Pashinyan launches new diplomatic efforts amid crisis; Nagorno elects new President [Updated]

Amid escalating tensions in the Nagorno-Karabakh region and strained relations with Russia, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has been at the forefront of diplomatic efforts, initiating critical phone calls with world leaders. These diplomatic efforts come against a significant development in the internationally unrecognized Artsakh, which has elected Samvel Sergeyi Shahramanian as its new leader.

According to Armenpress, in his conversation with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, the Armenian Prime Minister discussed the worsening humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, mainly as a result of the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor and the growing military presence of Azerbaijani troops. Pashinyan reaffirmed his commitment to previous agreements and expressed his desire for urgent talks with the Azerbaijani president to reduce tensions. Bilateral relations between Armenia and Iran were also discussed.

Pashinyan's dialogue with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Olaf Scholz, revolved around similar concerns. He reiterated Armenia's position on resolving conflicts through diplomacy, while Chancellor Scholz promised to support peace efforts in the region.

The Armenian Prime Minister's discourse with French President Emmanuel Macron echoed these concerns, emphasizing the humanitarian plight in Nagorno-Karabakh. Both leaders agreed to establish peace and stability in the affected region.

At the same time, the political landscape of Nagorno-Karabakh is changing. The National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh convened a special session, resulting in the election of Samvel Sergeyi Shahramanian as the new president. With the support of 22 out of 23 deputies, his inauguration is scheduled for September 10, marking a new chapter for the Republic of Artsakh in these turbulent times.

Phone conversation with Blinken

In a new development, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke by phone on September 9 with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
PM Pashinyan and Secretary Blinken discussed the worsening humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the illegal blocking of the Lachin Corridor, the accumulation of Azerbaijani troops around Nagorno-Karabakh, and the increasing tension on the Armenia-Azerbaijan state border, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a readout, the Armenpress reports.
Prime Minister Pashinyan once again emphasized his commitment to settling all issues exclusively through diplomacy and in a constructive atmosphere, based on the agreements reached on October 6, 2022, in Prague and on May 14, 2023, in Brussels.
Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of resolving all issues through dialogue and peaceful diplomacy and noted that the US will continue active efforts in that direction.
The Prime Minister and the US Secretary of State considered the escalation of the situation unacceptable, stressing the need to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Nikol Pashinyan stressed that he is ready to have urgent discussions with the President of Azerbaijan for this purpose.