15 Dec 2020 | 10:34 PM UTC
Armenia: Period of national mourning to be observed Dec. 19-21
Armenia declares three-day mourning period Dec. 19-21 following recent conflict. Commemorative events likely to prompt disruptions.
Event
Armenian authorities have declared a national mourning period Dec. 19-21 to commemorate those killed in the country's recent conflict with neighboring Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Official memorial events will take place in urban centers around the country, the largest of which will likely be a march in Yerevan Dec. 19; the procession will begin in Republic Square and proceed to the Yerablur Military Memorial Cemetery.
Associated road closures and traffic detours will probably prompt localized disruptions near scheduled memorial events. Given that several political opposition parties are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, whom they blame for Armenia’s defeat in the conflict, protests could occur near any gatherings attended by senior government figures. Related crowd-control measures, including movement restrictions and security cordons, could exacerbate any disruptions in the vicinity.
Advice
Check route status in major cities before travel. Plan accordingly for possible traffic disruptions in city centers and allow additional time to reach destinations. Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution.
