Pashinyan reappointed Armenian premier

By Ali Cura

YEREVAN, Armenia

Nikol Pashinyan, who has suggested a new era in ties with neighboring Turkey, was reappointed Armenia's premier on Monday.

Armenian President Armen Sarkissian signed a decree reappointing Pashinyan, 43, the presidential office said in a statement.

The My Step Alliance -- led by Pashinyan's Civil Contract Party -- won 70.4 percent of the votes in snap parliamentary elections held in December.

Pashinyan first became prime minister last May before becoming acting premier in October ahead of the snap elections.

“I have already said many times that we are ready to establish direct relationships with Turkey without any preconditions. And we hope Turkey is ready to do the same,” Pashinyan told reporters after his December election victory.