Armenian Prime Minister Wins Re-election Despite Russian Pressure, Trump Praises Victory

(Central News Agency, Washington, 10th - International News) U.S. President Donald Trump today congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's 'Civil Contract' party on its 'decisive victory' in the weekend election.

According to Reuters, despite international election observers citing blatant Russian interference, Pashinyan's party won 49.8% of the vote in the 7th's ballot, sufficient under Armenia's electoral system to secure a parliamentary majority.

Trump posted on social media: 'I am proud to have endorsed his re-election. Without a doubt, under his leadership, beautiful Armenia will achieve greatness and success beyond anyone's expectations!'

Moscow, which once ruled the South Caucasus nation, is now intensifying pressure on Armenia. Since coming to power in 2018, Pashinyan has pursued EU membership and deepened relations with Washington.

Russia, which has imposed extensive trade restrictions on Armenia, accused Western nations of interfering in the vote and joined Armenian opposition groups in alleging election irregularities.

Russia stated today that Armenia must soon resolve whether it will continue to remain in the military alliance and another independent economic bloc composed of former Soviet states.

TASS reported on the 11th, citing the head of Russia's agricultural regulatory agency, that Russia has requested Armenia to suspend certification for all Armenian products entering the Russian market except for two fish exporters, and has already shifted trout procurement sources to Iran and Turkey. (Translation: Li Pei-shan) 1150611