Every Monday, the CERESE publishes the assessment of the previous week’s news by the Research Trainees:

I like the deepening of the relations between Armenia and the European Union. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan announced that Armenia and the European Union are negotiating a New Partnership Program to deepen bilateral relations. The comprehensive agreement aims to improve cooperation in various sectors and strengthen Armenia’s ties with democratic member-states of the EU. Mirzoyan also criticized the Collective Security Treaty Organization for failing to support Armenia in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, which caused frustration for Yerevan, and he emphasized Armenia’s shift toward stronger relations with European partners, including political and security cooperation. The EU has deployed a mission to monitor the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, demonstrating its willingness to engage in Armenia’s security matters.

I dislike Russia’s attitude towards the Taliban government. The Russian Parliament approved a measure that would allow the Taliban to be taken off Moscow’s list of terrorists, bringing Russia one step closer to recognizing their authority in Afghanistan. The Kremlin has been progressively strengthening its relationship with Kabul, as President Putin declared it an ally in the battle against terrorism. The Taliban government, which seized power in August 2021, is currently not recognized by any country. Western officials argue that this will not change until the status of women’s rights improves, as the Taliban have banned women and girls from attending high schools and universities and have restricted their freedom of movement.

The aforementioned opinions are those of their respective authors and they do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Institute of International Relations or its Researchers.