Human rights defender Ruben Melikyan wrote:
“Placing a propaganda image, an outline of Stalin’s map, which is not a state symbol of RA and is used by the ruling force on the coat of arms of the RA armed forces, is a clear manifestation of the politicization of the army.
This circumstance is an additional argument for ignoring the “shameful parade” to be held tomorrow.
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Citizens who have been deprived of the right to drive in Armenia will be given the opportunity to restore the document once without passing an examination, upon payment of a state fee and a strict one-year probationary period.
The relevant legislative draft was presented by the Minister of Internal Affairs at the government meeting on May 27 Arpine Sargsyan. Under current regulations, the restoration of driving license after the expiration of the period of revocation requires the passing of mandatory examinations, regardless of whether the revocation is for the first time or not. The new model proposes to allow citizens to restore the right to drive by paying a state fee of 50,000 drams within one year after the expiration of the one-year period of deprivation.
This opportunity will be given only once and comes with strict restrictions. After reinstatement, a probationary period is established, during which the driver will be given only 6 penalty points instead of the standard 13. If the driver consumes those 6 points or during that time again commits such a violation that implies deprivation, he will automatically be deprived of the right to drive a vehicle for another year. The minister emphasized that a stricter methodology is emphasized in the new model, because under normal circumstances, when 13 points are consumed, the right is only suspended, not deprived.
In the case of the second and every subsequent deprivation, rehabilitation will be carried out exclusively through examinations. The draft also contains a transitional provision that will allow deprived persons between January 1, 2020 and May 1, 2026 to also benefit from this new rehabilitation procedure.
The norm will apply only to the decisions made by the police within the framework of the administration. It will not apply to forfeitures imposed by courts or foreign competent authorities. In addition, the procedure will not work in the case of recognizing a person as incapable, as well as in the case of suspension of the right to drive based on mental illnesses, use of narcotics or psychotropic substances and other health contraindications.
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The other day, we paid off another 9 million US dollars from the credit obligations of “HETC” CJSC to international banks. Romanos Petrosyan, the temporary manager of the National Economic and Social Committee, wrote about it on his Facebook page.
“2025 as of July, at the time of the initiation of administrative proceedings by the President of the PSC, the Company had credit obligations to international and local banks, as well as issued bonds (including accrued interest) of about 396.8 million. in the amount of US dollars, of which only international banks – about 123.3 million. USD (in addition: with the pledge of 100% of the Company’s shares).
At the moment, the credit portfolio of HEC is about 347.6 million. US dollars, of which the amount of international loans is 93.2 million. USD.
According to that, during the period of temporary administration, we reduced the financial obligations of the National Bank of Ukraine to international and local banks by about 50 million US dollars (including early repayments).
Moreover. the payments were made exclusively at the expense of own funds, in parallel with the current financial and economic normal operations, without the involvement of additional financial funds,” the note states.
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The Armenian government is launching a new phase of reforms in the cultural sector. with the introduction of the certification system, the salary of museum employees will increase by 57 percent on average, with the aim of solving the problem of the lack of young personnel.
On May 27, the executive approved the redistribution project in the state budget, allocating 151.8 million drams for the implementation of this cultural initiative. According to the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan, the main goal of the program is the introduction of an interrelated, effective mechanism for professional development and salary growth in the museum sector.
Low wages in the sector have led to serious systemic challenges. The minister emphasized that unattractive financial conditions limit professional growth, reduce the interest of young professionals and create significant risks for the quality of museum management and preservation. In order to solve the problem, a new certification procedure has already been developed and approved, which involves checking professional knowledge and skills in written and oral stages.
The process will start in July, and employees who successfully pass it will receive corresponding bonuses. It is planned that the average monthly salary of the specialists included in the eight job groups will be around 200 thousand drams. As an additional social guarantee, most certified employees will also have access to a health insurance package. Next, it is planned to introduce a similar mechanism in the library system.
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Preparations for the highly anticipated military parade scheduled for Republic Day on May 28 in central Yerevan were completed on Wednesday, with the Defense Ministry vowing to showcase reformed armed forces to the public.
“We have completed the final preparations for the parade,” Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan said in Yerevan’s central square, as the military orchestra rehearsed for the event.
“On May 28, starting at 9:30, we are expecting everyone at Republic Square. Come and [witness] Armenia’s new army—with a new appearance, new armament, and new uniforms,” the minister said in a video message.
The Defense Ministry had earlier unveiled a new emblem of the army.
Following the official opening of the internationally renowned Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2026, held in Armenia for the first time in history, Northern Terroir, part of the Team Group of Companies, hosted an exclusive private tasting evening at Grand Hotel Yerevan. The event welcomed international sommeliers, wine journalists and industry representatives, hospitality professionals, and tour operators who arrived in Armenia as part of one of the world’s most prestigious wine competitions.
Bringing together around 130 guests, the event aimed to introduce international visitors to the landscapes, gastronomy, and indigenous grape varieties of Tavush, one of Armenia’s northern wine regions, while highlighting the country’s growing role within the global wine industry.
Held under the concept of “Wild Luxury,” the evening was designed as an immersive presentation of northern Armenia through wine, food, aroma, and storytelling. Guests were guided through a tasting experience centered around Lalvari and Banants, indigenous Armenian grape varieties that stand at the core of Northern Terroir’s wines.
“Hosting international wine professionals during CMB 2026 was an important moment not only for Northern Terroir, but for Armenian wine more broadly,” said Zara Mazmanyan, General Director of Northern Terroir. “We wanted guests to experience Tavush not only through wine, but through its food culture, atmosphere, and the people behind the region.”
The tasting presentation was led by Northern Terroir Brand Ambassador Aram Kirakosyan, who introduced guests to the winery, winemaking philosophy, and the character of Tavush terroir.
Throughout the evening, wines were paired with dishes inspired by regional ingredients and local food traditions. The gastronomic concept was curated by Ani Harutyunyan, Founder of Arm Food Lab, Co-founder of Ootelie Artisan Bakery and Caffeine Coffee Roasters, in collaboration with wine expert Stepan Hajyan.
“Tavush cuisine is deeply connected to seasonality, preservation, and ingredients gathered from the surrounding landscape,” said Ani Harutyunyan. “The pairings were created to reflect the character of the region while naturally complementing the wines.”
The pairings included ZOÉ Sparkling served with wild spring greens and heritage grain sourdough crisps, TUS Classic accompanied by a savory wild mushroom gata reinterpretation, and TUS Reserve paired with free-range Tavush pork.
Such events contribute to Armenia’s growing visibility not only as a winemaking region, but also as an emerging destination for wine tourism, gastronomy, and hospitality.
About Northern Terroir
Northern Terroir was founded in 2017 with a vision to encapsulate the distinctive essence of Armenia’s Tavush province in its wines. Embracing the unique northern terroir of Tavush, our vineyards in Haghtanak village are meticulously tended to harness the region’s natural blessings. Situated at an average altitude of 450 meters, our vineyards benefit from a continental climate, characterized by warm summers and gentle winters.
The professionalism of our specialists, a systematic approach, dedication, and a strong sense of belonging to the team contribute to Northern Terroir’s success and growing recognition.
Published by Armenpress, original at
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Armenia has launched a major reform of the nature reserves sector, aimed at modernizing environmental policy and making it more effective, Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan has announced.
In a video posted on social media, Matevosyan said that for years the sector has operated within the framework of existing legal regulations, which no longer fully correspond to modern challenges. He said that a clear political decision has been made to make nature conservation a state priority, linking it with community development, economic opportunities, and the interests of future generations.
Under the new changes, communities are being given, for the first time, the opportunity to establish locally significant protected areas and participate in their management. According to him, this is an important step, as communities will henceforth become full partners in the nature conservation process.
Matevosyan also emphasized that the reforms create new opportunities for community development, particularly in eco-tourism and environmental initiatives. At the same time, the management rules for protected areas are being clarified, approaches aligned with international standards are being introduced, and the system for protecting natural values is being strengthened.
According to him, the implemented measures will not only modernize the sector but also ensure more effective fulfillment of Armenia’s international commitments in the field of biodiversity conservation.
“Our goal is simple: to have a developing country where economic progress goes hand in hand with nature conservation and a peaceful future,” the minister said.
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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has accused Strong Armenia alliance leader and business tycoon Samvel Karapetyan of engaging in espionage activities in Armenia.
“The oligarch from Kaluga should be tried not only for money laundering and for stealing electricity from schools, kindergartens, and military units, but also for acting against the state interests of Armenia,” Pashinyan said, referring to Karapetyan’s ownership of the Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA) power distribution company, where the government has taken over management due to alleged mismanagement and violations, including overpricing. Pashinyan refers to Karapetyan as the “oligarch from Kaluga” in reference to the Russian city where the business magnate has mostly been based.
ENA is owned by Karapetyan’s Tashir Group.
“In particular, for attempts to bring the issue of the return of 300,000 Azerbaijanis—an issue that does not exist—into Armenia’s domestic political agenda,” Pashinyan continued.
“This espionage activity will not succeed, and moreover, the Kaluga oligarch should now prepare for the fact that he will not be able to leave Armenia for at least another decade. He must be held in a penitentiary institution as a spy, an electricity thief, and a money launderer,” Pashinyan said.
The Strong Armenia alliance has claimed that the ruling Civil Contract party, if re-elected, will pave the way for the “resettlement” of 300,000 Azerbaijanis in Armenia. The Pashinyan administration has described this claim as disinformation.
Karapetyan is currently under house arrest. He faces criminal charges of publicly calling for the seizure of power and money laundering. He denies any wrongdoing and claims that the charges are politically motivated.
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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has announced that the TRIPP connectivity project envisages reopening the Meghri railway and establishing new transport and infrastructure links through Armenia’s territory.
He made the remarks at a campaign event in the village of Goght, a day after Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio initialed a framework agreement on strategic cooperation concerning TRIPP aimed at enabling the project’s implementation.
He said the Armenia-U.S. agreement on TRIPP would be finalized within a month at the latest.
“U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Armenia and, together with the foreign minister, initialed the framework agreement for the implementation of the TRIPP project. The agreement will be formally signed within a month at the latest,” Pashinyan said.
According to the prime minister, one of the project’s most visible components is the reopening of the Meghri railway.
“The Meghri railway will be reopened, and both Azerbaijan and Armenia will use it — Azerbaijan for transport links between Nakhchivan and mainland Azerbaijan, and Armenia for establishing a railway connection between the country’s northern and southern regions. Today, we do not have a railway running from south to north, specifically through the Syunik section, and we are going to obtain that railway,” the prime minister said.
He added that reopening the railway would also be important for cargo transportation, particularly for transporting products from the Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine. “This means an opportunity for us to transport at least concentrate from Syunik directly by rail and also deliver goods to Syunik,” Pashinyan said.
According to the prime minister, Armenia will also receive transit revenues.
“Every train that passes through our territory will pay for it, and those funds will go to the state budget of the Republic of Armenia,” he said.
Pashinyan noted that the revenues could be directed toward road construction, social programs and other state needs.
He also emphasized that increasing railway transportation could reduce the impact of heavy cargo trucks on roads.
In addition to the railway, the TRIPP project also envisages the construction of gas pipelines, oil pipelines, power transmission lines and internet cables through Armenia’s territory, according to Pashinyan.
“We are going to receive transit revenues from all of that,” he said.
According to the prime minister, the infrastructure will enable Armenia to carry out both imports and exports.
Pashinyan also noted that implementing the project implies major investments and create new jobs.
He said that, within the framework of the project, Armenia would also obtain a railway connection with Iran.
According to Pashinyan, the project could turn Armenia into a north-south and east-west transportation crossroads.
“We are also obtaining a railway connection between the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea for exports and imports,” he said.
The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) is a connectivity project in Armenia envisaged under the U.S.-brokered Armenian-Azerbaijani joint declaration signed in Washington, D.C. The project is expected to unlock strategic economic opportunities, create long-term benefits through infrastructure investment and enhance regional connectivity. An Armenian-American joint enterprise is expected to develop the route.
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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has reiterated that his administration seeks to end Russian concession management of Armenian railways in order to prevent anti-Russian sanctions from hindering the development of the country’s rail system.
Pashinyan has previously called for an end to Russian management of Armenia’s railway network, which operates under a concession agreement through the South Caucasus Railways. He specifically stated that, in the context of current regional connectivity development projects, it would be preferable for another country—particularly one with friendly ties to both Armenia and Russia—to take over management. He argued that some countries might choose not to make shipments through Armenia due to Russian management of the railway system, thereby reducing Armenia’s competitiveness.
Russia has so far rejected the proposal.
Speaking at a campaign event in the village of Goght, Pashinyan referred to developments around regional connectivity, noting that Türkiye is currently constructing the Kars–Dilucu railway in the area from Kars to Nakhchivan, whereas Armenia already has railway infrastructure.
“There is a ready railway in Armenia, and that is the railway that should be used,” the prime minister said.
According to Pashinyan, studies have led the government to conclude that the issue is related to Armenia’s current concession management model for the railway held by Russia.
“Since Armenia’s railway is under a Russian concession, and Russia has complex sanctions-related relations with Western countries, Western countries are looking for ways to bypass that,” he said.
According to the prime minister, international companies are trying to avoid sanctions risks and are seeking safe routes.
“We believe that the concession logic of Armenia’s railways must definitely be changed, which, by the way, are 100% owned by the Republic of Armenia. This is necessary so that sanctions-related obstacles do not become a problem for our routes and our railways,” Pashinyan said.
He added that Armenia will continue work in this direction with its partners, including Russia.
Pashinyan also announced that the next phase is expected to include the opening of the Armenia–Türkiye border and railway connection.
“In any case, the flow of goods from east to west is so large that I am convinced our railway will operate at high capacity and bring significant revenue to the Republic of Armenia,” he said.
According to the prime minister, international partners have also studied transit routes through Armenia and concluded that the shortest east–west route runs through the Tavush, Lori, and Shirak regions.
“There is strong investment interest in developing roads from Tavush to Shirak and creating toll roads for freight transport,” Pashinyan said.
He added that these programs would generate additional income for Armenia.
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