Groong Digest - Thursday, Sep. 25, 2025
Daily digest
Articles posted to the News Feed on Groong.org.
1. Sports: Schedule of Armenian Weightlifters at the 2025 World Championships
Sportaran outlines Armenia’s seven‑athlete roster for the 2025 Weightlifting World Championships in Førde, Norway. The schedule features Garnik Cholakyan (60 kg), Gor Sahakyan (71 kg), Suren Grigoryan (88 kg), Anna Amroyan (77 kg Group B), Simon Martirosyan and Garik Karapetyan (110 kg), and Varazdat Lalayan (+110 kg). Broadcasts will air on Armenia’s Public Television. The brief also names other notable entrants in shared weight classes and emphasizes national expectations for podium finishes. (sportaran.com)
2. Sports: A big boxing night with Armenian stars to be held in Yerevan
A October 11 professional boxing card at Yerevan’s Dynamo complex headlines Aram Avagyan’s homecoming bout versus Nodirbek Soibov after Avagyan’s U.S. campaigns. The event doubles as European champion Ani Hovsepyan’s professional debut against Serbia’s Ksenija Medić. The lineup highlights unbeaten prospect Vladislav Ayriyan and national‑team boxer Zaven Galstyan alongside emerging talents. Organizers frame the show as a showcase of Armenia’s growing pro scene and a morale boost for local supporters. (sportaran.com)
3. Sports: Ararat-Armenia defeated Alashkert and remains unbeaten
Ararat‑Armenia edged leaders Alashkert 2–1 in a rescheduled Round 2 fixture to extend their undefeated league run. Araik Eloyan opened the scoring from a Jirair Shagoyan assist; defender Hugo Oliveira netted the eventual winner early in the second half. Alashkert pulled one back late via a Karen Nalbandyan penalty but couldn’t equalize. The result leaves Alashkert atop the table on 15 points, with Ararat‑Armenia second on 14 and a match in hand, tightening the title race heading into October. (sportaran.com)
4. Tourism: 5 REASONS TO EXPERIENCE AUTUMN IN ARMENIA 2025
Hotel & Catering Magazine pitches Armenia’s fall season: balloon festival skies over Yerevan and Sevan, paragliding, forest trails in Dilijan and Stepanavan’s Dendropark, spa escapes in Jermuk, and signature events like the Areni Wine Festival and Yerevan Marathon. Culinary notes feature wine‑bar culture, harvest tastings, and ghapama, the festive pumpkin dish. The piece closes by recommending historic walks in Gyumri, Bjni Fortress, and UNESCO‑listed Sanahin–Haghpat for a mix of nature and heritage. (hotelandcatering.com)
5. Alen Simonyan, President of the Parliament: “We want Armenia to be part of the EU because we share the same values”
El Mundo América’s profile of Alen Simonyan revisits Armenia’s 2018 transition, subsequent defeats, and the government’s present focus on a U.S.‑brokered peace and the so‑called “Trump Route.” Simonyan argues the Karabakh chapter is closed and stresses EU‑aligned reforms and value convergence while acknowledging domestic controversy. The article contextualizes Yerevan’s geopolitical repositioning, public skepticism, and looming electoral tests, presenting Simonyan as a key messenger for the peace‑first agenda. (mundoamerica.com)
6. Armenia-Turkey talks advance amid Azerbaijan peace push
Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso’s analysis ties Armenia‑Azerbaijan normalization momentum to a synchronized opening with Türkiye. It recounts the Rubinyan–Kılıç meeting in Yerevan, prospects for reopening borders and railways, and symbolic openings during recent crises. With elections approaching and ratings low, Pashinyan seeks deliverables; critics decry perceived concessions, including removing Mount Ararat imagery from border stamps. Ankara’s timeline hinges on the Baku treaty, keeping domestic politics tightly interwoven with regional rapprochement. (balcanicaucaso.org)
7. Contemporary Artist Armen Agop is Carving Silence in Stone & Souls
CairoScene profiles sculptor Armen Agop, tracing his Cairo upbringing, meditative granite forms, and dot‑based Mantra drawings. Agop resists spectacle, pursuing stillness and precision—granite chosen for neutrality, pieces often left base‑free to “breathe.” Awards like the Prix de Rome punctuate a career focused on presence over narrative. The essay frames his practice as devotional labor where light emerges from darkness through repetition, capturing a trans‑temporal aesthetic rooted in patience and tactile engagement. (cairoscene.com)
8. Russian propagandist Margarita Simonyan announces she’s undergoing cancer treatment
Meduza reports RT chief Margarita Simonyan revealed she is receiving cancer treatment and may undergo chemotherapy, noting her husband Tigran Keosayan remains in a coma. Earlier remarks on television suggested a serious diagnosis and possible mastectomy, though she had not explicitly said “cancer” at the time. Industry sources questioned her future at RT. The piece compiles her statements, timing, and context, sketching implications for Russia’s media landscape and the personal toll on a prominent propagandist. (meduza.io)
9. FSU welcomes Armenian educators to campus through project funded by U.S. Department of State
Florida State University detailed a State Department–funded partnership with Armenia’s State University of Economics to expand entrepreneurship education. Led by the Jim Moran College and Learning Systems Institute, the program trains ASUE faculty, launches a COIL module, and opens a STEM Social Innovators Incubator in Yerevan. Administrators cite mutual benefits and future certificates in social entrepreneurship, positioning student collaboration and design‑thinking as engines for cross‑border innovation and workforce development. (news.fsu.edu)
10. Relatives of the deceased Karabakh residents demand their reburial in Armenia.
Caucasian Knot reports families of 66 Nagorno‑Karabakh residents killed in September 2023 continue pressing for exhumation and reburial in Armenia. Despite past ICRC involvement and initial agreements, relatives say progress stalled after Azerbaijan cancelled arrangements. Former Artsakh president Samvel Shahramanyan and MPs cite unmet commitments; protestors want transparent updates on prisoners, missing persons, and graves. The story underscores humanitarian priorities lingering after displacement and the urgency for state action. (eng.kavkaz-uzel.eu)
11. Yerevan Court finds Armenian Archbishop Ajapahyan guilty of publicly calling for a coup
OC Media covers the conviction of Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan under criminal code Article 422(2) for public calls to overthrow the government, amid escalating church–state tensions. Sentencing is set for September 29. Prosecutors cite interviews from 2024 and 2025; authorities link the rhetoric to alleged coup plots by the “Holy Struggle” movement. The case, following raids and contentious audio leaks, sharpens arguments over selective justice, political speech, and the boundaries of dissent in Armenia. (oc-media.org)
12. Pashinyan visits Moscow for World Atomic Week
OC Media notes Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s trip to Moscow for World Atomic Week, alongside regional leaders and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. With few agenda details published, the visit follows the August 8 Washington summit where the Armenia–Azerbaijan treaty was initialed and the so‑called Trump Route discussed. The report situates the stop within shifting diplomacy and energy forums, as Yerevan balances foreign relations while pursuing domestic reforms and a contentious peace track. (oc-media.org)
13. US president’s special envoy consults Turkish officials on Armenia and Azerbaijan
ABC Media reports that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said he regularly solicits input from Turkish officials—through Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack—on Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine. He cited conversations touching on Hakan Fidan and İbrahim Kalın’s views and framed the contacts as a practice recommended during the Trump administration. The brief highlights Ankara’s continuing relevance to Washington’s calculus on the South Caucasus and the informal advisory channels shaping regional policy discussions. (abcmedia.am)
14. The Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process Is Slowly Gaining Momentum
Oilprice.com (via Eurasianet) points to small confidence‑building steps—cultural exchanges, high‑level visits, and FM meetings at UNGA—suggesting incremental movement toward an agreement. It notes Yerevan likely raised the status of 23 Armenians in Azerbaijani custody and that parallel messaging from both foreign ministries emphasizes continued dialogue. While modest, these signals are compared to ‘ping‑pong diplomacy,’ arguing that practical cooperation and steady engagement could make a larger settlement plausible in 2026. (oilprice.com)
15. Armenia’s Ancient Christian Faith Under Attack
RealClearReligion features David A. Grigorian’s polemic alleging a governmental campaign against the Armenian Apostolic Church, citing coarse exchanges with Catholicos Karekin II and appeals to international religious leaders. The commentary situates current church–state friction within broader political upheaval, charging intolerance and institutional erosion. While strongly opinionated, it captures the intensity of the debate over religious authority, national identity, and the government’s handling of criticism in a fragile period. (realclearreligion.org)
16. Քաղաքական հակառակորդների արտոնված սպանություններ. Րաֆֆի Հովհաննիսյան
An Armenian‑language notice from Info Heritage flags an interview featuring Raffi Hovannisian on the prior night’s Parakar double murder. Hovannisian denounces the killing as cowardly and systemic, accusing authorities of failing to prevent violence despite extensive surveillance powers. The post directs readers to a 24News/YouTube recording and frames the crime as an assault on state foundations. It reflects broader opposition outrage and demands for credible prevention, accountability, and depoliticized law enforcement. (24news.am)
17. Armenpress: Russian FM, U.S. Secretary of State meet on sidelines of UN General Assembly
ARMENPRESS reports a Lavrov–Rubio meeting in New York during UNGA High‑Level Week. Washington urged a durable Ukraine settlement; Moscow highlighted the Alaska summit’s supposed understandings and desire to normalize relations, even as rhetoric remained sharp. The brief synthesizes both readouts and notes the “paper tiger” remark controversy. The encounter underscores difficult U.S.–Russia diplomacy amid war, sanctions, and consular strains, with both sides professing interest in dialogue while policy gaps persist. (armenpress.am)
18. French ex-president Sarkozy sentenced to 5 years over Gaddafi campaign funds
ARMENPRESS relays France 24’s report that a Paris court sentenced former president Nicolas Sarkozy to five years and a €100,000 fine over alleged Libyan funding for his 2007 campaign. While he has other convictions and denies wrongdoing, the ruling would imprison him even if he appeals. Prosecutors described a quid‑pro‑quo dating to 2005. The piece sketches the case’s background, recent legal setbacks, and its significance for France’s political class and anti‑corruption norms. (armenpress.am)
19. Prime Minister Pashinyan visits Russia for World Atomic Week international forum
ARMENPRESS says Pashinyan traveled to Moscow for the World Atomic Week forum, with coverage emphasizing the forum’s focus and participants as well as the timing after the August 8 Washington summit. The item highlights the trip’s symbolism for Armenia’s energy ties and diplomacy, while pointing to multilingual distribution and ongoing public interest in the government’s broader foreign‑policy balancing act under domestic scrutiny. (armenpress.am)
20. Armenian, Mongolian foreign ministers discuss expansion of relations
ARMENPRESS reports Ararat Mirzoyan met Mongolia’s foreign minister Batmunkh Battsetseg in New York to sign protocol amendments easing visas for diplomatic and official passport holders. The sides discussed expanding bilateral legal frameworks, sectoral cooperation, and coordination within multilateral formats, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The piece frames the agreement as an incremental step to deepen ties and diversify Armenia’s partnerships beyond its immediate neighborhood. (armenpress.am)
21. Armenian Deputy FM meets with UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide
An ARMENPRESS brief notes Deputy FM Paruyr Hovhannisyan’s meeting with the UN’s Special Adviser on Genocide Prevention during UNGA. The discussion covered early‑warning mechanisms, atrocity‑prevention frameworks, and post‑conflict humanitarian needs tied to displacement from Nagorno‑Karabakh. Yerevan emphasized international engagement and institutional safeguards, aligning with its broader messaging that stability and rights protections are prerequisites for sustainable peace in the region. (armenpress.am)
22. UNGA High-Level Week: Armenian FM attends 2025 Transatlantic Dinner hosted by Rubio
ARMENPRESS reports Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan’s participation in the 2025 Transatlantic Dinner organized by U.S. Senate leadership during UNGA. The dispatch situates the event among a flurry of bilateral meetings and thematic sessions, presenting it as part of sustaining Western partnerships. While light on specifics, it stresses continuity of engagement with Euro‑Atlantic interlocutors and the role of convenings in shepherding Armenia’s reform, security, and economic agendas. (armenpress.am)
26. Armenian FM congratulates new Albanian counterpart on appointment
Armenpress reports that Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan congratulated newly appointed Albanian Foreign Minister Elisa Spiropali, thanking outgoing FM Igli Hasani for prior cooperation. In a brief note on X, Mirzoyan said he looks forward to continued efforts to deepen Armenia–Albania ties. The item underscores routine diplomatic messaging during UNGA week and Armenia’s emphasis on diversifying partnerships across the Balkans alongside EU engagement, positioning bilateral continuity despite cabinet changes in Tirana. (armenpress.am)
27. Pashinyan sends birthday greetings to Georgian counterpart
Armenpress covers Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s congratulatory letter to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. Pashinyan praises Kobakhidze’s leadership, wishes him health and success, and credits him with helping expand the Armenia–Georgia strategic partnership. The message reflects Yerevan’s framing of Tbilisi as a key neighbor during a sensitive regional period, when transport, energy, and customs cooperation remain central. While ceremonial, the note serves as a signal of steady ties and ongoing high‑level engagement. (armenpress.am)
28. Armenian, Austrian foreign ministers discuss development of ties
At UNGA in New York, Armenia’s FM Ararat Mirzoyan met Austria’s foreign minister Beate Meinl‑Reisinger to review bilateral initiatives and EU‑related cooperation. According to Armenpress, they discussed expanding people‑to‑people links, market access, and mechanisms that support democratic reforms. The readout highlights continuity in political dialogue and identifies multilateral platforms as venues to sustain momentum. The piece situates Vienna as a supportive EU partner while Armenia pursues administrative upgrades and deeper economic integration pathways. (armenpress.am)
29. Government expects 5,4% economic growth in 2026
Citing Finance Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan’s cabinet presentation, Armenpress says the 2026 draft budget projects 5.4% real growth and a GDP deflator of 3%. Revenues are forecast at roughly 3.09 trillion drams—mostly from tax receipts—while spending is projected at 3.6 trillion. The government anticipates improvements in tax administration to lift the tax‑to‑GDP ratio. Officials frame the macro path as cautious but supportive of social programs and investment, with the deficit narrowing relative to 2025. (armenpress.am)
30. Government plans over 3,6 trillion AMD in expenditures next year
Armenpress details planned 2026 expenditures of 3.628 trillion drams, including 2.924 trillion in current outlays and 704 billion in capital spending (about 5.9% of GDP). The deficit is put at 537 billion drams, or 4.5% of GDP, improving versus this year’s 5.5%. The debt‑to‑GDP ratio is expected at 53.5% by end‑2026. The outline stresses debt sustainability, budget consolidation and targeted capital programs while preserving social commitments and infrastructure priorities under the new fiscal plan. (armenpress.am)
31. UNGA High-Level Week: Armenian, Swiss foreign ministers hold meeting
During UNGA, FM Ararat Mirzoyan met Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis to review bilateral cooperation and regional developments. As summarized by Armenpress, Yerevan emphasized unblocking connections per the principles of the initialed Armenia–Azerbaijan peace agreement. The meeting referenced Switzerland’s OSCE chairmanship context and humanitarian topics. The piece portrays steady diplomatic engagement aimed at connectivity and confidence‑building despite unsettled regional issues and upcoming milestones on the peace track. (armenpress.am)
32. Armenian Prosecutor-General meets Iranian Minister of Justice
Armenpress reports Prosecutor‑General Anna Vardapetyan met Iran’s justice minister Amin Hossein Rahimi, joined by Ambassador Mehdi Sobhani, to discuss legal cooperation. Topics included extradition cases, mutual legal assistance, and anti‑corruption efforts. The meeting underscores continued Armenia–Iran institutional links at the justice‑sector level. While short on specifics, the readout emphasizes readiness to deepen collaboration and exchange expertise, reflecting broader regional legal‑technical engagement alongside high‑level political dialogue. (armenpress.am)
33. Cabinet approves 150-million-euro loan deal with French Development Agency
The cabinet approved a 150‑million‑euro budgetary loan from France’s Development Agency (AFD), Armenpress writes. Finance Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan said funds target public financial management efficiency, green transition planning, government securities market improvements, and new entrepreneurial finance instruments. The package is the third phase (2019–2025) and involves ADB co‑financing. Officials frame the loan as support for administrative modernization and fiscal resilience while aligning with low‑carbon, climate‑resilient development goals. (armenpress.am)
34. Cabinet approves 2026 budget
Armenpress says the 2026 state budget bill moved forward to parliament after cabinet approval. Headline figures include 3.628 trillion drams in expenditures, 3.091 trillion in revenues, a 4.5%‑of‑GDP deficit, and 5.4% projected growth. Priorities cited are universal health insurance launch, Academic City build‑out (including consulting services), salary raises, education facility upgrades, road works, and water‑storage projects. The narrative links social improvement and infrastructure to growth and macro stabilization. (armenpress.am)
35. UNGA High-Level Week: Armenian Deputy FM delivers remarks at Women, Peace and Security side event
Deputy FM Robert Abisoghomonyan addressed a UNGA Ministerial‑level side event on Women, Peace and Security, Armenpress reports. He reiterated Armenia’s commitment to full and equal participation of women in conflict prevention, peace processes and recovery, highlighting the Third National Action Plan under UNSCR 1325. The remarks emphasized cooperation with partners to advance the WPS agenda and integrate gender‑responsive approaches across foreign policy and security, aligning domestic planning with multilateral frameworks and SDG‑linked priorities. (armenpress.am)
36. Canadian ambassador visits EU monitoring base in Armenia’s south
According to Armenpress, Canadian Ambassador Andrew Turner visited the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMA) base in Kapan, Syunik, where mission leads outlined tasks and activities. Canada has supported EUMA since inception and currently has one advisor deployed. The visit underscores continued Western backing for border monitoring and situational awareness along Armenia’s southern corridor, which remains central to regional security, connectivity discussions, and the durability of confidence‑building measures following the August 8 initialing. (armenpress.am)
37. Armenian PM arrives in Russia
Armenpress reports Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan arrived in Moscow and was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky. The visit centers on participation in the World Atomic Week forum. The timing follows intensified diplomacy around energy, nuclear planning and the pending Armenia–Azerbaijan treaty. The short readout focuses on protocol and agenda framing, but signals continuing engagement with Russian platforms even as Yerevan diversifies partners and seeks clarity on nuclear replacement options and financing. (armenpress.am)
38. Economic activity grows 7,1% in January-August
The Statistical Committee’s data, relayed by Armenpress, show 7.1% YoY growth in January–August 2025. Construction rose 20.4%; services expanded 10.2%; trade turnover grew 3.9%. Industry declined 7.8% but electricity output was up 3.6%. CPI increased 3.2% and the industrial producer price index 2.8%. Officials previously argued the downshift in re‑exports should not be seen as harmful. The mixed composition suggests robust domestic activity with industrial weakness, setting the backdrop for the 2026 budget assumptions. (armenpress.am)
39. Freshman cadets welcome visiting parents at Vazgen Sargsyan Military Academy
Armenpress covers a Defense Ministry event where first‑year cadets hosted parents at the Vazgen Sargsyan Military Academy, touring classrooms, gyms, barracks and daily routines. Commander Col. Arsen Mangasaryan emphasized the “commander‑parent link” in forming leadership, will and strength among future officers. The visit, framed as confidence‑building between military institutions and families, highlights professionalization themes and public outreach amid broader security debates about force structure and service obligations. (armenpress.am)
40. Armenia’s foreign trade continues to drop
Armenpress reports foreign trade turnover fell 41.1% YoY in January–August 2025 to about $12.9 billion. Exports decreased 48.8% (to just over $5 billion) and imports dropped 34.9% (to just over $7.9 billion). Officials have linked the contraction chiefly to reduced re‑export activity and argue the effect on the real economy is limited. The update situates weak external flows alongside resilient domestic indicators, while policymakers focus on quality‑of‑growth and import‑substitution narratives for 2026 planning. (armenpress.am)
41. Armenian President, Amazon executives discuss AI, cybersecurity
Armenpress says President Vahagn Khachaturyan met AWS public‑policy leaders in New York to discuss AI development, renewable‑powered compute, and cybersecurity cooperation. The presidency emphasized joint projects, experience exchange and tools for secure digital services. The meeting also referenced ongoing support for Armenia’s Virtual Institute of Artificial Intelligence and explored a program to apply AI in public‑policy development to improve administrative effectiveness and foster an innovative governance culture. (armenpress.am)
42. Armenian, Omani foreign ministers discuss expansion of cooperation
At UNGA, FM Ararat Mirzoyan met Omani FM Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi to review dynamic political dialogue and sectoral opportunities, Armenpress reports. The sides discussed South Caucasus and Middle East developments, and Mirzoyan linked “established peace” with Azerbaijan to expanding communications, including via the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). The note reflects Armenia’s outreach in the Gulf and interest in diversified logistics and investment channels beyond traditional partners. (armenpress.am)
43. Deputy FM delivers remarks at First Biennial Summit for Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy
Armenpress summarizes Deputy FM Robert Abisoghomonyan’s remarks at a UNGA‑week summit on financing the SDGs. He highlighted gaps affecting landlocked developing countries, advocated reforms to make the international financial architecture more inclusive and efficient, and called for greater participation by developing states. The statement stressed transparency and accountability in financing instruments and reiterated readiness to deepen cooperation to implement outcomes of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development. (armenpress.am)
44. Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals - 25-09-25
A daily Armenpress market brief notes modest AMD appreciation: USD +0.75 drams to 383.47, EUR +0.62 to 450.39, RUB +0.0014 to 4.5745, GBP +0.25 to 515.58. Precious metals: gold down 183 drams to 46,376 per gram; silver down 4.48 drams to 540.93. The capsule update provides snapshot indicators used by traders, importers, and financial desks, and helps contextualize price levels against budget assumptions and inflation dynamics discussed in cabinet‑level economic planning the same day. (armenpress.am)
45. Armenian, Estonian FMs discuss bilateral ties
Armenpress notes FM Ararat Mirzoyan’s meeting with Estonia’s Margus Tsahkna on the margins of UNGA. A brief social‑media‑style readout highlights friendly ties, ongoing dialogue and cooperation prospects across EU‑adjacent channels, including digital policy and security conversations. While light on details, the contact underscores incremental steps to sustain partnership breadth and a general message of like‑minded engagement with EU member states as Armenia pursues reform, connectivity, and institutional anchoring. (armenpress.am)
46. Armenian, Omani foreign ministers discuss deepening bilateral cooperation
Armenpress relays Omani FM Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi’s X post welcoming the opening of an Armenian embassy in Oman and his discussion with FM Mirzoyan on strengthening ties and global issues. The item complements an earlier readout by Armenia’s MFA, signaling synchronized messaging about upgraded diplomatic presence and practical cooperation. It reflects a stepped‑up Gulf outreach designed to broaden Armenia’s partnerships and logistical options in the wake of regional realignments and peace‑track milestones. (armenpress.am)
47. Armenia, Kazakhstan FMs discuss “Crossroads of Peace” project
Per Armenpress, Mirzoyan met Kazakhstan’s FM Murat Nurtleu in New York to discuss strategic‑level relations and regional connectivity. The ministers referenced expanding transport and business links, placing the “Crossroads of Peace” plan—and implementation via TRIPP—within a broader framework of high‑level visits and multilateral coordination. The readout frames Kazakhstan as an important node for east‑west logistics and as a partner for deepening sectoral cooperation as Armenia seeks diversified corridors. (armenpress.am)
48. President Khachaturyan, Bartholomew I discuss cooperation on Christian heritage preservation
Armenpress reports President Khachaturyan met Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I in New York to discuss cooperation on preserving Christian cultural heritage and humanitarian initiatives. The presidency emphasized the universal importance of cultural protection and praised Bartholomew’s ongoing humanitarian efforts. The short readout situates the encounter within the president’s UNGA‑week schedule and highlights faith‑heritage diplomacy as a strand of Armenia’s broader international engagement narrative. (armenpress.am)
49. MP Arusyak Julhakyan meets with students of a number of European leading higher educational institutions
Armenpress covers a Model EU Conference visit to Armenia’s parliament, where MP Arusyak Julhakyan briefed students on the legislature’s structure, committee work, and law‑drafting processes. She highlighted parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation through friendship groups and multilateral bodies, answering questions on EU–Armenia relations. The outreach event is framed as part of civic education and international engagement, aligning with Yerevan’s messaging on institutional transparency and closer ties with European partners. (armenpress.am)
50. Safe operation of the nuclear power plant is a strategic priority for Armenia: Pashinyan
Reporting from World Atomic Week, Armenpress quotes PM Nikol Pashinyan saying nuclear power remains vital to Armenia’s energy mix as demand rises with digitalization and AI. He stressed strict safety at the Armenian NPP and framed nuclear as sustainable and eco‑friendly when properly managed. The speech reiterated policy to keep the NPP central to electricity supply (about 30% share) and to align safety, security, and modernization with long‑term energy‑security goals. (armenpress.am)
51. Deputy FM Abisoghomonyan participates in the High-level side event on “Missing Persons in Armed Conflict: Advancing the Search for Answers”
At a UNGA side event in New York, Deputy Foreign Minister Robert Abisoghomonyan stressed the humanitarian urgency of accounting for missing persons from armed conflicts. He said families’ right to know must not be overshadowed by politics and described cooperation with specialized institutions to exchange data and expertise. He also referenced provisions in the initialed Armenia–Azerbaijan peace agreement on enforced disappearances, arguing that shared responsibility and coordinated searches can foster reconciliation and durable peace. (armenpress.am)
52. Armenia to continue cooperation with partners for optimal replacement of nuclear power plant unit: PM
Speaking at World Atomic Week, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia will keep working with the IAEA and partner countries to choose the optimal solution for replacing the ANPP’s operating unit. Extending the current unit’s lifetime to 2036, he argued, enables a smooth transition to a new reactor that balances safety, cost‑effectiveness, and system needs. He highlighted non‑energy nuclear applications—medicine, agriculture, science—and thanked experts for support, framing nuclear development as part of regional growth. (armenpress.am)
53. Armenian Foreign Ministry Secretary General meets Director of Group of Friends of Jewish Culture
MFA Secretary General Davit Karapetyan met in New York with Gregory Lafitte, co‑founder and director of the Group of Friends of Jewish Culture. The discussion emphasized interfaith dialogue, cultural preservation, and projects like exhibitions, academic exchanges, and public‑diplomacy initiatives. Karapetyan underscored Armenia’s tradition of coexistence and affirmed commitment to educational and cultural programs that showcase Jewish and Armenian legacies, positioning culture as a bridge for international understanding and cooperation. (armenpress.am)
54. Rosatom Director General ensures all interests of Armenia will be respected
Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev told World Atomic Week attendees that Russia would respect Armenia’s decisions on a new nuclear power unit. Praising ANPP’s resilience—including during the 1988 earthquake—he endorsed life‑extension to 2036 and vowed to support Armenia’s chosen path. He framed the next steps as shaping energy policy for a century and promised that Rosatom would safeguard Armenian interests through transparent cooperation, training opportunities, and technology options compatible with the country’s long‑term strategy. (armenpress.am)
55. Mirzoyan, Bayramov, Rubio hold brief trilateral talks
On the margins of UNGA, Armenia’s FM Ararat Mirzoyan held a brief trilateral with Azerbaijan’s Jeyhun Bayramov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the Transatlantic Dinner. Armenia’s readout thanked the U.S. for continued involvement in the peace process and signaled interest in strengthening that role. While details were sparse, the meeting illustrates ongoing efforts to maintain diplomatic contact lines amid the push to finalize an agreement and address outstanding humanitarian and security files. (armenpress.am)
56. Armenpress: FM Mirzoyan attends Transatlantic Dinner hosted by Rubio
Armenpress reports that FM Ararat Mirzoyan attended the U.S. Secretary of State’s Transatlantic Official Dinner for NATO and EU foreign ministers. The event, held during UNGA High‑Level Week, provided opportunities for bilateral pull‑asides; according to Armenia’s MFA, Mirzoyan thanked Secretary Rubio for convening the format. The brief underscores Yerevan’s engagement with Euro‑Atlantic interlocutors as it advances reforms and a peace agenda while balancing other relationships in a fluid regional landscape. (armenpress.am)
57. ՀՀ-ում թուլացվում են պետական ինստիտուտները, խորանում է անպատժելիությունը․ ՀՅԴ Հայաստանի ԳՄ
Verelq carries a statement from the ARF Supreme Body of Armenia condemning the Parakar double murder and accusing the authorities of weakening state institutions and enabling impunity. The party alleges selective justice, persecution of clergy and opposition, and a climate of fear, arguing that the government criminalizes dissent while citizens remain exposed to armed criminals. It calls the situation complicity, not inaction, and frames the episode as symptomatic of broader erosion of rule of law. (verelq.am)
58. Քրիստոնեական հավատքը դարեր շարունակ եղել է հայի ինքնության կերտողը․ Գարեգին II
Verelq reports Catholicos Karekin II received delegations from Germany’s Catholic institutions at the Mother See, discussing education programs and cooperation. He emphasized the sacred role of Etchmiadzin and said Christian faith has forged Armenian identity and spiritual values for centuries. The visit, framed as enriching cultural and spiritual exchange, highlighted ongoing inter‑church partnerships that enable educational, social, and cultural projects and deepen mutual understanding with sister churches and academic communities. (verelq.am)
59. Միասնության կոչ բոլոր առողջ ազգային ուժերին. «ՀայաՔվե»
A declaration from the “HayaKve” civic‑political group urges “healthy national forces” to unite against what it calls a repressive government seeking a constitutional majority and a forced referendum. It alleges plans to dissolve the internationally recognized Republic of Armenia and replace it with a subservient formation, warning of election manipulation and intimidation. The statement calls for immediate consultations to form a single national platform capable of blocking authoritarian consolidation and protecting statehood and values. (verelq.am)
60. Ողբերգության երկու տարին՝ լռություն և անհայտություն
On the second anniversary of the fuel depot explosion in Nagorno‑Karabakh that killed more than 200 people during the September 2023 exodus, the piece laments the absence of answers. Competing theories—an Azerbaijani strike, terrorism, or safety violations—have never been resolved, and no responsible parties have been identified. Families still seek clarity; around two dozen people remain missing. The author notes the silence of then‑Artsakh Defense Army commander Kamo Vardanyan and demands a full accounting. (verelq.am)
61. «Կամուրջ» քաղաքացիական նախաձեռնությունը հայտարարում է քննարկումների մեկնարկ
The civil initiative “Bridge” responds to Gagik Tsarukyan’s call for the “Proposal to Armenia” program by launching a public series of discussions. The statement argues Armenia needs competent plans, measured proposals, and cross‑societal cooperation instead of insults and polarization. Bridge proposes to gather key public problems and practical ideas from experts and citizens alike, then submit them for inclusion in the national program. The initiative frames national reconciliation as prerequisite to a strong, just, and independent Armenia. (verelq.am)
62. Աննա Վարդապետյանը ընդունել է Իրանի արդարադատության նախարարին
Prosecutor General Anna Vardapetyan hosted Iran’s Justice Minister Amin Hossein Rahimi and Ambassador Mehdi Sobhani in Yerevan. Discussions covered cooperation against corruption, mutual legal assistance, and extradition‑related issues, with both sides praising sustained institutional ties. Rahimi highlighted anti‑corruption progress and legal collaboration channels. The meeting underscores Armenia–Iran judicial coordination at the technical level, complementing broader political dialogue while focusing on practical casework, data exchange, and procedural harmonization across ministries and prosecutors’ offices. (verelq.am)
63. Էրդողանը և Մակրոնը հանդիպել են Նյու Յորքում
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met France’s Emmanuel Macron at New York’s “Turkish House” during UNGA week. Joining were intelligence chief İbrahim Kalın, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and France’s MFA official Jean‑Noël Baron. According to Ankara’s readout, the leaders reviewed bilateral relations and a range of regional and global issues, including Russia‑Ukraine and crises in Palestine and Syria. The brief notes high‑level dialogue on persistent disputes but emphasizes the value both sides place on keeping communication channels open. (verelq.am)
64. Գործադիրը 2026-ի նախատեսում է ներդնել համապարփակ առողջապահակա
յան ապահովագրության համակարգը
The government approved the 2026 draft budget, foregrounding social programs and infrastructure, and signaled the launch of a comprehensive health‑insurance system in 2026. Finance Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan outlined priorities: universal insurance rollout, continued “Academic City” development, teacher pay reforms linked to certification, school and kindergarten construction and upgrades, and major roadworks and reservoir projects. The package positions health and human‑capital investment alongside transport upgrades as anchors of medium‑term growth and welfare. (verelq.am)
65. Կառավարությունը հաստատել է Սևանա լճի էկոհամակարգի վերականգնման 2026 թվականի ծրագիրը
The cabinet adopted Armenia’s 2026 annual program for restoring, conserving, reproducing, and using Lake Sevan’s ecosystem. The plan aims to clean shoreline zones, improve recreation, strengthen household‑waste management, and enhance management of Sevan National Park. Officials underscore Sevan’s central role in fresh‑water supply, energy and irrigation systems, biodiversity, and tourism. By prioritizing ecological balance and resource sustainability, the government presents the program as essential to national environmental security and regional natural‑heritage stewardship. (verelq.am)
66. Կառավարությունը ավելի քան 2.7 միլիոն դոլար կհատկացնի սահմանամերձ տարածքների զարգացմանը
The government sent to parliament a 2026 development program for border communities covering 82 settlements in 13 municipalities. The plan allocates 1.048 billion drams (about $2.7 million) for social assistance, compensations, and benefits to residents living near Armenia’s frontiers. Officials frame the effort as a targeted measure to ease daily hardships, strengthen resilience, and improve living conditions in areas facing security and economic pressures, integrating the program with broader rural‑development and connectivity policies. (verelq.am)
67. Հայաստանում համաներում չի սպասվում
Justice Minister Srbuhi Ghalyan said Armenia is not preparing an amnesty and that no such discussions have been held. Speaking after a cabinet meeting, she cited confidentiality around operational steps in the ongoing Armavir murder investigation and stressed that identifying suspects and motives takes time. Ghalyan argued that while not all crimes can be prevented, overall safety should be assessed by broader statistics, which, she said, remain relatively favorable compared to many countries. (verelq.am)
68. Գործադիրը 55 միլիարդ դրամ կհատկացնի բռնի տեղահանված անձանց աջակցությանը 2026 թվականին
Finance Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan’s budget presentation earmarks 55 billion drams (about $143 million) in 2026 for social programs supporting forcibly displaced persons—covering housing and related costs. Additional funds bolster poverty‑assessment reforms, assistance for jobless individuals and those with poor credit, and cashless‑payment refunds for pensioners. Infrastructure lines include North‑South corridor works and the Kajaran tunnel, alongside aviation incentives and expanded co‑financed community projects, all pitched as investments in human capital and regional development. (verelq.am)
69. Իշխանությունները՝ Արմավիրի ողբերգության մասին. գաղտնի քննություն, անհայտ մեղավորներ
Following the double murder of Parakar mayor Volodya Grigoryan and an off‑duty officer in Merdzavan, Justice Minister Srbuhi Ghalyan said the Interior Ministry is actively investigating and detailed steps cannot be disclosed. She acknowledged suspects’ identities and motives are still unknown and argued that not every crime can be prevented. Authorities emphasized seizing CCTV footage and launching forensic examinations. The incident has intensified debates over public security, selective justice, and the political climate surrounding violent crime. (verelq.am)
70. Վոլոդյա Գրիգորյանի սպաբությունը քաղաքական պատվեր չէ․ մարզպետը պատասխանատվություն է զգում
Armavir governor Vahram Khachatryan insisted that the murder of community leader Volodya Grigoryan was not a political hit, calling the victim a “good friend” and saying tragedies happen in many countries. Asked whether he feels responsible, he answered “yes, of course.” The report recaps known facts: location outside Grigoryan’s home, two people killed and one wounded, seized camera footage, and a criminal case under articles for murder, attempted murder and illegal weapons circulation, with examinations underway. (verelq.am)
71. Հայաստանի ռազմական բյուջեն կկրճատվի, մինչդեռ Բաքուն կավելացնի ռազմական ծախսերը
The government’s 2026 draft budget cuts defense outlays to roughly 560 billion drams (~$1.45 billion) from 660.9 billion in 2025—the first reduction since wartime increases—while Azerbaijan reportedly plans a 4% rise. Prime Minister Pashinyan previously called the cut “logical,” citing one‑off debt prepayments and a shift from emergency to planned financing. Critics question timing given threats; officials reply 2026 remains above any pre‑2024 level and that efficiency and targeted procurement will sustain capabilities. (verelq.am)
72. Լինելով երկրի ղեկին 7 տարի` մնացել են առաջին դասարանում
In an opinion post, Armenian National Congress figure Levon Zurabyan argues the authorities have learned little after seven years in power. He says his earlier challenge to former president Levon Ter‑Petrosyan was intended as satire aimed at the current leadership, which he accuses of mishandling the Karabakh file and lacking geopolitical literacy. The article portrays governance as shallow and improvisational, with Armenia paying a steep price for inexperience and narrative spin that masks strategic weaknesses. (verelq.am)
73. Մերձավանի դեպքով վիրավորված Արծրուն Գալստյանը գիտակցության է եկել, հարցաքննվել է
Verelq says Artsrun Galstyan, wounded in the Merdzavan shooting that killed mayor Volodya Grigoryan and officer Karen Abrahamyan, has regained consciousness and was questioned by investigators. A forensic exam was ordered as authorities continue to analyze CCTV and other evidence. The brief reiterates case articles—murder, attempted murder, and illegal firearms circulation—and notes outstanding questions about suspects and motives. The update keeps attention on the victims and the status of the investigation’s key witness. (verelq.am)
74. Verelq: Թուրքիայում ապօրինաբար օգտագործվել են հայ քաղաքացիների ժառանգության տվյալները
A cadastral office employee in Istanbul’s Pendik district allegedly extracted and illicitly shared Armenian and other citizens’ inheritance records with an organization tied to jailed televangelist Adnan Oktar. Turkish reports cite 14 suspects and 26 victims. Investigators say citizens were duped into providing personal data under the pretense of unclaimed inheritances. Charges include illegal acquisition/disclosure of personal data and involvement in a criminal organization. The case highlights sensitive misuse of records implicating a religious‑cult network. (verelq.am)
75. Asbarez: ARF Condemns Murder of Opposition Mayor
Asbarez publishes the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Supreme Council’s condemnation of the killing of Parakar mayor Volodya Grigoryan and an off‑duty officer. The statement blames weakened state institutions and a climate of impunity for deteriorating security, alleging politicized justice and targeted pressure on clergy and opposition. It calls for full disclosure and accountability while offering condolences. The declaration adds to mounting criticism that the government’s governance failures embolden violent actors and erode democratic norms. (asbarez.com)
76. Israeli Scholars, Public Figures Issue Statement in Support of Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter
Twenty prominent Israeli academics and public figures issued a statement supporting Jerusalem’s Armenian community as it defends the historic Armenian Quarter from development tied to a 2021 lease with Xana Gardens. The signatories cite moral and civic duties to preserve the Old City’s fabric, denounce harassment of Armenians, and urge transparent urban planning with genuine public participation. They stress the community’s 1,500‑year presence and warn the deal endangers the Cows’ Garden—its last open communal space. (asbarez.com)
77. Who Will Build Armenia’s Nuclear Power Plant? Pashinyan Vague at Moscow Conference
At Moscow’s World Atomic Week, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan endorsed continued nuclear power yet offered no concrete plan for replacing Metsamor with a new plant. He highlighted a ten‑year life extension to 2036 and said Yerevan will consult IAEA and partners to determine an optimal, safe, economically sound replacement. Russia and the U.S. have signaled interest—including U.S. talk of small modular reactors—but Armenia’s mixed signals leave the project’s leadership, financing, and technology choices unsettled. (asbarez.com)
78. Government to Slash Military Spending by 15% Next Year
Armenia’s draft 2026 budget reduces defense spending to 563 billion drams (~$1.47B), down from 665 billion, even as Azerbaijan boosts its outlays. Officials tout social and human‑capital priorities ahead of 2026 elections; critics call the cut risky given unresolved issues with Baku and Azerbaijani troops on Armenian territory. Opposition voices argue the reduction weakens negotiating leverage and signals retreat, while the government frames it as part of a broader rebalancing toward education, health and anti‑poverty programs. (asbarez.com)
79. ‘Artsakh Creative’ Pop-Up Program Applications Now Open
Glendale’s Economic Development department reopened applications for its award‑winning “Artsakh Creative” pop‑up program, offering six months of free rent in City‑owned Artsakh Paseo retail units. Officials seek a diverse mix of product or arts‑based businesses—food specialty shops, galleries, boutiques, fitness or performance spaces—to test concepts and reach new customers. Applications are accepted September 24–October 8, with details and requirements available online. The initiative aims to activate downtown storefronts while nurturing small‑business growth and creative entrepreneurship. (asbarez.com)
80. 168: Սեպտեմբերի 26-ին ես լինելու եմ Խորհրդարանի շենքի դիմաց. Նիկոլ Փաշինյանը պետք է հեռացվի.Դավիթ Համբարձումյան
Masis mayor Davit Hambardzumyan urges citizens to gather outside parliament on September 26 during hearings on a no‑confidence motion in Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Calling removal a vital necessity, he warns that continued concessions could be disastrous for Armenia’s future and frames the moment as a civic duty. He appeals for unity—“shoulder to shoulder”—to support the initiative, arguing that national losses under current leadership demand immediate action. (168.am)
81. Ի՞նչ օրակարգով է Փաշինյանը Մոսկվայում, և ի՞նչ արդյունք կտա իմպիչմենտի գործընթացը․ Մենուա Սողոմոնյան
Political commentator Menua Soghomonyan discusses Prime Minister Pashinyan’s Moscow trip to World Atomic Week and possible talks with President Putin. He expects the agenda to touch on August 8 Washington understandings and the proposed “Trump Route” connectivity plan, which Moscow wants clarified. Soghomonyan also doubts dramatic domestic shifts from parliamentary hearings on no‑confidence, arguing media strategy and public engagement do not suggest a turning point—though he does not rule out unexpected developments. (168.am)
82. «Վալոդյան իր հայրիկի իսկական շարունակությունն էր. կարծում եմ՝ սա ակնհայտ պատվիրված սպանություն է». Մեխակ Մխիթարյան
Former Supreme Council deputy Mehak Mkhitaryan, who knew Parakar mayor Valodya Grigoryan’s family, calls the killing an apparent contract murder and recounts past intimidation in the late Soviet era. He laments the lack of arrests, criticizes the climate of fear, and warns the episode could signal pressure ahead of elections in Echmiadzin. Mkhitaryan argues authorities could apprehend masked perpetrators if they wished, expressing skepticism the crime will be solved promptly. (168.am)
83. Ինչքան էլ Աննա ՎարՉապետյանը փորձի Ձյունանուշիկ խաղալ, նա ընդամենը #ՍտիԶավոդ հիմնարկության desk receptionist է. Միքայել Նահապետյանը՝ Աննա Վարդապետյանին
Public figure Mikael Nahapetyan criticizes Prosecutor General Anna Vardapetyan, accusing her of image‑making while sidestepping uncomfortable questions. He cites cases involving allegedly undervalued asset transfers and leaked banking data, and revisits 2021 videos that purportedly show undue interference in criminal proceedings. The commentary argues Vardapetyan’s public posture masks politicized law‑enforcement practices, challenging her credibility and independence. (168.am)
84. Մտածում է՝ եթե «ջրի» 3-րդ Հանրապետությունը, իրենց կատարած հանցագործությունները 3-րդ Հանրապետության հետ մեռնելու են․ Նաիրա Զոհրաբյան
Former MP Naira Zohrabyan links the Parakar mayor’s murder to a broader breakdown in public safety, alleging authorities use selective justice against opposition figures. Even if the motive proves personal, she says, the government bears political responsibility for a crime‑ridden environment and a focus on “a fourth fake republic.” Zohrabyan also questions an unrelated death of a former Artsakh official in St. Petersburg, emphasizing unresolved, legitimate questions that deepen mistrust. (168.am)
85. «Սա արհավիրք է. որ ուզեն՝ կբռնեն դիմակավորված անձին». Վալոդյա Գրիգորյանի ուսուցչուհի
At the wake of Parakar mayor Valodya Grigoryan, his former math teacher Shoghik Gevorgyan calls the killing a “calamity,” describing him as a kind, capable student turned respected community leader. She argues the masked gunman would be quickly caught “if they want to,” criticizing authorities’ effectiveness. The piece summarizes her recollections and grief, then reiterates official facts about the attack in Merdzavan—two dead, one wounded—and the opening of a criminal case while investigators review CCTV footage and other evidence. (168.am)
86. «Դժոխային իրավիճակ էր Ստեփանակերտում. պայթյունը դարձավ վերջին կաթիլը». Հակոբ Հակոբյան
Hakob Hakobyan of the Justice party recalls the fuel‑depot explosion near Stepanakert on September 25, 2023, which killed over 200, injured hundreds and left 22 missing. He describes chaos in hospitals that night and contends the blast became the “last straw” convincing many to flee Artsakh. Two years on, he says the displaced still lack clear legal status and targeted support in Armenia. He links the tragedy to governance failures and argues the 44‑day war could and should have been prevented. (168.am)
87. 44-օրյա պատերազմը կանգնեցնելու հոկտեմբերի 7-ի առաջարկը, կամ՝ հումանիտար հրադադարների հետքերով
The article revisits Russia’s claims about a 2020 cease‑fire plan that might have stopped the 44‑day war, juxtaposing them with the series of humanitarian cease‑fires that failed. It cites Deputy Speaker Ruben Rubinyan’s interview and embeds archival references, asking what was truly on the table and when. Beyond the geopolitics, the piece stresses lessons about crisis management, messaging and civilian protection—arguing that misunderstanding, mistrust and tactical gambits undercut opportunities to limit casualties and displacement. (168.am)
88. Այսինքն գիտեի՞ք, որ վենդետա է լինելու, ու չեք կանխե՞լ. Վալոդյա Գրիգորյանի սպանության պատասխանատուն իշխանությունն է. Գոհար Մելոյան
Rights lawyer Gohar Meloyan alleges the authorities bear primary responsibility for Grigoryan’s murder, arguing that if leaders publicly warned against “vendettas,” they knew of risks yet failed to protect an opposition figure. She contrasts the lack of arrests with high‑profile cases solved quickly when politically expedient, and urges sustained public scrutiny of the investigation. Her remarks emphasize accountability, equal treatment under law and the dangers of selective enforcement that, she says, deepen fear and impunity. (168.am)
89. Դավիթ Փափազյանը` սկանդալային թնջուկի մասին
Former ANIF chief David Papazyan, wanted internationally, renews accusations that Prime Minister Pashinyan’s government sabotaged the state investment fund’s projects and neglected a cyber‑defense initiative. He responds to questions about alleged ties to an overseas NGO by deflecting and asking about that group’s funding. The piece collates his statements and the prime minister’s rebuttals, then notes a planned press briefing by Papazyan’s lawyer. It captures a running dispute mixing governance claims, legal risk and information‑warfare tactics. (168.am)
90. «Նախկինում ո՞ւմ մտքով կանցներ նման բան ասել կամ անել, ո՞վ իրեն թույլ կտար հայտարարել, թե «Արցախն Ադրբեջանի մաս է»»
From the Syunik village of Lichk, a former local leader laments depopulation, school closures and fraying services while criticizing debate around the “Trump Route.” He argues attitudes once unthinkable—like declaring “Artsakh is part of Azerbaijan”—reflect a deeper erosion of national confidence. The vignette weaves personal memories with worries about security and development, depicting rural hardship as a barometer of the country’s political trajectory and the perceived gap between Yerevan’s slogans and realities in the regions. (168.am)
91. Պայթյունի հետևանքով զոհվածների ընտանիքներն ամենաշատ անտեսված հատվածն է. Հայաստանի նորմալ իշխանություններն այս թեմայով առնվազն հետևյալ գործողությունները կանեին…Արտակ Բեգլարյան
Former Artsakh State Minister Artak Beglaryan argues families of those killed in the 2023 fuel‑depot blast are “the most neglected” among displaced Armenians. He lists steps a “normal government” should take: assign legal status to the dead and injured, guarantee sustained social and health benefits, diligently pursue the missing, and fully investigate causes and culpability. Beglaryan’s appeal is both policy and moral critique, contending official indifference compounds trauma and undermines justice. (168.am)
92. 168: Թրամփի աղմկահարույց «շրջադարձը»․ ի՞նչ կփոխվի Հարավային Կովկասում
This analysis reviews shifts in U.S. President Donald Trump’s rhetoric on the war in Ukraine after meetings at the UN, relaying claims that Kyiv—with EU support—can restore pre‑war borders. It compiles reactions from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov and Russian analysts, then considers implications for the South Caucasus. The author argues that big‑power posture changes rarely translate directly to small regions, where local dynamics—especially Turkey’s role—shape outcomes more than headline statements. (168.am)
93. RFE/RL - Pashinian Vague On Armenian Nuclear Project
Covering World Atomic Week in Moscow, RFE/RL says Prime Minister Pashinyan reaffirmed plans for a replacement to Metsamor but offered no timeline or contracting details. He touted a life‑extension to 2036 and vendor‑neutral consultations with the IAEA and partners. The report tracks U.S., Russian and South Korean interest, recalls NuScale’s cancelled SMR project, and notes the new Armenian entity tasked with evaluating proposals—while observing that little has been disclosed about its work so far. (azatutyun.am)
94. RFE/RL - Armenian Government Moves To Cut Defense Spending
RFE/RL reports the draft 2026 budget would reduce defense spending by more than 15% to 563 billion drams while overall outlays rise, shifting funds toward social programs and infrastructure. Critics argue the cut undermines deterrence as Azerbaijan boosts its budget; officials counter that efficiency and targeted procurement will preserve capabilities. The article situates the move in post‑treaty politics, recounting Pashinyan’s claims that Washington‑brokered understandings ended the conflict and sparked a strategic re‑balancing. (azatutyun.am)