ANCA is convinced: Armenia`s Peaceful, Democratic, Constitutional  Transition Strengthens U.S.-Armenia Partnership- ANCA Promoting  Expansion of Bilateral Political, Economic, and Military Ties 

ArmInfo.ANCA: WASHINGTON, DC - Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Executive Director Aram Hamparian issued the following statement upon the election of Nikol Pashinyan as the Republic of Armenia's Prime Minister earlier today. 

"Armenia's peaceful, constitutional, domestically-driven political  transition - through today's election of Nikol Pashinyan as Armenia's  Prime Minister - has been welcomed across the Washington, DC foreign  policy community:  -- Raising Armenia's profile among U.S.  policymakers as an independent, reliable, and democratic partner in  advancing shared regional and international priorities.  --  Sharpening the contrast between Armenia's progress (despite dual  blockades by Baku and Ankara) and the deepening democratic deficits  in neighboring Azerbaijan and Turkey. 

-- Fostering a more conducive environment for a Double Tax Treaty, a  Millennium Challenge grant, non-stop LA to Yerevan flights, and other  ANCA-backed U.S. kick- starters for growth in bilateral trade and  investment.    -- Raising international investor confidence in Armenia as a stable,  reliable, safe, law- based, and profitable place to do business,  within the Armenian market and as a platform to Eurasia and the  Greater Middle East.  -- Opening the door to Artsakh's long-overdue  return to constructive participation in the ongoing OSCE Minsk Group  talks to resolve Artsakh-Azerbaijan status and security issues.  --  Creating new opportunities for the expansion of U.S.-Armenia military  dialogue and cooperation, including financial, training, and  logistical support for Armenia's international peace-keeping  capabilities." 

Nikol Pashinyan was elected Prime Minister with a vote of 59 to 42.   The election capped several weeks of peaceful, primarily youth-led  protests by hundreds of thousands throughout Armenia, which led to  the resignation of former Prime Minister Serge Sargisyan, who had  held the position for a mere six days.  Pashinyan was elected based  on a platform of democratic and economic reform, pledging to hold  fresh parliamentary elections.  Pashinyan has promised to continue  the peaceful negotiations for the resolution of the  Artsakh-Azerbaijan status and security issues, stressing the  importance of Artsakh's full return to the negotiating process, and  pledged to continue Armenia's efforts toward international  recognition of the Armenian Genocide.    Pashinyan's government, according to the new Prime Minister, will  also work to advance women's rights in Armenia and work to engage  more women in government. He also stressed the importance of the  Armenian Diaspora and the significant role it will play in Armenia's  future.