Arthur Khachatryan - Iran, US, Armenia, Fake Peace, Gyumri & Parakar Municipal Elections | Ep 425, Mar 30, 2025 [EP425]
Posted on Tuesday, Apr 1, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Elections | Series: wir
Groong Links:
Guest:
- Mr. Arthur Khachatryan, MP, Hayastan Dashinq/Armenia Alliance
Topics:
- Iran Rejects US Offer of Direct Negotiations
- Iran and Armenia Ties
- Gyumri and Parakar Municipal Elections
- Artsakh Refugee Protests in Armenia
Episode 425 | Recorded: March 31, 2025
Show Notes
Main Topics Addressed
- Iran’s rejection of U.S. offers for direct nuclear talks and its implications for Armenia.
- Strategic implications of Armenia’s shift toward the EU, and its potential impact on ties with Iran and regional security.
- Local elections in Gyumri and Parakar, and their national political significance.
- Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) refugee protests in Yerevan over unmet social and political demands.
- Analysis of the so-called “peace process” between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Key Questions Discussed
- What are the regional consequences of Iran refusing direct U.S. negotiations but staying open to indirect talks?
- Could Armenia realistically pursue a military or political alliance with Iran? What are the trade-offs?
- How do the results of the Gyumri and Parakar municipal elections reflect shifts in Armenian political sentiment?
- What does the Armenian government’s lack of response to Artsakh refugees suggest about its policy priorities?
- Is the Pashinyan administration’s proclaimed “peace deal” with Azerbaijan genuine or a political façade?
- What would a just and sustainable peace in the South Caucasus actually require?
Thoughts from the Participants
- Hovik: The horror and inhumanity being suffered by the Palestinians in the hands of Israel, and to the cheers and encouragement of Western leaders.
- Arthur: A fair peace can only be achieved with the interests of both sides taken into account. With the current government’s attitude, the only peace will be in the cemetery.
- Book on Artsakh Negotiations Volume 1 out!
Referenced Articles & Sources
- Politico – Trump threatens to bomb Iran
- RFE/RL – Iran’s diplomatic visit to Yerevan
- X (Ali Tahmizian) – Commentary on Armenia-Iran relations
- Panorama – Parakar elections results
- 1Lurer – Gyumri election preliminary results
- Facebook (Hayakve) – Gyumri post-election commentary
- RFE/RL – Arrests and political pressure during elections
- ArmRadio – Artsakh refugee protests
- RFE/RL – “Peace” deal analysis
Wrap-up
That’s our show! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on Social Media and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.
Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.
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Guests
Arthur Khachatryan
Mr. Arthur Khachatryan is an MP from the Hayastan Dashinq (Armenia alliance) and a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF Dashnaktsutyun). In the past, he has held government posts such as Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Development, Governor of Shirak, and Minister of Agriculture.
Hosts
Asbed Bedrossian
Asbed is founder of the Armenian News Network Groong and co-founder of the ANN/Groong podcast.
Hovik Manucharyan
Hovik Manucharyan is an information security engineer who moved from Seattle to Armenia in 2022. He co-founded the ANN/Groong podcast in 2020 and has been a contributor to Groong News since the late 1990s.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by Hovik Manucharyan on the ANN/Groong podcast are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of his employer or any other organization.