A trade and energy embargo is imposed by Azerbaijan. The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh continues. 1994 - Demonstrations in Yerevan over shortages of food and energy. The region is left a self-proclaimed republic, with ethnic Armenian forces in control of Azerbaijani territory surrounding Karabakh. 1995 - The government launches privatisation and price liberalisation programme.
Parliamentary elections return the ruling party.
The powers of the president are widened. Tanks are deployed on the streets of Yerevan to quell protests over alleged electoral fraud. Robert Kocharian, a hardline nationalist, is elected president. The 1999 parliament killings plunged Armenia into turmoil 1999 - Gunmen, led by a local journalist Nairi Hunanyan, open fire in the Armenian parliament. The prime minister, parliamentary speaker and six other officials are killed.