Armenian opposition leader Pashinyan elected as new PM

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Armenia's parliament on Tuesday elected opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan as prime minister after he spearheaded weeks of mass protests against the ruling party, transforming the country's political landscape.

Lawmakers voted 59 to 42 in approval of Pashinyan for the job, after the ruling Republican Party came around to backing his premiership bid on his second attempt.

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The party narrowly voted him down last week, plunging the Caucasus nation into its most serious political crisis in years.

"My first work after my election will be ensuring a normal life in the country," Pashinyan said ahead of the vote. "There will be no corruption in Armenia. Armenia will once and for all turn the page of political persecutions."

Nikol Pashinyan (L), leader of the 'Way Out' Alliance (Yelk) Party, attends a special meeting of the Armenian National Assembly to discuss electing Armenia's new Prime Minister, May 8, 2018. /VCG Photo‍

The 42 year-old added that Armenia's relations with Russia will "remain a priority".

"Military cooperation with Russia is an important factor in ensuring our country's security," Pashinyan said, referring to a two-decade long conflict his country is locked in with neighboring Azerbaijan.

People gather to support the opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan who attends the election of the RA Prime Minister at the special sitting of the National Assembly of Armenia, at the Republic Square in Yerevan, Armenia, May 08, 2018. /VCG Photo

"We will [also] be developing relations with European countries and the United States, with Iran and Georgia, China and India," he added.

Source(s): AFP