was formed in elections in December 2018. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |