PACE flags rising political, religious tensions in Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - On January 26, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a resolution titled “Progress of the Assembly’s monitoring procedure,” expressing concern over tensions between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, according to PACE’s official website.

The resolution includes another reference to the Church, voicing concern over “reports about plans by several members of the clergy to seize power.”

PACE also raised alarm over extreme political polarization ahead of Armenia’s parliamentary elections, calling for improved relations between the ruling majority and the opposition to ensure an election campaign free of personal attacks between participants.

It further urged the authorities and political parties to adopt codes of conduct prohibiting hate speech.

The Assembly also took note of the Prime Minister’s intention to hold a constitutional referendum after the 2026 parliamentary elections.

PACE has also called on Azerbaijan to release all Armenians held in detention, as stated in the same resolution.