Show Notes

🇦🇲 Armenian News Network / Groong

Week in Review – Episode 418

📅 Recorded: February 24, 2025
🎙 Hosts: Hovik Manucharyan, Asbed Bedrossian
🎙 Guest: Arthur G. Martirosyan (International Conflict Specialist, CM Partners)

📌 Main Topics Addressed

Ukraine Negotiations in Riyadh – The evolving geopolitical situation as Trump engages in direct negotiations with Russia while sidelining Ukraine and Europe.
Edgar Ghazaryan Harassed by the Government – The Armenian government escalates its crackdown on opposition voices with criminal charges against Ghazaryan, including travel restrictions and speech limitations.
Robert Kocharyan’s Press Conference – Key takeaways from the former Armenian president’s four-hour press conference, including his stance on Artsakh, negotiations with Azerbaijan, and Russia’s role.
Yerevan Bus Fare Controversy – Public outcry over radical increases in public transportation fares and how opposition figures are leveraging the discontent.

🔍 Key Questions Discussed

Ukraine Negotiations in Riyadh

What accounts for the dramatic change in Trump’s rhetoric towards Ukraine?
What are Trump’s negotiating positions regarding Russia, Ukraine, and Europe?
What are Russia’s red lines in the negotiation process?
Why is the EU hesitant to push for peace?
Can Turkey act as a security guarantor for Ukraine?

Edgar Ghazaryan’s Case

Why is the Armenian government cracking down on opposition speech now?
What are the legal and political implications of restricting opposition voices?

Robert Kocharyan’s Political Strategy

Is Kocharyan signaling to Russia that he would reverse Armenia’s current negotiation strategy if he were to return to power?
How does Kocharyan’s stance on the November 2020 agreement contrast with the current Armenian government’s position?

Iran, Russia, and the “Zangezur Corridor”

What are the fundamental differences between Iran and Russia regarding the corridor?
Could Kocharyan’s policies align Russia and Iran more closely on this issue?

Yerevan Bus Fare Protests

Can the discontent over public transportation costs evolve into a larger anti-government movement?
How is the opposition engaging with these protests?

🔗 Referenced Articles & Sources

📢 Listen to the full episode: https://podcasts.groong.org/418

Thoughts from the Participants

Arthur: A pro-Turkish candidate in the Abkhazian elections has emerged, and Turkey is mobilizing its diaspora. The lack of Armenian diplomatic engagement on this issue is concerning, as is Armenia’s role in protecting Armenians abroad.
Hovik: Edgar Ghazaryan’s satirical show “Ghazaryan vs. Ghazaryan”, parodies Armenian Public TV interviews and has gained more views than the original content.

Wrap-up

Links and Resources

That’s our Week in Review, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can find us on most social media and podcast platforms.

Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.

Arthur G Martirosyan - Ukraine, Edgar Ghazaryan, Robert Kocharyan, Yerevan Bus Fares | Ep 418, Feb 23, 2025 [EP418]

Groong Links:

Guest:

Topics: