Onnik James Krikorian
Onnik James Krikorian is a journalist and consultant from the United Kingdom who has been based in the South Caucasus since 1998. He has worked for British regional, national and international media and covered the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict since 1994. He has also worked in a consultancy capacity for international intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations on conflict, minorities, media, social vulnerability, and countering violent extremism in Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. He regularly writes articles and analysis for a variety of regional and international publications.
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Articles by Onnik James Krikorian
New Armenia-U.S. Partnership On Pause
Executive Summary: The Charter of Strategic Partnership between Armenia and the United States, signed in January 2024 under the then-outgoing administration, aligns with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s strategy to reduce
Armenia Moves Toward Europe While Still Dependent on Russia
Executive Summary: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has signaled plans to pursue EU membership, which Moscow views as an attempt by Brussels and Washington D.C. to fully replace it. Armenia’s
Azerbaijan Seeks End to EU Mission in Armenia as Pashinyan Offers Border Compromise
Executive Summary: Russia’s Federal Security Service border guards left Armenia’s border checkpoint with Iran on December 30. Even though Russian guards will remain elsewhere on the entire stretch of the
Pashinyan’s Fresh-Faced Populism Signals Start of Armenian Election Cycle
Executive Summary: As Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s ratings continue to decline, a viral video of him shaving has been interpreted as the start of the government’s preparations for the
Armenia and Azerbaijan Weigh in as Ruling Georgian Party Claims Controversial Victory
Executive Summary: The ruling Georgian Dream secured re-election for another four-year term, and ethnic Azerbaijani and Armenian populations in Georgia, who tend to support the ruling party, were blamed by
Militant Groups Resurface in Armenia’s Struggle Against Radicalization
Executive Summary: Last month, Armenia arrested several individuals accused of recruiting others to stage a coup in the country. The group has a history of recruiting Armenian citizens as foreign
Pashinyan Press Conference Highlights Progress and Pitfalls in Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Talks
Executive Summary: Pressure on Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to deliver a peace agreement with Azerbaijan before the 2026 parliamentary elections is mounting, driven by questions surrounding the longevity of
Armenia Ends Russian Oversight at Yerevan Airport as Security Concerns Persist
Executive Summary: On July 31, the Russian border guards deployed to Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport formally ceased operations. The following day, the airport became the sole responsibility of units from
Armenia Looks West to Reduce Nuclear Energy Dependency on Russia
Executive Summary Armenia plans to replace its aging Soviet-era Metsamor nuclear reactor by 2036 and is currently engaged in talks with other countries, including Russia and the United States, to
Constitutional Delay in Armenia Threatens to Derail Peace Talks With Azerbaijan
Executive Summary: In June, Baku reiterated its demand that any peace agreement must explicitly address changes in the Armenian Constitution, including the removal of what Azerbaijan and Türkiye perceive as
Tensions Increase as Prime Minister and Church Leaders Clash in Armenia
Executive Summary: Protests that initially opposed border delimitation and demarcation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan have since become focused on removing Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan from office. The demonstrations
Clergy-Led Demonstrations Raise Concerns Over Separation of Church and State in Armenia
Executive Summary: Thousands of protestors demand an end to the delimitation and demarcation of the Gazakh–Tavush border between Armenia and Azerbaijan while pushing to remove Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan
Pashinyan Emphasizes Potential in Normalizing Relations With Türkiye
Executive Summary: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan described any breakthrough in normalizing relations with Türkiye as “epoch-making” for the region. Armenia has displayed a willingness to take criticism from Türkiye
Armenian Government Faces Domestic Pressure Over Handling of Border Dispute
Executive Summary: Armenia and Azerbaijan’s recent discussion of the ownership of four border villages has stoked tensions regarding both countries’ territorial integrity. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has voiced his
European Mission in Armenia Completes Its First Year Amid Regional Tensions
Executive Summary: The European Mission in Armenia (EUMA) marked its first anniversary in Armenia on February 20 with its presence facing several challenges from Baku and Moscow. The European Union
Pashinyan Reignites Constitutional Reform Debate Amid Declining Ratings
Executive Summary: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has returned to proposals for extensive constitutional reforms, citing the need for a new constitution to enhance Armenia’s competitiveness amid changing geopolitical conditions.
Baku, Yerevan, and Moscow Clash Over Regional Transit
Executive Summary: Frustrations in Baku, Yerevan, and Moscow are growing over delays in Armenian-Azerbaijani peace negotiations, as key differences remain on unblocking regional transit corridors. Azerbaijan remains committed to opening