Armenia Unlocked CivilNet

Sounds of gunfire and mortar shells continue to be heard from the border towns and villages in Tavush Province in Armenia's northeast. 
The clashes that began on July 12, have now escalated to tank and drone strikes. And, with Azerbaijan’s use of Israel-built combat drones, this is now the most extensive fighting since April War of 2016. 
The latest moves are continuation of the efforts by both sides to improve their positions on the border between the two countries, particularly in the mountainous areas of Tavush in Armenia's northeast. 

On September 9, Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Amulsar gold Mine will continue to operate in Armenia’s south. This announcement comes despite year-long protests by activists and residents of nearby towns, and despite an environmental impact assessment report that warns of significant impact to the environment. Peter Liakhov, English section editor of Tbilisi-based Open Caucasus Media joins the show.
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This week’s focus is Armenia’s trade sector – the challenges, the strategies, and the solutions. Joining the conversation is Samson Avetian, the author of "Armenian Economy: the Next 25 Years". He is co-founder of Angel Investor Club of Armenia as well as an adjunct lecturer at the American University of Armenia. He has earned an MBA from Harvard University.
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Shortly after taking office, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government initiated changes within the structure of Armenia’s government, which included reducing the number of ministries from 17 to 12. It was decided that the functions of the ministry of the diaspora will be incorporated directly into the office of the Prime Minister and a position for a High Commissioner of Diaspora Affairs was created. The first person to hold this position is Zareh Sinanyan, appointed on June 14.
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On June 24, the trial of Osman Kavala and 15 other people will begin in Istanbul, Turkey. They are civil society activists who have been charged with attempting to overthrow the Turkish government by organizing and financing the 2013 Gezi Park Protests, among other charges. If found guilty, the defendants could face a possible sentence of life in prison. Nate Schenkkan, Director for Special Research at Freedom House, joins this conversation.
For more, visit: www.civilnet.am/.

Together with Eric Hacopian, we are covering the most important news in Armenia, from judicial reform to the economy. Eric Hacopian is a political analyst from Los Angeles who is currently based in Armenia.
For more, visit: www.civilnet.am/.