Thousands of residents in Armenia’s border regions took to the streets to protest the government’s border demarcation process with Azerbaijan, blocking major highways and demanding the resignation of officials.
Protest Escalation
The demonstrations centered in Syunik and Gegharkunik provinces:
- Over 5,000 protesters blocked the Goris-Kapan highway
- Mayors of 12 border villages joined demonstrations
- Opposition parties called for nationwide strikes
- Police deployed but avoided confrontations
Several Armenian villages risk being surrounded on three sides by Azerbaijani territory under proposed demarcation plans.
Villagers’ Concerns
They want us to give up our pastures, our water sources, even our cemetery. How can we survive surrounded by those who consider us enemies?
Key issues raised by protesters:
- Security fears - Villages would become indefensible
- Economic impact - Loss of agricultural lands
- Water access - Springs falling under Azerbaijani control
- Historical sites - Churches and monuments at risk
Government Response
PM Pashinyan defended the demarcation process:
“We must establish internationally recognized borders to ensure long-term peace. The alternative is perpetual conflict.”
However, local officials expressed sympathy with protesters:
- Several mayors threatened to resign
- Regional governors called for process revision
- Military veterans joined demonstrations
International Mediation
The EU announced a new initiative to support the demarcation process with technical assistance, while Russia expressed concerns about excluding its peacekeepers from the discussions.