Government: National government with most administrative powers. Thirty-seven districts with local legislative and executive organs. National legislature is unicameral Supreme Soviet of 248 members. Highest executive organ, Council of Ministers, appointed by president with consent of prime minister, who is named by president with consent of parliament. Presidency, given broad emergency powers during Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, most powerful government office. Legislative process cumbersome and fragmented, delaying passage of new constitution and other vital legislation. As of 1994, reform of Soviet-era judicial system awaited new constitution.
Politics: Since independence in 1991, presidency, most ministries, and parliamentary plurality held by members of Armenian Pannational Movement (APM). Main opposition parties Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). First multiparty election 1991. Many minority parties represented in parliament, with coalitions on specific issues.
Foreign Relations: In early 1990s, foreign policy determined strongly by Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan. Some rapprochement with traditional enemy Turkey and Iran. Limited relations established with Western Europe. Close ties with Russia and accords with other members of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Worldwide Armenian diaspora facilitates foreign support.
International Agreements and Memberships: Member of United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Data as of March 1994