Armenpress: Fake video circulated on X using Armenpress logo

Society22:44, 1 May 2026
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False information has been circulated on the social media platform X using the logo of Armenpress News Agency.

Textual content bearing no relation to reality was published by a user named WollyBee and paired with a video featuring footage of Armenia’s Prime Minister, as well as clips from various interviews with the Prime Minister’s spokesperson, all presented under the Armenpress logo.

The post was tagged with the accounts of Armenpress, other Armenian news outlets, as well as France 24 and Deutsche Welle.

Armenpress urges readers to verify any information published under its name through its official website and social media pages. In the face of growing volumes of disinformation and manipulation, relying on primary sources remains a key element of responsible media consumption.

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Verelq: They are persecuted in Armenia for anti-government views

“Hraparak” newspaper writes:


“According to some rumors, the government, through special envoys, is conducting a witch hunt among ordinary residents of the capital.


Under the guise of a public survey, they visit citizens’ homes, question their views, even directly ask them who they will vote for, after which they start various pressures on citizens who are obviously oppositional and anti-government.


Let’s say, by the administrative managers, or if they have a small business, through the tax authorities or the management of the institution.


For example, they force the condominium to repay the debts of the months they have accumulated, or they send notices to the men of the given family to participate in training sessions, etc. So don’t open the door to everyone and don’t tell everyone who you are going to vote for.”

The current situation is a dead end. Iran, USA and Israel on the brink of a new explosion

The current situation is a stalemate. US negotiations with Iran are on a lethargic rest, and as of now, are non-existent rather than ongoing. Israel is trying to rearm and prepare for the next stage of the confrontation. Missiles, anti-missile systems, ammunition, various types of military equipment and armored vehicles are actively imported by sea and air.


This proves that despite attempts to separate the military theaters against Iran and Lebanon, they remain interconnected. And in Lebanon, the expansion of the scale of Israel’s ground operations is becoming an agenda item.


Between Lebanon and Israel, violations of the officially achieved ceasefire regime (often by Hezbollah) show how far the sides are from a diplomatic solution and how close the region is to another major explosion. By the way, “Hezbollah” seems to have found Israel’s vulnerability against kamikaze ATS, and the attacks directed at the latter are carried out with exactly that type of drones.


The IDF urgently needs a system to counter or neutralize this threat. That problem also exists for the US if the Pentagon decides to launch limited ground operations.
A White House official (according to ABC News) has confirmed that President Trump’s administration is in intensive negotiations with the US Congress to get permission to continue the war against Iran.


If Congress approves it, along with the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the option of resuming military operations may be feasible for Trump and his team.


This phase of the temporary ceasefire helps the US regroup and increase its military presence, direct and gain control over the region’s oil and gas resources, their revenues and markets, and keep Iran under economic restraints.


Iran strives to create a favorable external environment for its future actions through active diplomacy, to re-arm and restore the infrastructural damage caused inside the country, preparing for possible military operations.


For Israel, the cease-fire period with Iran is an opportunity to more intensively continue the chords of the military-political struggle against “Hezbollah” and “Hamas”.


After the last “negotiations” in Islamabad, one thing is clear that the current situation is deadlocked. there is no turning back for Iran, the US, or Israel.


Former RA Deputy Defense Minister Artak Zakaryan




PAP presented its principled approach to the issue of bonuses

Within the framework of the topic of internal solidarity and social justice, today I want to talk about a very important issue and express my and our team’s clear position.

Different groups of society express emotional and conflicting opinions about the bonuses given to officials and civil servants. This topic, in addition to high-ranking officials, concerns tens of thousands of our citizens working in the state system, their families, and is related to a wide range of social issues that are important and should be taken into account. Over the years, tens of thousands of people have created their own expense account, many have taken out loans, and possible political changes for many of them are as desirable as they are creating internal tension.

We discussed this issue as a team, from all angles, and our principled approach is:

Employees of the state system should receive bonuses, employees of the state system should have both high salaries and bonuses, serious social guarantees.

At the same time, a clear mechanism for the fair distribution of bonuses and allowances should be in place. It cannot be the case that the minister receives 7-8 million drams as a bonus, while other employees of the same ministry or system receive 20-50 thousand, 100 thousand drams. A teacher cannot receive a salary of 120,000 drams, when the minister receives several million drams at once. This is very unfair.

My basic approach is: rewards should not be dependent on the whim of one person, that person should distribute among his own people, those who serve him personally, and share the remaining 90 percent with whatever is left under him. This is unacceptable.

The order of bonus payments must be fixed by law and be fair.

The state system is the backbone of the state, and its effective work will significantly change the attitude of citizens towards the state. The state system must have decent income (including bonuses) so that it does not look the other way, in the hands of any rich person, or its mind and thoughts are not about its personal problems.

Most importantly, the employees of the state system should be protected so that no new government comes and does a personnel massacre by employing “ours” or its party members. The system of civil servants should not be subject to the whims of various officials.


Gagik Tsarukyan




Azerbaijan submitted a note of protest and suspended cooperation to the European Parliament

The Ambassador of the European Union (EU) in Baku, Mariana Kuyundzic, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, she was given a note of protest in connection with the anti-Azerbaijani resolution adopted by the European Parliament on April 30, the foreign policy department of the republic reported.


“During the meeting, the Azerbaijani side strongly condemned the groundless and biased provisions regarding our country, which were included in the resolution of the European Parliament on April 30. In this regard, a note of protest was handed over to the ambassador,” the report said.


It states that the provisions of the resolution distort reality, contradict the principles of objectivity, as well as obligations to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.


“At the meeting, it was emphasized that such an approach of the European Parliament has a negative impact on the process of regulation in the region, as well as on the prospects of relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union,” the agency said.


The Foreign Ministry added that the claims in the resolution regarding the return of Armenians to Artsakh are “absolutely groundless, and such calls have the nature of interfering in the internal affairs of Azerbaijan.”


It is reported that the Milli Mejlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan has suspended cooperation with the European Parliament in all directions, according to the decision of the Parliament.

Priestly ordination and consecration will take place in the Cathedral

On May 3, the feast of the apparition of the Holy Cross, H.E. With the blessing of Karekin the Second Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, a priestly ordination and consecration will take place in the Myatsnaej Cathedral, by the director of the Department of Foreign Relations and Ceremonies of the Mother See, His Excellency Fr. Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan. This is reported from the Mother See.


“Seven deacons of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, serving in various church structures, will receive the priestly title.


The beginning of the Holy Liturgy at 10:30.


On the previous day, at 17:30 in the evening, in front of the Holy Table of the Descent of the Mother Cathedral, the procedure for the offering of the ordained will be performed,” the announcement states.

The Minister of Economy “does not see” any problem with “Jermuk”

Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan “does not see any problem” with “Jermuk”.


“It’s normal, have we resolved such issues? I don’t see a political context, all issues will be resolved. I don’t see any problem with “Jermuk”, there is no quality issue”, the minister said in a conversation with journalists today.


Let’s remind that Russia blocked the sale of more than 1 million bottles of “Jermuk” mineral water.

Verelq: Wildberries and OZON stopped the Armenian trading company

Wildberries marketplace has stopped sales of Armenian trading companies. This was stated by individual entrepreneur Shushan Mkrtchyan in a conversation with Sputnik Armenia.

Earlier, Mkrtchyan wrote about the problem on social networks, noting that the sales from Armenia were stopped without any reason, in a few hours. Due to the problem, many sellers found themselves in an uncertain situation.

“Wildberries marketplace started closing the products of Armenian sellers little by little since yesterday morning. Sellers started writing about this in the Telegram group, where there are 2500 entrepreneurs. Yesterday evening, the products of all Armenian sole traders and LLC owners were closed in Wildberries,” said Mkrtchyan in a conversation with Sputnik Armenia.

He emphasized that it turns out that an important export marketplace for Armenian business was closed, and sales volumes will be greatly reduced.

“Especially for small businesses, the marketplace was not only a way to sell, but also an effective tool to generate cash flows and increase brand awareness in EAEU countries. In this situation, it is more important than ever that the state stands by small businesses. After all, it is small businesses that shape the big businesses of the future,” Mkrtchyan said.

According to him, they hope that the problem will be clarified at the state level.
It should be noted that neither Wildberries nor the relevant authorities of RA have yet given any official comment and have not confirmed the existence of the problem.

Let’s remind: Armenian trading companies increased their sales volume by 122% in Wildberries marketplace in 2025.

The number of sellers from Armenia in the Wildberries marketplace increased by 106% during the year.

HG. The material was already ready when Shushan Mkrtchyan announced on the social network that OZON has also stopped the sales of Armenian commercial companies.

Asbarez: St. Mary’s Church in Glendale Marks 50th Anniversary with Concert

As part of a series of events marking the 50th anniversary of the St. Mary’s Church in Glendale, a Golden Jubilee concert was held on April 19 at the church, presided over Western Prelate Archbishop Kegham Khacherian.

The concert was sponsored by Western Prelacy benefactor Meher Der Ohanessian and his children, in memory of their beloved wife and mother, the late Satik Der Ohanessian. The concert was organized by the church leadership under the direction of St. Mary’s Church Dean Very Reverend Zareh Sarkissian.

In attendance were former Western Prelates Archbishops Moushegh Mardirossian and Torkom Donoyan; members of the clergy, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia Anna Avetisyan; Western Prelacy Executive Council Chairman Vahe Hovaguimian and his wife Hasmig; members of the Executive Council; the sponsoring benefactor Mr. Mher Der Ohanessian and his family; representatives of community organizations; benefactors of the Western Prelacy; and a large audience of performing arts enthusiasts.

True to its name, the Golden Jubilee concert stood out for its elegance and musical diversity, under the artistic direction of Honored Artist of Armenia, tenor Berdj Kirazian. The evening featured a talented ensemble of professional singers and musicians who presented solo, duet, and choral performances of Armenian and international classical pieces, accompanied by pianists Armine Derderian and Hripsime Rshdouni.

The nearly two-hour program unfolded as a rich and artistic musical experience, opening with a moving choral prayer that included Magar Yegmalian’s “Amen, Holy Father” and Berberian’s “Christ is Among Us.” The program continued with folk and national songs by Gomidas, Parsegh Ganachian’s “Lullaby,” and selections from renowned international composers. The final segment of the concert returned to Armenian composers, Tigran Harutyunyan, Khachatour Avetisyan, Armen Tigranian, Gomidas, Ganachian, Aram Khachatourian, and Arsen Petrosyan, concluding with Hovhannisyan’s “Yerevan–Erebuni.”

A special highlight of the evening was the appearance of Armenia’s distinguished pianist and educator Svetlana Navasardyan, whose performances of Armenian works were met with warm and enthusiastic applause. The audience also enjoyed performances by young student singers who took the stage individually to present Armenian and international selections.

From the opening prayer to the final national choral piece, the concert held the full attention of nearly 1,000 attendees, who experienced both spiritual and artistic fulfillment and showed their appreciation for a thoughtfully and beautifully organized celebration of the 50th anniversary of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church.
In his closing remarks, the Prelate praised the meticulous planning, presentation, and overall quality of the performances.

Archbishop Khacherian also praised the director of the concert and all participants, including the students, professional singers, and pianists, with special recognition given to Navasardyan.

The Prelate reserved his highest praise for the faithful congregation of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church, noting that their faith, devotion, and presence continue to sustain and strengthen the church.

The Prelate concluded by encouraging the largest church of the Western Prelacy to continue its 50-year journey in the same spirit, expressing his hope that, through unity, faith, and collective effort, the leadership and faithful of the Armenian community will continue to build upon and enrich the Western Prelacy’s proud legacy in the years ahead.

Baroness Cox Urges EU Leaders to Prioritize Release of Armenian POWs

Catholicos Karekin II pins the “St. Sahag-Mesrop” medal on Baroness Caroline Cox in 2021


Caroline Cox, the founding member of Christian Solidarity International, an ardent advocate for Artsakh and a member of the British House of Lords in an open letter to European Union leaders raised urgent concerns about Armenian prisoners being held in Azerbaijan and the erosion of religious freedoms in Armenia.

Baroness Cox issued her letter on the eve of an EU-Armenian summit scheduled to convene in Yerevan on Sunday.

In her letter, she stressed that the continued detention of prisoners of war and hostages is incompatible with any genuine peace process, warning that “there can be no peace without justice.”

Baroness Cox called on Armenia, its partners, and the European Union to prioritize the immediate release of all Armenian prisoners, noting reports of treatment that violates international standards and fair trial rights.

Her letter also highlights concerns over freedom of religion and the protection of Armenian cultural and spiritual heritage, urging sustained international attention and action.

Below is the text of Baroness Cox’s letter.

Dear friends, colleagues, and all with an interest in Armenia,

In my public statement, dated 5th February 2025, I announced that I would be reducing some of my activities, but that I planned to continue to engage with causes to which I remain deeply committed. As a consistent supporter of Armenia since 1988 and having visited Armenia and Artsakh more than 70 times, it will be obvious that the Republic of Armenia, whose people I love so dearly, remains very close to my heart.

I remain equally committed, with an outpouring of love and support, to the people of Artsakh whose history, faith, suffering, and endurance remain inextricably linked to the wider history and lived experience of Armenia.

I welcome the fact that relations between Armenia and the European Union have progressed to the stage which allows the first Armenia-European Union summit to take place in Yerevan on 4th and 5th May 2026.

However, I remain deeply concerned about two issues, and I therefore feel compelled to write this letter in the spirit of St. Paul who calls upon each of us to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). It seems to me that it is important to ensure, when we look to the future, that we do not forget the past. Of greater importance still is that we should never attempt to erase that past or somehow choose or encourage others to forget all that we know history has taught us. We must always remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice or suffered injury and loss or imprisonment whilst that history was being created.

My first concern is that of the hostage prisoners and Prisoners of War from Armenia and Artsakh who, to this day, remain in captivity in Azerbaijan. It is reported that many are still being treated in a manner which offends the European Union’s own laws and stipulations concerning the treatment of those in captivity, and the right to a fair trial. I cannot see that such issues can be put to one side by anyone who wishes, as I do, for a just and lasting peace. It has often been said that “there can be no peace without justice” and it is my hope that those words are kept clearly in mind by all those who are involved in shaping Armenia’s future.

I repeat that the past cannot simply be ignored or erased. It must be addressed. I respectfully call upon the government and people of Armenia, together with all interested partners, to ensure that this approach is given priority in a meaningful and purposeful manner until all hostage prisoners and POWs of Armenia and Artsakh have been released. The shared goals of lasting justice and peace and greater co-operation surely demand that the EU also give this issue their highest priority.

My second concern relates to the ongoing tensions in Church/State relations in Armenia. It is a source of great pain and sadness to me that Armenia, as the first country to adopt Christianity as its official state religion widely thought to be in 301AD, should find itself in the current situation. Inspired by the example of St Gregory the Illuminator, the founder and first head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, I pray that all those concerned should work together to ensure freedom of religion or belief in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

I humbly call upon the European Union to ensure that, in any engagement with any third country and as they have committed to do, it requests and requires of those concerned that they abide by the relevant U.N. resolutions and the relevant EU rules and stipulations concerning freedom of religion or belief including EU Guidelines on the Promotion and Protection of Freedom of Religion or Belief adopted by the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 24 June 2013. Equal attention must be given to the protection of religious sites and antiquities currently suffering destruction in Artsakh/Nagorno Karabakh.

I pray that God shall continue to love, bless, and protect the people of Armenia and Artsakh.