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Security forces came to search the office of the Mother Armenia party

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 Karakhanian Suren Leave a comment

Caucasian Knot

May 22 2026

Security forces came to search the office of the Mother Armenia party

Security forces are conducting searches in the office and apartment of Andranik Tevanyan, chairman of the Mother Armenia party and second on the Prosperous Armenia party list. Tevanyan has been charged with treason, which he has called fabricated.

As reported by the “Caucasian Knot,” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced during the election campaign that the Ararat Cement plant, owned by the family of Gagik Tsarukyan, leader of the opposition Prosperous Armenia party, would be nationalized. The prosecutor’s office subsequently announced a case related to violations during the privatization of the enterprise.

Armenian parliamentary elections are scheduled for June 7. Seventeen parties and two blocs have been admitted. Samvel Karapetyan’s Strong Armenia bloc, Robert Kocharyan’s Armenia bloc, and Gagik Tsarukyan’s Prosperous Armenia Party are the most pro-Russian candidates in the upcoming elections. The Kremlin is backing Karapetyan, but he is legally ineligible to participate.

On the morning of May 22, National Security Service (NSS) officers arrived at the office of Mother Armenia bloc member Andranik Tevanyan after he was accused of disclosing information from a closed parliamentary session, ArmeniaToday reports.

A video from the home was published by Mother Armenia bloc representative Areknaz Manukyan.

The footage shows several law enforcement officers inside the premises. The bloc’s representative stated that NSS officers had arrived to conduct an investigative action. She demanded to see documents confirming the start of the investigation and refused to stop filming until they were presented and a lawyer arrived. “I will not turn off my phone until you present the notice of the investigation. I will continue filming until my lawyer arrives,” the newspaper quotes a translation of the video.

A search is also underway at the apartment of Andranik Tevanyan, chairman of the Mother Armenia party and second on the Prosperous Armenia party’s electoral list, News.Am reports.

The actions against Tevanyan began a day after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced the need to open a criminal case against him for “high treason.” On May 21, the Investigative Committee announced the initiation of criminal proceedings against Tevanyan for “treason and espionage.”

On May 20, during the election campaign, Nikol Pashinyan announced that the RA National Security Service would send a notice to the Investigative Committee against Andranik Tevanyan to initiate a criminal case for treason. Tevanyan responded by declaring that Pashinyan is the traitor and will be held accountable for his actions in the future.

Already on May 21, the Investigative Committee released a statement announcing that criminal proceedings had been initiated against Andranik Tevanyan for treason and espionage in connection with the possible publication of data from the 2024 closed parliamentary session. According to investigators, in exchange for a particularly large reward—$622,000—he provided information containing state secrets, translated into Russian, to a representative of foreign intelligence services.

Tevanyan called the charges against him absurd. He claimed the case against him was fabricated.

“On Nikol Pashinyan’s illegal orders, a case was fabricated against me and charges were brought. “The Investigative Committee of Armenia just released a statement alleging that, while a member of the National Assembly, in April 2024 I transmitted information about the progress and results of closed hearings, obtained from closed sources, translated into Russian, and committed acts against Armenia’s external security,” Aysor.Am quoted him as saying on May 21. Tevanyan emphasized that the accusations are untrue, as he resigned his parliamentary mandate in 2023 and could not have participated in closed parliamentary hearings in 2024. Therefore, all talk of money and the like is absurd,” Tevanyan said. Tevanyan is also a candidate for parliament in the June 7 parliamentary elections and is second on the Prosperous Armenia Party’s election list. As a reminder, the Prosperous Armenia Party Oligarch Gagik Tsarukyan and the Mother Armenia party are participating in the parliamentary elections together. Mother Armenia party leader Andranik Tevanyan stated at a congress in Yerevan on February 15 that they were “completely satisfied” with the Prosperous Armenia party’s election program and spoke of the need for “opposition forces to participate in the elections as a united front,” adding that “a change of power is necessary, and the parliamentary elections should mark the end of a “page of defeat and shame.”

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The number of bans on imports of goods from Armenia to Russia has increased ah

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 Dabaghian Diana Leave a comment

Caucasian Knot

May 23 2026

The number of bans on imports of goods from Armenia to Russia has increased ahead of parliamentary elections.

Rosselkhoznadzor (Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance) announced a ban on the import of certain cognacs and wines into Russia, including 37 million bottles of Jermuk mineral water. Pashinyan called such bans common practice, while opposition members saw political overtones in Russia’s actions.

As reported by “Caucasian Knot,” Rosselkhoznadzor imposed temporary restrictions on the import of flowers from Armenia starting May 22, 2026. The Armenian Ministry of Economy stated that it had not received official notification of the restrictions and could not specify the duration of the restrictions. Rospotrebnadzor explained the suspension of all imports of Armenian mineral water “Jermuk” to Russia as a “temporary sanitary measure” due to the detected excess of chemical substances.

The June parliamentary elections in Armenia will effectively be a referendum on the future of Nikol Pashinyan’s government and the country’s foreign policy. At stake is the current team’s retention of power or its transfer to the opposition, which promises to reconsider key decisions of recent years, according to the “Caucasian Knot” report “2026 Elections to the National Assembly (Parliament) of Armenia.” Samvel Karapetyan’s “Strong Armenia,” along with Robert Kocharyan’s “Armenia” bloc and Gagik Tsarukyan’s “Prosperous Armenia” party, is one of the most pro-Russian parties in the Armenian parliamentary elections. The Kremlin is backing Karapetyan, but by law he cannot participate in the elections, Armenian political scientists previously noted.

The import of a number of wine and cognac brands is prohibited

Rospotrebnadzor announced today the suspension of sales in the Russian Federation of “identified low-quality” alcoholic beverages from Armenia, namely wine and cognac produced by Vedi-Alco, Abovyan Brandy Factory, and Shahnazaryan Wine and Cognac House.

“Rospotrebnadzor monitors products in circulation, including alcoholic beverages. As a result of the measures, products manufactured by Vedi-Alco CJSC, Abovyan Brandy Factory LLC, and Shahnazaryan Wine and Brandy House LLC (Republic of Armenia) were identified as non-compliant with mandatory requirements,” the agency’s website states.

“In order to prevent the sale of products that do not meet mandatory requirements, trade enterprises and importers were notified of the suspension of product sales and the withdrawal of low-quality alcoholic beverages from circulation,” Rospotrebnadzor added.

It is specified that the following products “non-compliant with mandatory requirements” are “Getap Vernashen Ordinary Varietal Red Semi-Dry Wine” (11% alcohol, 0.75 l, bottling 03.02.2025) and “Vedi Alco Ordinary Varietal White Dry Wine” Kharji, T3 “Arni Legends” (12% alcohol, 0.75 l, bottling on December 17, 2024) produced by Vedi-Alco CJSC.

Also on the list of “low-quality” products is “Ordinary five-year-old cognac “Armenian Cognac 5 Stars” (40% alcohol, 0.5 l, bottling on January 20, 2025), produced by Abovyan Brandy Factory LLC (Republic of Armenia, Abovyan). In addition, a “non-compliance” was found in the “Armenian brandy vintage aged “KV” seven-year-old “Shahnazaryan XO” (40% alcohol, 0.5 l, bottling 05/16/2025), produced by the “Shahnazaryan Wine and Brandy House” LLC (Republic of Armenia, Yeghvard).

The ban on the import of “Jermuk” affects 37 million bottles

The ban by Rospotrebnadzor on the sale of “Jermuk” water from Armenia affected 37 million bottles, reported the Center for the Development of Advanced Technologies (CRPT), the operator of the state labeling system “Honest Sign.” The blocking affected mineral, natural, medicinal, and table drinking water, as well as carbonated water, including those with flavor additives, available in PET and glass containers of 0.33, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 liters.

The CRPT, on the instructions of Rospotrebnadzor, suspended the sale of Jermuk water due to “the need to take urgent measures to prevent possible harm to the life and health of citizens of the Russian Federation.” Shipments and sales of these products through retail and online channels will be blocked until official permission is received from the agency, the organization emphasized. Revaz Yusupov, Deputy Director General of the Center for Agricultural Development and the Environment, noted that the Honest Sign system is integrated with every cash register in the country, Forbes reports.

Rosselkhoznadzor Head Sergei Dankvert stated on May 22 that the agency is recording problems with shipments from Armenia not only of flowers but also of fruits and vegetables.

“The problem is that it’s not just flowers that are problematic. “We also have problems with fruits and vegetables,” Vesti quoted him as saying on May 22.

Pashinyan called import bans a common practice

Restrictions on the export of flowers from Armenia are a common situation when goods do not meet phytosanitary standards, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told journalists, writes Aravot.

He He stated that such restrictions had always existed, since any product that doesn’t meet phytosanitary standards is banned. He said similar situations had arisen dozens of times over the past eight years.

“As the saying goes, friendship is friendship, and service is service. What does friendship have to do with labor issues? If relations are friendly, does that mean there should be goods that do not meet EAEU standards, that we should go beyond all the rules?” his words were quoted in a publication dated May 22.

The opposition called the issue political

When the Armenian authorities provoke and speak in the language of blackmail with a state like Russia, they should expect different restrictions to be introduced every day. This was stated by the leader of the Strong Armenia party and candidate for prime minister Samvel Karapetyan. He promised that after June 7, any issue that arises will be resolved within a day.

“We must pursue a balanced policy with Russia, the European Union, and the United States of America,” the leader of Strong Armenia emphasized, News.Am quotes him as saying.

Strong Armenia representative Narek Karapetyan stated at a meeting with voters on May 23 in the city of Vagharshapat in the Armavir region that the bans are the result of the government’s short-sighted policy, due to which the Russian Federation has closed the entry of Armenian products.

Karapetyan noted that following the flowers, all other producers will also come under attack, which will lead to the complete bankruptcy of villages and the destruction of the economy created by the hard work of ordinary citizens, the agency writes.

Representatives of the opposition must stop encouraging, provoking and calling on Russia to impose sanctions against Armenia, said Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Alen Simonyan, answering a question about the reasons for Russia’s sanctions against Armenian goods.

“Contact Kaluga’s Samvel Karapetyan, Robert Kocharyan, Gagik Tsarukyan, ask them, is it good for them that every day a video appears where their supporters are accused of handing out money, and at the same time they say that Russia is about to do something…”, Aysor.Am quotes him as saying

Russia introduced restrictions on the import of flowers and mineral water against the backdrop of Armenian political forces preparing for the parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7. At the same time, in early May, the European Political Community summit and the Armenia-EU summit were held in Yerevan. In connection with this, Russian pro-government media accused Armenia of “betrayal” and an anti-Russian course, and Vladimir Putin noted that the Armenian authorities should decide as soon as possible about participation in the EU or the EAEU. Earlier, Putin stated that Armenia’s course towards rapprochement with the EU and membership in the Eurasian Economic Union could be combined Union “impossible by definition,” and noted that Moscow “would like” to allow all pro-Russian political forces to participate in the parliamentary elections in Armenia.

In August 2025, hundreds of trucks carrying grapes, plums, and peaches were not allowed to enter Russia at the Upper Lars checkpoint and were forced to return to Armenia. This problem is political in nature, said opposition MP Garnik Danielyan.

The “Caucasian Knot” also wrote that in February 2024, a resident of North Ossetia died after taking a sip from a bottle of Jermuk mineral water that contained vinegar. On January 19, it became known that Oleg Gusov’s relatives filed a lawsuit. A lawsuit for one and a half billion rubles against an Armenian water producer, as well as its representative and distributors in Russia. Jermuk Group CJSC denied the accusation by the family of Vladikavkaz businessman Oleg Gusov that the Armenian company was involved in his death.

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Armenian elections resemble Moldovan elections

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 Chakrian Hovsep Leave a comment

Logos Press, Moldova
may 24 2026

Armenian elections resemble Moldovan elections

In two weeks, on June 7, Armenia will hold elections to the National Assembly, the country’s parliament. Nineteen political forces are registered to participate in the elections: two blocs and 17 parties. The total number of voters is 2,483,520. This figure is comparable to that of Moldova, and the parallels do not end there.

The pre-election campaign for the parliamentary elections in Armenia started on May 8 and will last until June 5. As part of the campaign, Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and Chairman of the Board of the Civil Contract Party, who is on vacation, stated that he was ready to leave “at the moment when the people decide that I should leave”.

“This vote should not and cannot be obtained under coercion or bribery. We vote because we must stand up in defense of the state, peace and the future of Armenia,” Pashinyan said, quoted by Armenpress.

Cognac, flowers and geopolitics

The closer the elections get, the more tense the situation between Brussels and Moscow becomes – political processes intersect in Yerevan.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was quoted by News.am as saying that Armenia is trying to be dragged into the anti-Russian camp in order to make Russia “as painful as possible.”

Rosselkhoznadzor has imposed temporary restrictions on the import of flowers from Armenia since May 22. As Logos Press has already written, after the ban on the supply of flowers, vegetables and fruits, cognac was also subject to restrictions.

“The biggest campaign. After Moldova

Europe, for its part, says that Russia is conducting a large-scale disinformation campaign against Armenia ahead of the elections. Euronews writes that by early May, 343 fake videos had been identified. “According to analysts, this is one of the largest such operations in recent years – only the campaign to interfere in the Moldovan elections in 2025 was larger,” the publication writes.

A month before the elections, at the junction of the start of the election campaign, a “historic” EU summit was held in Yerevan, following the results of which the European Union for the first time directly recorded a political signal to Armenia – the summit’s final document speaks of the “aspiration of the Armenian people” for rapprochement with the EU.

At an extraordinary session on May 22, the Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Armenia invalidated the registration of 7 parliamentary candidates.

Diaspora factor

Recently, a PACE delegation visited Yerevan, which, according to Armenpress, “expressed concern about the increasingly complex and systemic nature of the external interference affecting Armenia’s political and information sphere”.

“The delegation was informed about the direct and unequivocal requests of the Russian President to the Armenian Prime Minister to facilitate the voting of the Armenian Diaspora from Russia, as well as the financial incentives provided by the main opposition party to this part of the Diaspora to visit Armenia and vote on election day,” the delegation said in a statement.

According to the Armenian government, today about 7 million Armenians live in more than 100 countries around the world. At the same time, in Russia – one of the largest Armenian communities – there are about 1 million people, according to official data. According to unofficial estimates, including unregistered migrants, this number may reach 2 million.

The media say that the elections in Armenia are decisive for the future direction of the country’s development. The main political rival of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is considered to be the bloc headed by Robert Kocharyan, former president and former prime minister of the country.

Source: logos-press.md
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Asbarez: Actor Simon Abkarian, Filmmaker Artavazd Pelechian Honored at Cannes

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 Christine Harutyunian Leave a comment

by Asbarez Staff

May 24, 2026

in Arts & Culture, Featured Story, Latest, Movie, News, Top Stories

French-Armenian actor Simon Abkarian at the Cannes Film Festival on May 22

Award-winning French Armenian actor Simon Abkarian received a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival on Friday, while the revered event honored Armenian filmmaker Artavazd Pelechian with a special retrospective.

Abkarian, who has appeared in numerous French and American films, was honored for his portrayal of Charles de Gaulle in the much-talked about epic “De Gaulle: Tilting Iron.”

In French cinema, the project is already being described as nearly unprecedented: the two-part saga about Charles de Gaulle runs close to five hours and has become one of the most ambitious and expensive national productions in recent years.

The premiere at Cannes was the kind of spectacle usually reserved for major Hollywood studio blockbusters. Abkarian walked the red carpet alongside director Antonin Baudry and the film’s cast.

At the conclusion of the screening Abkarian received a standing ovation for his performance in the movie, which has been hailed by critics.

Cineuropa called his portrayal one of the film’s greatest strengths, noting that the actor managed to “make audiences forget the myth and see the man.”

Reviewers stressed that Abkarian does not play de Gaulle as a bronze monument lifted from a history textbook. His version is stubborn, sometimes humorous, obsessive and occasionally almost reckless – qualities that ultimately make the character feel human. Critics also highlighted the actor’s precise use of the general’s distinctive voice and speech patterns without slipping into caricature.

In a press event, Abkarian emphasized the need for fighting injustice in the face of adversity.

“When you see injustice you must fight it. You must find the tools to fight it,” Abkarian told reporters at Cannes.

Filmmaker Artavazd Pelechian at Cannes

The Cannes Film Festival’s Cannes Classics section presented a special retrospective dedicated to the Pelechian’s creative legacy.

Within the program, five restored films by Pelechian were screened as part of the Pelechian Project, including Land of the People (1966), The Beginning (1967), We (1969), The Inhabitants (1970) and Seasons (1975).

Pelechian is know for developing an innovative film editing technique know as “distance montage.”

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Asbarez: California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Visits Chamlian School

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 Aram Torosian Leave a comment

by Contributor

May 24, 2026

in Community, Featured Main, Latest, News, Top Stories

GLENDALE — California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond visited Vahan & Anoush Chamlian Armenian School on Friday, joining students, educators, elected officials, Armenian American community leaders, and supporters for a special student-led campus experience highlighting educational excellence, innovation, Armenian heritage, and whole-child learning.

Widely recognized as one of the leading Armenian schools in the nation, Chamlian welcomed Superintendent Thurmond for an in-depth look at the school’s educational model, which blends rigorous academics with Armenian language and cultural education, leadership development, STEAM learning, arts, athletics, and student-centered instruction.

Throughout the visit, students led nearly every aspect of the program, welcoming guests, guiding campus tours, sharing reflections, and showcasing learning experiences across classrooms and programs throughout the school.

“What I saw today impressed me, and I believe we can learn from this school’s focus on STEAM learning while grounding students in their heritage and cultural history,” said Superintendent Thurmond.

“There’s a reason Chamlian Armenian School was recognized as a California Blue Ribbon School. Students need to be prepared for the economy of the 21st century and have the skills necessary for the future job market while also having a strong sense of community. This approach provides that foundation,” he added.

The visit carried special significance for many students following a student-led letter writing campaign earlier this school year surrounding educational recognition and the importance of celebrating school communities and student achievement.

“Today was about giving our students the opportunity to share their voices, their heritage, and their experiences directly with California’s educational leadership,” said Dr. Talin P. Kargodorian, Head of School at Chamlian Armenian School. “At Chamlian, we believe students thrive when they are challenged academically, grounded in identity and values, and empowered to lead with confidence, compassion, and purpose.”

The event also highlighted the strength of the broader Armenian Prelacy school community. Chamlian is one of 13 Armenian Prelacy schools operating under the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, a network founded more than five decades ago to preserve Armenian language, heritage, faith, and identity through educational excellence.

The visit brought together Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian, members of the Glendale City Council, representatives from the Office of LA City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, Board of Regents members overseeing Armenian Prelacy schools, principals from sister Armenian schools across California, Chamlian School Board members, Parent Support Committee leadership, and major supporters of the school community.

During the concluding program, students reflected on leadership, civic engagement, educational opportunity, and the importance of student voice. Students also performed traditional Armenian songs and instrumental pieces, highlighting the school’s commitment to arts education, cultural _expression_, and heritage preservation.

Founded under the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, Chamlian Armenian School serves students in grades TK–8 and is rooted in the core values of Academic Excellence, Armenian Heritage, Innovation, and Integrity.

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168: Maybe we will manage to win the right to live by fighting. Movses Silikyan

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 Alex Jidarian Leave a comment

May 24, 2026

On May 21, 1918, the Battle of Sardarapat begins. Already on May 21, Armenian troops liberated a number of Armenian villages and occupied a very convenient strategic position.

On May 21 and 22, the Turkish troops conduct reconnaissance battles in order to find the vulnerable directions of the Armenian troops and to achieve their goal with a direct attack on that point.

Until May 24, very hot battles are going on, the Turkish troops show stubborn resistance, and the Armenian troops are able to break the resistance of the Turkish army with attacks and counter-attacks.

On May 24, the Turkish troops start retreating, fleeing, which causes great enthusiasm among the Armenian troops. The commander of the Armenian First Division, Movses Silikyan, who was faced with the task of stopping the retreat of the Armenian troops and preventing the advance of the Turkish troops to Yerevan, addresses the following appeal to the people:

“Armenians, hurry to liberate the homeland.

The moment has come when every Armenian, forgetting his personal, for the sake of the Great Cause, the salvation of the motherland and the protection of the honor of his wife and daughters, must make his last effort to strike the enemy.

We did not want to fight. for the sake of peace and reconciliation, we were ready to make all kinds of sacrifices, however, our fierce enemy is going along his planned path. he apparently wants to enslave us, but really wants to destroy our long-suffering nation. But since we are going to perish, isn’t it better that we try to protect ourselves with weapons in our hands? Maybe we will manage to win the right to live by fighting.

And that we can defend ourselves was shown by the last battles on our front, where the enemy outnumbered us retreated before our heroic attack. One more effort is needed, and the enemy will be expelled from the borders of our country, where our grandfathers and fathers worked with blood and sweat for many years to find a way to earn their daily living.

Armenians, it’s not time to slow down. All men under the age of fifty are obliged to come under arms. I demand everyone to show up with their weapons and bullets for the defense of the motherland. Armenian women, remember the gentle ladies of the fifth century, who encouraged their husbands to the Great Cause, during the battles of the immortal Vardan. follow their example. if you do not want your honor to be violated, encourage those cowards who avoid coming to the front under various pretexts. Collect ammunition, bread, clothes and other food…

I am deeply convinced that this call of mine will not go unanswered, and within two or three days such a valiant army will be organized that will manage to expel the enemy from the borders of the native land and ensure the existence of the Armenian people.

For the physical existence of the long-suffering people,

For the trampled truth,

Stand up! To the holy war!

All men capable of arms are obliged to present themselves in Yerevan. Bezhanbeg, and all the collected food should be delivered to the local Azg. to the Khorhuds.” (S. Vratsyan, “Republic of Armenia”, Yerevan, 1993, p. 147-148).

Movses Silikyan’s call inspires not only those on the battlefield, but also recruits new groups of volunteers who go to the battlefield. That call and that period of the war are turning points, as the Armenian troops begin their advance and slowly approach their ultimate goal, the liberation of the homeland.

On May 25 and 26, Armenian troops made unsuccessful attempts at attacks on different fronts of Sardarapat, after which Movses Silikyan developed a new strategy. On May 27, the Armenian forces started new attacks and had success, and the Turkish troops, having suffered a heavy defeat in different parts of the front, began to retreat.

On May 28, the Armenian troops continue their attacks, the Turkish army retreats, but on May 29, being replenished with new troops, the Turks launch a counter-attack, but do not achieve success. On the same day, May 29, a cease-fire was established. The battle of Sardarapat ended with the victory of the Armenian troops.

The call of Movses Silikyan and the actions following the call showed that the enemy can be defeated only with weapons, on the battlefield. Dignified peace and liberation of the motherland can only happen in this way.

Z. I hesitated

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They don’t think about the Armenian people, but how to bring in Azerbaijanis

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 Tatoyan Vazgen Leave a comment

May 24, 2026

Former RA Deputy Minister of Defense Artak Zakaryan writes: After the “self-determination and pro-Armenian” solution of Artsakh, the launch of the wonderful Ajapnyak metro, the construction of Ashtarak, an academically rich city, the operation of the Gyumri dry port, the active passenger transportation of the ArNA national airline and other large and profitable projects, the capitulation government of RA has “given birth” to a new “idea”.

He is trying to sell another non-existent “achievement” to the ignorant public in exchange for a vote.

Nicol’s government offers to export Armenian apricots, tomatoes, strawberries, flowers, fish, mineral waters, vodka, wine, cognac, sweets and other products to Europe through Turkey.

This is similar to the story of Ajapnyak metro, everyone wants to build it, many don’t know how, and only experts know it’s not possible.

Let’s put aside the fact that on the Kars-Akhlkalak railway, Armenian goods could always go wherever they wanted without any obstacles. The question is, where should they go, and who are their buyers in Europe or Turkey?

Will poor entrepreneurs be able to find buyers and markets? And in this most important matter, Nikol’s government is powerless. He only destroys existing markets and security systems. But it is not his job to create a new one. Its job is only to destroy.

P.S. The specter of a war, as well as economic and value crises, is already roaming in Europe.

I don’t understand, is it just Hayi’s luck or his intelligence? To look for kindness and support where it is no longer there.”

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Particularly interesting is the very direct intervention of Azerbaijan and from their side

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 Emma Nadirian Leave a comment

May 31, 2026

Azerbaijanologist Tatevik Hayrapetyan writes on his Facebook page. “Is Aliyev spending money on Pashinyan’s election campaign?

Various geopolitical centers interfere in the Armenian elections, they do it openly, in fact, both Moscow, Brussels and Washington do it. But perhaps it is not so new in the history of our state and elections, just the scale and interest are different this time.

But in the background of all that, the very direct intervention of Azerbaijan and the investment of serious resources by them for the sake of Pashinyan is particularly interesting for me. Recently, I saw that one of their leading media published a movie trailer, which is actually directed against the current opposition, and against this background, Pashinyan’s stay in power is very important.

As far as I understood from the short video, they tried to have interviews with various experts living abroad within the framework of this film. Moreover, this is exactly the same media that spends huge resources to carry out black PR against Ruben Vardanyan. The materials here are posted in English, that is, they are intended for a foreign audience.

The fact that Pashinyan is Aliyev’s candidate has not been news to me for a long time, but it is very interesting to see that Aliyev is actually starting to spend money on Pashinyan’s election campaign and “blackening” his oppositionists. Although this is probably understandable, Pashinyan is ready to realize even the most dangerous fantasies of Aliyev, directed against the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian identity…

In the end, remember once again, dear citizen of Armenia, dear voter, remember: let whoever you want support whomever you want, let whoever you want spend as much money as you want, you are the one who decides the fate of this country, only you, it depends on your decision whether this country will get a chance to overcome the difficult situation, or whether we will throw our country into the pit with our own hands…

If we don’t want Aliyev to decide, then we go to the elections on June 7.
We are the ones who decide.”

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Vahagn Khachaturyan declared an annual income-salary of about 23 million drams

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 Aram Torosian Leave a comment

May 24, 2026

The work and effort of Vahagn Khachaturyan, the president of the republic and, you might think, the performer of the royal dance ensemble, pianist, which may not be visible to many ordinary mortals, turns out to be highly appreciated. The latter is evidenced by the declarations of different years presented by the official, where the income increases of the reporting year are recorded.

So, according to the declaration submitted to the Central Electoral Commission in December 2021, as of the date of assumption of office, Vahagn Khachaturyan’s income for the reporting year of 8,067,142 drams was generated from the salary received from YSU, Shushi University of Technology, Antares and/or other payments equal to it, in the amount of 2,666,642 drams, and also from the salary received from Armeconombank JSC. and or from other payments equal to it, in the amount of AMD 5,400,500.

Already as the Minister of High-tech Industry, Vahagn Khachaturyan, in the declaration submitted in 2022, mentions the income for the reporting year of 2021, the salary of 3,576,071 drams received from YSU, HTS, “Antares Holding” and other sources, and the payments equal to it, as well as received from “Armeconombank” JSC, RA BTAN and other sources. 15,982,860 drams salary and/or equivalent payments. only 19 million 558 thousand 931 drams.

Vahagn Khachaturyan’s income progression continues already in the position of president. from the declaration submitted this year, for example, we learn that President Khachaturyan closed the year 2025 with an income of 22,982,880 drams, which was generated from the salary received from the RA President’s office and or other payments equal to it.

More details about the latest announcement

Vahagn Khachaturyan declared 4 immovable properties, which he acquired in 2002 and 2017, in the form of a donation or inheritance, and which he manages alone. 2 plots of land. One in Arabir administrative district of Yerevan, the other in Dzoraghbyur community of Kotayk region, one garage and one apartment in Kentron administrative district of Yerevan.

At the end of the year, the balances of several bank accounts of the official were as follows: 68,331,911.8 drams, 2,983,749.2 drams, 132.41 dollars, 313.85 dollars, and the cash funds were 1.5 million drams and 20 thousand dollars.

Vahagn Khachaturyan stated 22,982,880 drams in income for the reporting year, 2025, which was generated from the salary he received from the office of the President of the Republic and or payments equal to it.

The balance of the principal amount of received loans and borrowings as of December 31 of the reporting year was 10,000 euros in one case, and 10,000 dollars in another case.

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Since the Kars-Akhalkalaki railway is so savior, why doesn’t Akhalka use it?

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 Jhanna Virabian Leave a comment

May 24, 2026

Betghehem Arabyan, the general director of the “Kentron” TV company, wrote on his Facebook page: “If the Kars-Akhalkalaki railway is so savior, why isn’t a single resident of Akhalkalaki or Ninotsminda using it?

Pashinyan announced that the Akhalkalaki-Kars railway is no longer open for exports from Armenia and imports to Armenia. He mentioned the word no longer, to show that there was no alternative to the Russian bans.

First, that railway started working from 2020, and in 2024, the first cargo train from Baku to Kars was officially resumed with 20 containers.

However, Pashinyan does not say the truth about the possibilities. before making loud announcements about the railway and giving misleading information to his own electorate, the journalist-prime minister definitely wondered if there is a single person from Akhalkalaki and Ninotsminda who is engaged in agriculture and supplies Georgia with agricultural products, who uses the Kars-Akhalkalaki railway to export his goods. There is not that one person.

And now with the facts.

Mikheil Saakashvili’s project, the Baku-Tbilisi-Akhalkalaki-Kars railway, aimed to work in two directions: passenger and freight, visa liberalization, which happened in 2017, to sit through the door and reach Turkey and Europe…

Even then, the local government told its electorate that the local product would be exported to the European market.
That railway never worked for passenger purposes, it worked sometimes for freight, then it was interrupted, the reason is that the width of the railway in Georgia is 1520 mm according to the standards of the Central Railway, while in Turkey it is European standards with a difference of about 1 m, and there are regular interruptions.

In addition, cargo wagons need to be changed in Akhalkalak, which slows down and also increases the cost of cargo transportation. And the purpose of the railway is fast cargo transportation, otherwise there is the sea, which is slow and affordable.

In addition, the railway capacity is limited, incomparably limited compared to Russian or sea routes.
According to various statistical data, in 2021, the Azerbaijani side transported 1,770 wagons of cargo on that railway.
In 2025, Georgia transported about 13 million tons of cargo on the Georgian Railway, of which about 58 percent is transit cargo from other countries, 34.5 percent is international import, and only 7.5 percent is domestic cargo.

Why can’t they use that railway in Akhalkalaki and Ninotsminda?
First, it is expensive, it is beneficial only in the case of transit or transportation of large containers and industrial cargo.
It is not available to farmers engaged in agriculture.

If that two-line was so savior, then the Armenian communities in Georgia, for example, would not have a problem selling potatoes when there is a fertile year. They would get on the train from their front door and take their goods to sell.
But what is being done? they either sell the agricultural product to middlemen who visit their community, or load the cars onto trucks and deliver them to the Georgian market. The same is the case with cheese production, and every farmer in that region produces tens of tons of cheese.

Therefore, when the Akhalkalaki-Kars railway is not used, for example, the resident of Ghulalis village, whose train passes almost in his yard, it is unlikely that the resident of Armavir will load grapes, cross the Armenian-Georgian border, then reach Akhalkalaki, and transport 20 tons of fruit by train. “Unfortunately, the Akhalkalaki-Kars opportunity is not real and is not an alternative, it is generated by falsehood.”

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