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Serzh Sarkisyan

president of Armenia
Also known as: Serzh Sargsyan

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Serzh Sargsyan served as the president of Armenia from 2008 to 2018. During his presidency, he signed agreements aimed at resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan and normalizing relations with Turkey, though the latter accord ultimately failed. He was re-elected in 2013 amidst concerns about the fairness of the election.1

In a significant foreign policy shift, Sargsyan announced Armenia's intention to join the Russian-led Eurasian Customs Union in 2013, effectively ending efforts to deepen ties with the European Union. A constitutional referendum in 2015 transitioned Armenia from a semi-presidential to a parliamentary system, reducing the president's powers.1

Following his presidential term, Sargsyan was elected prime minister in April 2018. This move sparked widespread protests, led by Nikol Pashinyan, against what was perceived as an attempt to retain power. Sargsyan resigned as prime minister on April 23, 2018, amid escalating demonstrations.2

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