U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone  has issued a statement on the occasion of the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, expressing solidarity with Armenian communities around the world.

“On this day in 1915, the genocide of over one million Armenians in the former Ottoman Empire began with the murder of Armenian intellectuals and community leaders.

This Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, I once again stand in solidarity with Armenian communities around the world and call upon our leaders to call this crime by its proper name,”  Pallone said in a post on X.

The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, stated that Russia condemns the destruction of Armenian churches in Karabakh, emphasizing that any action against cultural and historical monuments is unacceptable.

Speaking at a briefing in response to a journalist’s question, Zakharova noted that Russia understands “better than anyone” the consequences of the destruction of cultural heritage. She added that Moscow does not apply double standards in this matter.

“We don’t have double standards,” she said, calling such actions “inadmissible” and stressing that it is always possible to negotiate and find common ground, regardless of economic, logistical, or political differences.

Zakharova also referred to the trilateral agreements reached between Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia in 2020–2022, “aimed at supporting the humanitarian reconciliation process, including the return of detainees and refugees,” she said.

According to her, Russia remains ready to assist in addressing such issues if it receives a corresponding request from the parties.

United States President Donald Trump issued a statement on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, April 24.

Below is the full statement released by the White House.

“Today, we pay tribute to the countless Armenians who were exiled and brutally massacred during the Meds Yeghern. We stand in steadfast solidarity with every Armenian American and Armenians around the world during this day of remembrance for the devastating events that occurred over 100 years ago, which continue to live in the collective memories of these communities today.

This solemn chapter in human history will forever stand as a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Armenian people and the hope at the center of Christianity. We honor the profound strength and resolve displayed by the Armenians in overcoming the tremendous tragedies of the past and forging a greater future that is defined by enduring prosperity, security, and peace. We commit to standing with them.

Together, the United States and Armenia will continue our work toward building a more secure and prosperous world. My Administration is strengthening our strategic partnership by delivering significant opportunities for the Armenian people and promoting lasting stability across the South Caucasus region. And now, Americans and Armenians stand side by side on the historic Board of Peace, united in our purpose to usher in a new era of peace through strength.

This Armenian Remembrance Day, as we mourn the innocent souls who perished during the tragedy of the Meds Yeghern, we renew our sacred calling to protect the innocent, advance the cause for peace among all people, and cultivate a deep reverence for Almighty God, who sustains us through every trial and triumph.”

April 24, 1915 marked the beginning of a tragedy aimed at the extermination of an entire people, which claimed more than one million lives, French Minister Delegate for Veterans and Remembrance, Alice Ruff, said in a post on X.

Ruff noted that during her visit to Armenia with Aurore Bergé, they participated in official commemorative events at the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex, dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

“111 years later, France’s presence in Yerevan is a manifestation of remembrance and loyalty,” Ruff wrote.

Aurore Bergé, France’s minister for gender equality and the fight against discrimination, emphasized that the bond between France and Armenia is not abstract, but historical, human, and enduring.

“Since 1967, the eternal flame has been burning in Yerevan. 1.5 million lives lost. Genocide,” she wrote, adding that remembering on April 24 means refusing to forget and never allowing denial or falsification to develop.

Originally published by Moldpres 

Maia Sandu, President of Moldova, has welcomed the decision of the European Union to approve a 90-billion-loan-euros to support Ukraine and to adopt the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.

“Today, the European Union is once again proving that unity means strength. I welcome the 90 billion euros loan in support of Ukraine and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. More support for Ukraine and more pressure on the aggressor represents the path towards a safer and more secure Europe,” the head of state said.

The decision on the loan has been definitively approved by the European Union. This financial measure supports Ukraine in the context of the war launched by Russia.

Cyprus, which holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, announced the launch of procedures to unblock the first payments from this loan, after the measure had previously been blocked by Hungary.

In the context, President of the European Council Antonio Costa emphasized that the European Union’s strategy for achieving a “just and lasting” peace in Ukraine was based on strengthening support for Kyiv and increasing pressure on Russia.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s spokesperson has denied as fake news a report that the Armenian leader held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Iran.

A fabricated image misrepresented as a Truth Social post by Trump, claiming he spoke with Pashinyan and asked for permission to use Armenian airfields, was circulated on X. However, Trump has not made any such post, and no such phone call has taken place.

The post was obviously fabricated then generated online.

“False and manipulative information is being spread on the X social media platform by certain accounts, claiming that U.S. President Donald Trump allegedly made a post on Truth Social about a phone call with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan.

I would like to clarify that no such phone conversation took place. There was no discussion of this nature between the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and U.S. President Donald Trump. The information being circulated is false and does not correspond to reality.

This claim bears the characteristics of foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). In particular, given the method of its dissemination-amplified circulation on the X platform by multiple accounts using identical or related wording and the spread of an unverified claim based on an unreliable source-it is considered an attempt at coordinated information manipulation,” Baghdasaryan said.

Pashinyan’s press secretary urged media outlets, public figures, and social media users to refrain from spreading unverified information, especially when it concerns Armenia’s national security, foreign policy, and regional stability.

Baghdasaryan earlier warned of intensified disinformation campaigns targeting Armenia.

Armenian Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan held a meeting in Yerevan with Alice Rufo, Minister Delegate to the French Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs.

During the meeting, a number of issues related to Armenia–France cooperation in the field of defense were discussed, Papikyan said on social media.

“We highly appreciated the current level of bilateral cooperation and emphasized the importance of its continued deepening,” the Armenian defense minister said.

Alice Rufo, Minister Delegate to the French Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, together with Aurore Bergé, Minister Delegate for Equality between Women and Men and the Fight against Discrimination, earlier met with Prime Minister Pashinyan.

The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 24 April, USD exchange rate down by 0.55 drams to 371.83 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 3.18 drams to 434.37 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.0106 drams to 4.9452 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 1.97 drams to 501.41 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 499 drams to 56690 drams. 

Ara Aghanyan, a member of the Armenian men’s weightlifting team, won a silver medal at the European Championships.

Competing in the men’s 94 kg weight category at the tournament held in Batumi, Aghanyan successfully completed all three attempts in the snatch, lifting 167 kg, 172 kg, and 175 kg to secure silver in the discipline.

In the clean and jerk, he lifted 200 kg and 206 kg, earning a bronze medal.

With a combined total of 381 kg, Aghanyan finished as the overall silver medalist at the European Championships.