Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met in Munich on February 17 with the mediation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. According to Azerbaijan's APA news agency, Scholz left the room at some point and the meeting continued in bilateral format. Afterwards, the sides expressed satisfaction with the meeting but offered few specifics on a way forward. It was the first meeting between the two leaders since last July, though they did have a brief encounter at a CIS summit in December.

Ani Avetisyan, Author at OC Media

Ani Avetisyan is a journalist with a background in storytelling and photography, who has transitioned into the realm of data journalism and fact-checking. With a focus on open-source investigations and data visualisation, Ani has developed a strong interest in the political dynamics of the South Caucasus region as well as in 20th century world history. Her work involves a meticulous approach to gathering and analysing information, ensuring that her reporting is grounded in verifiable data.

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Mission Incomplete: Armenian Police Reforms

The article discusses the police reforms in Armenia, initiated by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, aimed at establishing the rule of law and transforming the police force. Despite the promising start, the reforms have been marred by setbacks, including the 2020 war and allegations of continued police brutality. The old perception of the police as corrupt and violent persists, with international organizations like Human Rights Watch and the European Court of Human Rights highlighting past abuses. The Pashinyan government's appointment of Vahe Ghazaryan as Minister of Interior led to NGOs withdrawing from the reform process. The newly established Patrol Police Service initially increased public trust, but recent incidents suggest a return to brutal practices. The article cites increased reports of human rights violations by the police and instances of violence against civilians, opposition MPs, and lawyers, indicating a failure in the reform agenda.

The Blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh's Lifeline: An Energy Crisis Amidst Political Tensions

The article discusses the energy crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh following the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, its only connection to Armenia. Since the 2020 Artsakh War, Nagorno-Karabakh has lost most of its hydropower plants and became dependent on energy imports from Armenia. The blockade has led to rolling power cuts and disruptions in natural gas supply, with Azerbaijan controlling the infrastructure. The region's economy is heavily reliant on Armenia, and the blockade has made it vulnerable, allowing Azerbaijan to potentially weaponize the energy supply. The situation has forced the local population to resort to firewood for heating, and has disrupted essential services, including healthcare and education. Before the war, Nagorno-Karabakh was exporting electricity to Armenia, but the war and subsequent loss of territories and hydropower plants have drastically reduced its capacity to do so.