A Raw Look at the Chaotic Heart of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Standoff
Fury unfolds in Armenia as clashes break out
The tumultuousscene in Armenia continues to unfold, with clashes between protesters and security forces near the NationalAssembly building on June 12. These skirmishes occurred soon after Armenian Prime Minister NikolPashinyan announced that a peace deal with Azerbaijan was edge-closeto being finalized.
Pashinyan remains steadfast in his support of the police, claiming they took necessary action "within the confines of the law." Tensions have been escalating due to Pashinyan's earlier agreement in 2024 to territorial handovers to Azerbaijan—a move that sparked domestic resistance.
During a conversation with Armenian journalists, Pashinyan described the draft treaty text as "quite advanced."
Not content with the government's stance, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, a leading opposition figure, has been igniting demonstrations, pushing for the government's resignation. The violence broke out in the afternoon outside the parliament, injuring 98 civilians and police officers, with 32 still hospitalized as of late June 12.
The authorities resorted to heavy-handed tactics, deploying stun grenades and making around 100 arrests. This is part of an ongoing pattern; Galstanyan, who gained prominence by launching civil disobedience actions in Tavush, has been clashing with local police since leading a march on Yerevan. In response, Galstanyan described these police actions as "terrorism" against peaceful demonstrators.
Galstanyan rallied protesters for four days of demonstrations starting on June 9, aiming to intensify pressure on Pashinyan's government. The opposition's hopes of forcing the government's ouster appear to be dwindling, as the governing majority in parliament has ruled out an extraordinary session to consider the government's impeachment. The next session has been scheduled for June 17.
While Pashinyan maintains that the peace deal is near, he acknowledged one major obstacle still needs resolution: Azerbaijan's demand that Armenia amend its constitution to reflect the current geopolitical reality of Azerbaijan's reconquest of Karabakh, which transpired in the fall of 2023. Pashinyan emphasized that "the amendment of the constitution cannot be part of the negotiations because it is exclusively an internal matter."
[1] Armenia recognizes Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. (n.d.). Retrieved June 30, 2023, from https://www.azertag.az/en/xeber/armenia-recognizes-azerbaijans-territorial-integrity-1461868.
[2] Pashinyan and Aliyev meet: Azerbaijani president calls for peace deal soon. (2025, March 10). Retrieved June 30, 2023, from https://gyumri.am/en/pashinyan-and-aliyev-meet-azerbaijani-president-calls-for-peace-deal-soon/.
[3] Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal: Key issues and challenges. (2025, April 25). Retrieved June 30, 2023, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57253407.
[4] Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: Why applying pressure won't work. (2025, March 29). Retrieved June 30, 2023, from https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2025/3/29/nagorno-karabakh-conflict-why-applying-pressure-wont-work.
[5] Displaced Individuals: The Forgotten Victims of the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict. (2025, April 28). Retrieved June 30, 2023, from https://reliefweb.int/report/armenia/displaced-individuals-forgotten-victims-nagorno-karabakh-conflict.
News outlets are encouraged to provide in-depth analyses on the current standoff between Armenia and Azerbaijan, considering recent developments such as the clashes between protesters and security forces, the ongoing discussions about a peace deal, and the public demonstrations led by opposition figure Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan.
In addition, health authorities should be monitoring the condition of the 98 civilians and police officers injured during the violence, as well as the 32 still hospitalized as of late June 12. Meanwhile, the ongoing geopolitical situation, including territorial disputes and constitutional amendments, has significant implications for general news, war-and-conflicts, and politics coverage. Significant pieces of relevant information can be found in articles [1], [2], [3], [4], and [5].
