March: 13, 2026
Samvel Farmanyan writes on his Facebook page. “There is 1-1.5 months to prevent the final disintegration of Armenia.
There is one realistic solution.
1) The opposition very quickly, in two to three weeks, conducts pre-election primaries, forms a single list and participates in the National Assembly elections with one list. In the case of the United Opposition-Nikol dilemma, Nikol has no chance to be re-elected on June 7. It also has no chance of falsification, it will not digest. It has no chance.
2) The first number of that joint list is also quickly nominated as a candidate for impeachment of the Prime Minister and on April 20, for example, the project of expressing no confidence in Nikol is introduced to the National Assembly, there are enough votes. In parallel, the people are called to a three-day nationwide rally, April 21-23, when the issue of impeachment will be discussed in the National Assembly by force of law.
Is there any doubt that those rallies called by the united opposition will become Waterloo?
It will not be possible to “help” KP MPs to vote for Nikol’s impeachment project, which is almost impossible, all that street energy will go to the June 7 vote and wipe out Nikol and KP, when the united opposition is on the other side of the barricade.
Such a simple solution to such a complex question.
P.S. So don’t leave the selfishness and eaten radishes of the opposition leaders on the neck of the people. It is a bigger and more immoral nicholism. Nicole had and still has one source of strength: an incompetent, fake or deal-prone opposition. The rest is lolo.”
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“On Friday, Vahagn Chakhalyan started having pains, only on the 2nd or 3rd day.
March: 9, 2026
Vahagn Chakhalyan, the founder of the “Kamk” public initiative, was detained for 2 months by the decision of the General Jurisdiction Court of Yerevan on July 5 of last year. A criminal case was initiated against him under Article 43-308, Part 1 of the Criminal Code: preparation for usurpation of power) and Article 43-419, Part 1: preparation for terrorism.
He is blamed for what the “Holy Struggle” supporters are accused of. for “usurpation of power and preparation of terrorism”.
The other day by court order Vahagn Chakhalyan’s preventive detention was replaced by house arrest, his health condition is bad.
Vahagn Chakhalyan’s lawyer Vrezh Khachikyan According to him, before he was transferred from the penitentiary to house arrest, he had kidney pains on Friday evening.
“My client had health problems, but until that moment we were not allowed to speak in court, but he did not have kidney complaints. All that came to light during the last 8 months of detention. During this time, Vahagn Chakhalyan was once taken to a punishment cell, he was kept in cold conditions for several days. We applied to the HRD and only after we raised the issue, they turned on a small heater in the punishment cell. On Friday, Vahagn Chakhalyan started having pains, only on the 2nd or 3rd day they brought him to inject a pain reliever.
After that, he was transferred to “Izmirlian” medical center, they examined him, and it was found that there was a stone in the kidneys. It can be said that my client’s life was in danger at that time.” of 168.am Vrezh Khachikyan said in a conversation with
According to the lawyer, according to the alleged and false accusation, the “18 righteous” are accused of forming a “terrorist group” and “organizing terrorism”.
“Vahagn Chakhalyan is accused because his last name was given in those recordings, but the name Vahagn was not there, it was added by the investigator or the operational employee, in connection with which we will make a report later. It is not known who is the organizer and who is the facilitator in those recordings, all of them are organizers and facilitators, such a thing does not happen in the field of criminal law,” added our interlocutor.
Vrezh Khachikyan emphasized that in those recordings, without a name, it is only said: where is Chakhalyan and what did Chakhalyan say?
Continuing, the lawyer also said that “in the case of the 18 righteous”, unfortunately, only Saint Bagrat is in prison.
“Vahagn Chakhalyan has been in prison for 8 months, his house is under bail, what man does not work for so long and the house does not end up in such a bad condition?” That’s why we asked to change his restraining order, unfortunately, the court gave him house arrest for 3 months. We believe that during this period Vahagn Chakhalyan’s speeches in the court about the current authorities, in which he presents the true picture, had an impact on the court’s decision. In other words, a process directed by the authorities is taking place, we assume that the court also carries out that direction.
I am sure that if justice is done, everyone should be acquitted,” emphasized Vrezh Khachikyan.
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Armenian Advocate: Why the Iran-US War Could Be a Turning Point for Armenia
For former military commander and political figure Jirair Sefilian, who is advocating for the US to become Armenia’s strategic protector, the ongoing conflict could reshape the region — and open new opportunities for his country.
, March 12, 2026 – National Catholic Register
Scenes of Armenians publicly expressing solidarity with Iran amid the war might surprise outside observers. Armenia is a predominantly Christian nation that has endured centuries of conflict and persecution from Muslim powers in the region. Yet geopolitics has produced unlikely alignments.
Facing pressure from its traditional rivals — Sunni-majority Azerbaijan and Turkey — the world’s oldest Christian kingdom has long relied on Shiite Iran as a strategic counterweight and key economic partner. The war between Iran, Israel, and the US could therefore have profound consequences for the South Caucasus.
According to Lebanese-born Armenian activist Jirair Sefilian, the shifting balance of power brings both serious risks and potential strategic opportunities.
A former military commander and leading figure in the pro-Western National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Sasna Tsrer Pan-Armenian Party, Sefilian has spent years advocating for Armenia to pivot away from reliance on Russia and instead deepen its strategic relationship with the U.S.
“Our natural place is with the Western world,” he told the Register. His movement also calls for the recovery of Nagorno-Karabakh, lost to Azerbaijan in 2023, through diplomatic and military means. In this interview, he assesses how the Iran-U.S. war could deeply reshape Armenia’s strategic landscape.
The ongoing Iran-U.S. war is transforming the strategic environment of the Middle East. What impact could this conflict have on the country that has been a long-time economic partner of Iran?
The war between the U.S. and Israel on one side and Iran on the other fundamentally reshapes the security assumptions of the entire South Caucasus. For Armenia, this moment represents a potential turning point — both dangerous and transformative.
For many years, Iran played the role of a silent strategic counterweight to the ambitions of Turkey and Azerbaijan. Even without formal alliances, Tehran’s presence helped prevent a direct military push against Armenia’s southern Syunik province. With Iran now weakened and internally focused because of the war, that deterrent effect is greatly reduced.
At the same time, however, we may see a stronger presence of the U.S. in the region, both in the security domain and in economic initiatives such as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). This could eventually create new strategic opportunities for Armenia, but in the immediate term, the risks are significant.
What are the main risks?
The southern Armenian province of Syunik could become extremely vulnerable if instability spreads across the Iranian border.
One possible scenario is the arrival of tens of thousands of Iranian refugees fleeing the conflict. At the same time, if Iran is destabilized, the deterrent that prevented Azerbaijan from attempting military action against Armenia may weaken.
The second risk is economic. Armenia depends heavily on its border crossing with Iran at Meghri-Norduz, which is one of the country’s most important economic lifelines. Up to 40% of Armenia’s imports pass through that route. If that corridor is disrupted, Armenia could face serious supply shortages.
Moreover, Armenia currently relies on a delicate gas-for-electricity exchange with Iran. If Iranian energy infrastructure is damaged during the war, Armenia could lose this source of supply and become entirely dependent on Russian gas via Georgia.
How could this conflict reshape the regional balance of power?
In the immediate term, the weakening of Iran shifts the regional balance of power in favor of Azerbaijan and Turkey. However, this situation may not last.
The strategic alliance between India and Israel could help limit Turkish-Azerbaijani ambitions against Armenia. At the same time, tensions between Israel and Turkey are increasing and could reshape regional alignments in unexpected ways.
If stability eventually returns and a north-south economic corridor develops from India through Iran, Armenia and Georgia toward Europe, Armenia could gain a new geopolitical role as a transit country. In that scenario, Armenia’s strategic importance — and therefore its security — could increase significantly.
What should be Armenia’s diplomatic strategy while the war continues?
In the short term, Armenia must maintain strategic ambiguity. The country should avoid becoming a platform for either side in the conflict so that it does not become a direct target.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s recent policies, which many see as excessively accommodating toward Turkey, could place Armenia in a difficult position if tensions grow between Israel and Turkey — a scenario that many observers consider increasingly plausible.
Armenia must therefore work to build stronger and more meaningful relations with the Western world, including with Israel and India. In my view, the current government is not well prepared to manage this strategic realignment.
With NDA, we have been advocating in D.C. for Armenia to obtain the status of a major non-NATO Ally of the U.S. This would allow Armenia to acquire modern weapons and strengthen its defense capabilities.
The recent war in the region demonstrated how dangerous the technological imbalance has become. Azerbaijan has been purchasing advanced weapons systems from Israel and other countries. Without modernizing our military, Armenia cannot defend itself.
You have been active in Armenian politics for decades. What has been the central thread of your political commitment?
For me, the central issue has always been the absence of a truly independent Armenian state. During the past 30 years, we have not been allowed to build a fully sovereign state.
Armenia formally exists as a state, but in reality our sovereignty has been constantly limited by external powers. My political engagement has always been driven by the belief that Armenia must finally achieve real independence and the capacity to defend its own national interests.
You have often criticized Russia’s role in the region. Why?
Today, we are witnessing a major geopolitical shift in the region. Russia is gradually withdrawing from the South Caucasus, while other powers — including Turkey, Armenia’s historic enemy — are trying to fill that space. At the same time, Turkey’s position in the region is becoming stronger.
In the current international system, there is only one power capable of containing Turkey, and that is the U.S. Armenia has often been trapped between Russia and Turkey, but culturally and historically, we belong much more to the Western world.
Russia and Turkey operate within a system increasingly connected to China’s influence. For Armenia, remaining neutral between these centers of power is no longer realistic. We must make a strategic choice, and our natural place is with the U.S. and the Western world.
You are also a strong critic of the Armenian government’s approach to Nagorno-Karabakh…
In NDA’s view, the Armenian government shares responsibility for what happened in the war. Russia and Turkey both supported Azerbaijan, and Armenian forces were severely constrained in their ability to respond. There were decisions taken by the leadership that limited Armenia’s ability to defend itself.
The government’s strategy was based on the belief that if Armenia gave up Karabakh, peace would follow. But we now see that even after the loss of Karabakh, Azerbaijan continues to make new demands: territorial claims, demands regarding the Armenian constitution, and pressure to abandon the campaign of recognition of the Armenian genocide. This shows that the problem goes much deeper.
Is there any diplomatic way to restore Artsakh to Armenia’s political horizon?
First, we must understand that the policy of separating Artsakh from Armenia was originally encouraged by Moscow in the early 1990s. Russia wanted the conflict to remain unresolved because it allowed Moscow to maintain influence in the region.
Instead of formally unifying Artsakh with Armenia, it was kept formally independent, an ambiguous status that allowed external powers to intervene continuously and eventually take over the enclave.
There were decisions by the League of Nations in 1920 — approved by major powers including France, Britain, Italy, and Japan – that defined borders in the region [whereby] Artsakh was part of Armenia. If Armenia had truly independent leadership, it could pursue diplomatic avenues through international courts to restore Armenia’s legal claim.
Armenia is often called the world’s oldest Christian nation. What role should Christianity play in the country’s revival?
Christianity is an essential part of Armenian identity. Without adopting Christianity as a national religion in 301, Armenia would not have survived in this region.
Today, we may be facing another civilizational moment. We are encouraged to see signs of a revival of Christian values in the West. These values are also the foundation of the Western understanding of individual freedom and rights. In NDA’s view, only Christianity can save Western civilization.
Solène Tadié is the Europe Correspondent for the National Catholic Register. She is French-Swiss and grew up in Paris. After graduating from Roma III University with a degree in journalism, she began reporting on Rome and the Vatican for Aleteia. She joined L’Osservatore Romano in 2015, where she successively worked for the French section and the Cultural pages of the Italian daily newspaper. She has also collaborated with several French-speaking Catholic media organizations. Solène has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, and recently translated in French (for Editions Salvator) Defending the Free Market: The Moral Case for a Free Economy by the Acton Institute’s Fr. Robert Sirico.
This article was originally published at National Catholic Register.
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Why is the APS silent about the influence of Baku and Ankara, which countries are the targets?
March: 11, 2026
Published on March 3, “Baku’s dangerous games and hybrid plans. Tips for Pashinyan before the elections” in the article we wrote on the eve of the Armenian elections, Baku considers possible deadly actions by the “5th Column” in Armenia.
And here on March 10, the Foreign Intelligence Service of Armenia issued a statement regarding the pressures applied to RA citizens in other countries and interference in the upcoming election processes.
“The foreign intelligence service receives intelligence information that acting on behalf of the special services of the given country in another country, various actors are trying to put pressure on Armenians and people who are RA citizens and are engaged in economic activities in the given country, pushing them to carry out actions to support some political forces that have applied for participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia, which include, but are not limited to, financial and organizational support actions by the mentioned businessmen to the given political forces”.
The department headed by Kristine Grigoryan does not present facts, does not elaborate on which country it is about, and, apart from the actions mentioned in the announcement, what other steps are taken when it is said that:are not limited to the actions of financial and organizational support by the mentioned businessmen to the given political forces”.
It should be noted that the police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs submitted a report to the Investigative Committee, where the report is in the process of being studied, regarding the information about pressures on RA citizens in other countries and interference in electoral processes.
And this pre-election warning of the Foreign Intelligence Service is not surprising at all, if we take into account the 2025 and 2026 elections. of reports key points in the context of hybrid pressures.
By the way, deviating a little from the topic, let us remind you that during the NA-Government question-and-answer session in the spring of 2024, Nikol Pashinyan stated: “2020 Our allies did not participate in the preparations for the 44-day war. And I know at least 2 CSTO countries that participated in preparations for war against us.”
168.amimmediately had written that Pashinyan meant Russia and Belarus, today Pashinyan remembers these countries mainly in the domestic political dimension, emphasizing the foreign political connections of specific candidates who applied for participation in the National Assembly elections.
And during the period of the above-mentioned statement, the journalists tried to get clarification from the head of the RA Foreign Intelligence Service, Kristine Grigoryan, whether it was a purely political statement or whether there is operational data on CSTO 2 countries. Grigoryan, however, refused to give any comments, saying. “The RA Prime Minister made a statement, and I cannot make any comments.”
Then he added that there are many threats to RA sovereignty, which come from several countries, without giving specific names.
“Reforms are being carried out in the RA security sector to neutralize those dangers. The priorities of our activity determined the directions of the external threats, as well as the important intelligence information for the development of the state, which the service should collect, and they are aimed at neutralizing the external threats of the republic, which come from different countries and different phenomena. And our intelligence and analysis is aimed at ensuring that policy decisions are based on solid informationChristine Grigoryan noted, adding that the external security challenges in all countries have both internal and external actors, and Armenia is no exception.
In this context, let’s add that last year was put into circulation The initiative to make amendments and additions to the Law “On National Security Bodies”, which, in particular, proposed:
– To fix the function of conducting foreign counter-intelligence activities by national security bodies,
– as a basis for implementation of counter-intelligence activities by national security agencies define the need to ensure state security in the bodies of the diplomatic service of the Republic of Armenia in foreign countries,
– to reserve the authority to define the order of cooperation of intelligence and counter-intelligence bodies to the RA Prime Minister,
– establish the authority for national security bodies to obtain access from state and local self-government bodies, organizations to information systems and databases necessary for their activities, including in online format,
– revoked Legislation on intelligence units of the National Security Service.
It is not known in which specific countries and as a result of what the government decided to consider it necessary to ensure state security in the RA diplomatic service bodies in foreign countries. I wonder how solid the intelligence information of Kristine Grigoryan’s “office” is, that acting in another country on behalf of the special services of the given country, according to pre-election logic, various actors are trying to put pressure on Armenians and people who are citizens of the Republic of Armenia and are engaged in economic activities in the given country. Why not, who or where is the source of such information?
And as we wrote in our aforementioned article, does the Foreign Intelligence Service not consider Baku’s pre-election tips dangerous, moreover, is it aware that the representatives of the Azerbaijani “civil society” coming to Armenia cooperated very well and maybe still cooperate with the special services of the Aliyev regime? Or, has RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan ever thought that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who headed Turkey’s National Intelligence Service (MIT) during the 44-day war, is communicating with him as the person who headed the intelligence service?
Let’s return to the topic of elections. Information is circulating from official circles that a large flow of voters is expected from Russia before the elections, that “representatives of one of the political forces have started booking buses and minibuses, the law enforcement officers must stop them.” If an RA citizen, for example, went abroad to work, and returns even to vote, what if there is no coercion, or if it is not “premeditated”? But let’s leave this to time and experts.
Instead, let us recall that in July 2021, after the extraordinary parliamentary elections, Nikol Pashinyan announced that his “Civil Agreement” party received a mandate from the citizens of Armenia in the elections to open an era of peaceful development for Armenia and Artsakh.
At that time 168.amthe had written how is it possible to get a mandate to open an era of peaceful development of Artsakh from the RA citizens, when before the war Pashinyan has repeatedly stated that he does not have the mandate and authority to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh issue from Artsakh, because they do not participate in the RA elections, so he can only represent the Republic of Armenia.
Did the former residents of Kashatagh, Karvachar region, who were deprived of their homes during the war because of Nikol Pashinyan, elect Nikol Pashinyan and give him the right to decide their future again? Maybe some paperwork issues were resolved very quickly?
By the way, such information was circulated, did the RA authorities follow their footsteps, even if they were also in their favor?
It is also necessary to understand to what extent the settling of Artsakh residents in RA is or is not in the interests of the RA authorities.
Elections are about two months away, and many things will come to the surface, and the Foreign Intelligence Service should not forget about the prevention of foreign security threats in today’s conditions, and not limit itself to devoting some part of the report.
By the way, since Baku and Ankara have a special interest in the outcome of the NA elections, shouldn’t we also think about the possibilities of pre-election pressure from there? In other words, there should not be double standards regarding the qualification of foreign interference in RA internal affairs.
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“Harmony And Transparency: Building A Solid Future For The Armenian Church”
Audience with the Members of the Synod of Bishops of the Patriarchal Church of Cilicia of the Armenians
This morning, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the members of the Synod of Bishops of the Patriarchal Church of Cilicia of the Armenians.
The Pope to the bishops “In this Synod, we find ourselves faced with one of the most important responsibilities: electing the bishops who will guide our Church into the future. It is a crucial task that requires deep reflection and discernment.”
We publish below the speech of the Holy Father which was read by Monsignor Filippo Ciampanelli:
Your Beatitude,
Dear Brother Bishops,
Welcome! It is a joy to welcome you to Rome and the tomb of the Apostles Peter and Paul on the feast of Saint Gregory of Narek, Doctor of the Church.
As Bishops, Successors of the Apostles, we have the responsibility of accompanying the holy People of God towards Jesus, the Lord and Friend of Mankind, our Good Shepherd. For this reason, on the day of our episcopal ordination, we committed ourselves to preserving the faith, strengthening hope and spreading the charity of Christ.
Dear Brothers, one of the great responsibilities of the Synod is precisely to give your Church the Bishops of tomorrow. I urge you to choose them carefully, so that they will be devoted to the flock, faithful to pastoral care, and not driven by personal ambition. They should not be selected on the basis of our own ideas or preferences, and great caution should be used with regard to those with “a nose for business” or those “always with a suitcase in hand”, leaving their people orphaned. A Bishop who sees his Eparchy as a stepping-stone to another more “prestigious” position forgets that he is married to the Church and risks, if I may be allowed to use the _expression_, committing “pastoral adultery”. The same thing happens when one wastes time scheming to get new jobs or promotions. Bishops are not bought in the marketplace; it is Christ who chooses them as Successors of his Apostles and Shepherds of his flock.
In a world so full of isolation and loneliness, we must ensure that those entrusted to our care feel the closeness of the Good Shepherd, our own paternal concern, the beauty of fraternity and the mercy of God. The children of your dear people need the closeness of their Bishops. I know that they are in diaspora throughout the world in great numbers and sometimes in vast territories, where it is difficult for them to be visited. Yet the Church is a loving Mother and she cannot fail to seek every possible means of reaching them and offering them God’s love in their own ecclesial tradition. It is not so much a question of structures, which are only a means of assisting the spread of the Gospel, but above all one of pastoral charity, of seeking and promoting the good with an evangelical outlook and an open spirit: here I think also of the importance of even closer cooperation with the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Dear Brothers, in this holy season of Lent we are called to contemplate the cross and to build on Christ, who heals our wounds with forgiveness and love. We are called to intercede for all, in breadth of mind and spirit. Like Saint Gregory of Narek, who prayed: Lord, “remember… those in the human race who are our enemies, but for their sakes give them forgiveness and mercy”. With remarkable prophetic foresight, he added: “Do not exterminate those who snap their jaws at me, but transform them! Banish vicious earthly conduct and plant goodness in me and in them” (Book of Lamentations, LXXXIII).
Brothers, together with the priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, and all the faithful of your Church, you have a great responsibility. Saint Gregory the Illuminator brought the light of Christ to the Armenian people, who were the first, as such, to welcome that light into their history. Consequently, you are witnesses and, as it were, the “first-born” of that light, a dawn called to shine the rays of Christian prophecy in a world that often prefers the darkness of hatred, division, violence and revenge. You may well remind me that your Church is not large in numbers. Yet let us remember that God loves to work wonders with those who are small. In this sense, please do not fail to care for the little ones and the poor, by exemplifying an evangelical life far removed from the pomp of riches and the arrogance of power, by welcoming refugees and by supporting those in the diaspora as brothers and sisters, sons and daughters.
I would like to share with you another thing that I see as a priority: to pray much, not least to preserve the interior perspective that enables you to work in harmony as you discern the priorities of the Gospel, those dear to the Lord. In the words of the ancient Latin adage: ‘Preserve order and order will preserve you’. Take care that your Synods are well prepared; the issues carefully studied and wisely evaluated; and that decisions, always and only aimed at the good of souls, are applied and tested with prudence, consistency and competence, ensuring, above all, full transparency, also where finances are concerned. Laws must be known and applied not out of a spirit of legalism but because they are instruments of an ecclesiology that allows even those without power to appeal to the Church with full and clearly codified rights, and not find themselves at the whim of the powerful.
A further thought I would like to confide and entrust to you has to do with the pastoral care of vocations. In our secularized world, seminarians and those being formed in the religious life need, today more than ever, to be solidly grounded in an authentic Christian life, far from any “princely pretensions”. So too, priests, especially young priests, need to feel close to their Bishops, who will foster their fraternal communion, so that they will not grow discouraged by hardships but rather grow daily in docility to the creativity of the Holy Spirit, serving the people of God with the joy born of charity, not with the unbending and insensitive attitude of bureaucrats. In all things, let us foster hope: even though the harvest is always great and the labourers few, let us count on the Lord, who works wonders in those who trust in him.
Your Beatitude, dear Brothers, how can we not finally turn our thoughts to Armenia, not only in words but above all in our prayers, particularly for all those fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh and for the many displaced families seeking refuge. So many wars, and so much suffering! The First World War was supposed to be the last; it led to the formation of the League of Nations, the “precursor” of the United Nations, in the belief that this would be sufficient to preserve the gift of peace. Yet since then, how many conflicts and massacres have we witnessed, always tragic and always pointless. So often have I pleaded: “Enough!” Let us all take up the cry for peace, so that it may touch hearts, even hearts untouched by the sufferings of the poor and lowly. And above all, let us pray. I pray for you and for Armenia; and I ask you, please, to pray for me!
I thank you for your presence and for your ministry. Before imparting my blessing, I would like to recite a prayer of Saint Nerses the Gracious. I ask you to pray it with me, in anticipation of the day when, God willing, we will be able to celebrate him at the same altar with our brothers and sisters of the Armenian Apostolic Church:
“All-merciful Lord,
have mercy on all those who believe in you;
on my beloved ones, and on those who are strangers to me;
on all those I know, and on those unknown to me;
on the living and on the dead;
even forgive my enemies, and those who hate me,
forgive the trespasses they have committed against me;
and relieve them from the malice they bear towards me,
so that they become worthy of your mercy.
Have mercy upon your creatures,
and on me, a manifold sinner” (I Confess with Faith, The 24 Prayers, XXIII).
Thank you.
India Has An Opportunity In Armenia It Must Not Let Go Of
UJJWAL SHROTRYIA
Armenia is buying a substantial amount of weapons and equipment from India after it suffered a humiliating defeat by Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict fought in 2020.
Armenia and Azerbaijan have clashed over Nagorno-Karabakh, or 'Artsakh' in Armenian, for decades, with conflicts tracing back to the early twentieth century.
Established by the Soviets in 1923 within Azerbaijani borders but predominantly Armenian, the region sought to join Armenia in 1988.
Following the Soviet Union's collapse, intense fighting ensued, resulting in over 30,000 deaths and Armenian control over the entire region.
Since then, both nations have engaged in numerous conflicts, the latest in 2020, when Azerbaijan overpowered Armenian forces in Artsakh. Azerbaijan's adoption of modern warfare tactics, including the strategic use of drones and loitering munitions, led to the significant loss of Armenia's older and conventional Russian-made military equipment.
This loss led Armenia to diversify its arms sources, turning to India for millions of dollars' worth of weaponry over the past four years.
In 2020, India delivered four Swathi Weapons Locating Radars (WLR) to Armenia for counter-battery operations. Additionally, in September 2022, India supplied Pinaka 214 mm multiple-barrel rocket launchers, their ammunition, and anti-tank missiles, followed by 155mm artillery guns in November 2022.
Furthermore, Armenia acquired anti-drone systems worth $41 million from India's Zen Technologies, along with Akash surface-to-air missile systems.
These weapons imports will bridge a critical gap in the Armenian inventory.
The Russians, preoccupied with sourcing their war supplies from North Korea and Iran for the conflict in Ukraine, cannot meet Armenian demands.
Additionally, the apathy of Russian peacekeepers during the Azerbaijani blockade of the Lachin corridor — Artsakh's sole land route from Armenia — has fostered perceptions of Russian bias towards Azerbaijan among Armenians.
Russia's preoccupation with the war in Ukraine has created a void which India can fill.
Apart from the weapons exports to Armenia to help it fight Azerbaijan, India could send trainers to the county to help them effectively utilise these weapons.
Additionally, Indian military advisors could be sent to Armenia to assist Armenian commanders in making informed decisions, as well as, help in planning.
India's decision to provide Armenia access to weapons in the middle of the war had irked Azerbaijan, with its President Ilham Aliyev and military warning India to stop providing weapons to Yerevan, adding that this could lead to another war.
Azerbaijan is also emboldened by both material and strategic support it is getting from Pakistan and Turkey. Both Turkey and Pakistan have provided cover fire to Baku's actions in Artsakh, strongly supporting Azerbaijani control over Artsakh.
Azerbaijan, like Turkey, has always supported Pakistan when it comes to Islamabad's revisionist agenda against India in Jammu and Kashmir.
India should use help from Greece — whose Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was in India last week where he discussed ways to strengthen ties with India, and which also has an adversarial relationship with Turkey — to counter the trio of Azerbaijan-Turkey-Pakistan that have repeatedly shown inclinations against Indian interests.
Notably, Greece and Turkey have historical tensions, with multiple conflagrations and dog-fights erupting between Greek and Turkish jets across decades.
This support to Armenia will not only help in lifting India's stature but will also demonstrate its will to safeguard its interests far away from its border.
Not only does this opportunity present a chance for India's emerging defence industrial complex to find a new market, but it also gives New Delhi a chance to demonstrate to its detractors that they cannot escape repercussions for actions that harm its interests. With such significant stakes, letting go of this opportunity is simply not an option.
Jerusalem: Armenians in court over disputed property in the Old City
The community is appealing to the courts to assert its rights over the 'Garden of Cows' at the centre of an opaque real estate transaction that threatens to distort their historic neighbourhood. The land is held in trust with a waqf fund established 400 years ago. The objective is the annulment of the sale agreement. Pro Terra Sancta" collection: the Custodian calls for "prayer, pilgrimages and sharing of resources" from Christians around the world.
Jerusalem (AsiaNews) – The Armenian community in Jerusalem is appealing to the court to assert its rights over a disputed property in the holy city, officially filing a lawsuit on February 18 aimed at "invalidating" the lease agreement between the patriarchate and Xana Capital.
The lawsuit is based on the assumption that the land is held in trust for the benefit of the Armenian community itself, with a waqf fund – generally real estate alienated as a donation with a restriction on use for certain beneficiaries – established over 400 years ago.
Under its terms, the property could not be rented or sold by the patriarchate unless the transaction directly benefits the Armenian community and is approved by the community, which has expressed its opposition.
The Armenian community in the Holy Land has long been at the centre of a dispute over the sale of land in a disputed area in the Old City, Jerusalem, which has created a deep internal rift. The clash was sparked by the 99-year lease – a de facto transfer – of real estate to an Australian Jewish entrepreneur with an opaque business empire, who operates from behind the scenes.
The 'traitor' priest who mediated and signed the deed is Baret Yeretzian, former administrator of the real estate of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, now in 'exile'. With him were Armenian Orthodox Patriarch Nourhan Manougian, Archbishop Sevan Gharibian and businessman Daniel Rubenstein (known as Danny Rothman), who intends to build a luxury hotel.
The affair has also touched the patriarchal office, with the Armenian primate 'challenged' by the community, some of the faithful calling for his resignation, while Jordan and Palestine have de facto 'frozen' the authority.
The affair exploded last May, but the contract was signed in great secrecy in July 2021 and envisages the lease for almost a century of the land known as the "Garden of the Cows" (Goveroun Bardez), today a car park used to drive to the Wailing Wall. Its use – along with other properties mentioned in the contract – by Jews has provoked the wrath of the Armenians, who have been fighting since 2021 to regain full possession of it.
The dispute also touches on the 'Abrahamic Agreements' themselves, because one of the companies involved is One&Only, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
By taking the matter to court, the Armenian community is seeking the annulment of the alleged agreement and the protection of the land, with a unity of purpose between the community, patriarchate and Diaspora Armenians. In a statement, the Jerusalem Armenians emphasise their "firm conviction" about the "lack of transparency and cooperation" behind the affair, which aims to effectively expropriate the area.
"The community continues the statement – we will fight to the end to ensure that the Armenian quarter remains intact, Armenian and for the benefit of the people. These are precisely the principles that have united the global Armenian world – and our allies who understand the value of the unique mosaic that is the ancient city of Jerusalem – to save the Armenian Quarter'.
The Custos of the Holy Land, Fr Francesco Patton, speaks of the need for "closeness" and "solidarity" on the part of "Christians from all over the world" in his message on the Good Friday "Pro Terra Sancta" Collection, sent to AsiaNews for information. After more than two years of "uncertainty" for the Covid and the illusion of a return to "normality", there was the sudden outbreak of the new conflict following the attack on 7 October that took one by "surprise".
In addition to the thousands of dead, Fr Patton also recalls the new blockade to the flow of pilgrims, the closure of schools and the loss of work "for many Christians in the Holy Land, especially in Bethlehem and Palestine, but also in the old city of Jerusalem and in Israel". Hence the renewed call for closeness not only through prayer, but also through pilgrimages and the "sharing of economic resources".
"The Good Friday Collection serves to cover part of these costs, thanks to the generosity of the faithful around the world, thanks to your generosity. On this occasion, we friars of the Custody of the Holy Land make ourselves beggars and we turn to you so that Good Friday may be a day of universal solidarity, a day in which Christians from all over the world concretely take care of the Mother Church of Jerusalem, which at this moment – the Custos concludes – is in extreme need".
https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Jerusalem:-Armenians-in-court-over-disputed-property-in-the-Old-City-60223.html
Between Russia and the West, or The Servant of Two Masters: The Role of Armenia in the Russian-Ukrainian War
This sketch came to mind today as I pondered what words to use to label the Armenian government’s strategy in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Is it “eating your cake and having it too”?
Or the slightly old-fashioned “running with the hare and hunting with the hounds”? Being blatantly duplicitous? Dancing at two weddings at the same time? Or perhaps serving two masters — since Armenia prides itself on its Christian heritage, this idiom might hit right home.
You see, Armenia’s problem is that, on the one hand, it very much wants to be friends with the West, and on the other hand, it very much does not want to be at odds with Russia and, most importantly, to lose the immense money brought by the illegal export of sanctioned goods to Putin’s empire of evil.
Last week in Munich, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that Armenia is not an ally of Moscow in its war against Ukraine, but that it sides with Ukrainian “friends,” although it cannot to exert much influence on the conflict. Or can it?
Over the past two years, Armenia, a nation of three million people in the South Caucasus, has become the fourth largest exporter of semiconductors and dual-use (read: military) goods to Russia.
In just 12 months, the country’s economic growth amounted to an unprecedented 14%, placing it third in the world in terms of growth rate.
“Armenia’s exports to Russia are up 430% from before the invasion, which is about re-export of EU and Chinese goods to Russia. That’s not the end of it. Armenia’s exports to Kazakhstan are up 1200%, to Kyrgyzstan 1600%, to Uzbekistan 250% and to the UAE 900%.
“All going to Russia” tweeted the former director of the Institute of International Finance and former strategist at Goldman Sachs Robin Brooks on February 17th.
In the first nine months of 2023, Armenia’s exports to Russia grew by 85%, with 80% of this huge volume accounted for by re-exports.
These are the numbers acknowledged by Vaan Sirunyan, Armenia’s deputy minister of finance. Overall, according to the Jamestown Foundation think tank, Armenia’s foreign trade turnover has increased by 69% since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
Analysts believe that this economic miracle was due to re-exports from Armenia to Russia.
A joint statement by the U.S. Departments of Justice, Commerce, and Treasury classifies Armenia as a hub for intermediaries or trans-shipment points used to circumvent sanctions and export controls related to Russia and Belarus. Because that’s what friends of Ukraine would do, right?
The year is 2024, Armenia’s role in supplying Putin’s Russia with everything it needs to continue with the war is an open secret, and no one seems to be doing anything about it.
Is the declared intention to become part of Western civilization enough for that civilization to turn a blind eye to the fact that right now Armenia is literally supplying Russia with sanctioned goods, including those for military purposes?
It seems so.
The media widely cover this issue, major European, American, Canadian and Ukrainian publications have repeatedly reported that Armenia has become the key hub for transshipment of sanctioned goods from the United States, Europe, China, Taiwan and other countries to Russia.
Moreover, there are reasons to believe that the volume of re-exports through this South Caucasus country will only grow in the near future: while the U.S. and its allies are exercising all their influence to persuade Turkey, Gulf States and Central Asian countries not to participate in shady schemes to supply sanctioned goods to Russia, Armenia remains virtually the only route to bypass sanctions.
In addition, Armenia’s favorable geographic location makes it an ideal transshipment point for arms and weapons shipments from Iran, another anti-Western rogue state.
Just think how much money this generates on a daily basis for those involved in illegal supply chains. While calculating profits, there is no time to think about how many lives this costs Ukraine every day.
“No one can serve two masters,” reads the Gospel. “Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Or, as the Russians put it, “you cannot sit on two chairs with one butt” (I have to give them credit, Russians know how to put thoughts into words).
I would wish that Armenia, as well as the West, would heed this.
UNICEF and partners to develop legal and policy framework to strengthen resilience and protection of children from cyber-enabled crime and online harm
YEREVAN, 9 February – Marking Safe Internet Day, UNICEF was joined by partners, adolescents and young people at Echmiadzin open youth house to present its work on strengthening the resilience and protection of children in Armenia from organized cyber-enabled crime and online harm. The young participants discussed cyber safety and security literacy with UNICEF Representative in Armenia Mrs Christine Weigand, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Mr John Gallagher, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Ms Arpine Sargsyan and First Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry Mr Gevorg Mantashyan.
Within the framework of this new initiative, UNICEF will work with partners to support the Government of Armenia to develop legislation, policies, and standards to protect children from online risks and harms. UNICEF will also address the need to enhance the capacities of law enforcement and child protection professionals, and empower children and adolescents, parents and teachers to better protect children from online risks and harms.
“In a world where 71% of 15 to 24-year-olds are using the Internet, it becomes of outstanding importance that every person, especially adolescents and young people, have the capabilities to make the most of digital opportunities and of the internet. Experts agree that children in Armenia are exposed to online threats more often, than it is reported. At the same time, not all children have access to information about online safety,” noted Mrs Weigand. “As we mark the 30th anniversary of UNICEF in Armenia this year, we hope that through this new programme and together with all partners from adolescents to the Armenian and British Governments, we will make a lasting impact for children in Armenia.”
In 2023, with financial support from the UK Government’s Conflict, Stability and Security Fund, UNICEF analyzed Armenia’s legislation and policy framework on the protection of children in the digital environment, as well as the risks and opportunities. While there is still a need to get more in-depth data on particular risks that children face online, such as online sexual exploitation and abuse, the existing evidence already enables policymakers to explore solutions for children to use digital opportunities more equally and safely. children.
“As we mark Safe Internet Day, we are proud to support this project, helping UNICEF to address the implications of cyber-enabled crime impacting children. In the increasingly tech-dependent world, this generation of children spend more time online than previous generations. The internet has shaped children’s lives profoundly, informing the way they think, learn, behave, and purchase. While this offers a range of opportunities for children, increased use of the internet also exposes them to various online risks” said Ambassador Gallagher. “In order to have an effective system to protect children online, we need to make sure that legislative frameworks and law enforcement capacity, as well as awareness raising measures among children are part of that package. Pleased to see that our project today includes a wide variety of participants not only from the Government, but also civil society, teachers, and crucially children themselves.”
Besides joint work on the policy framework, UNICEF will also contribute to increased collaboration between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and INTERPOL given the transnational nature of organised crime against children.
“While the world, including Armenia, is consistently making steps towards ensuring a safe environment online for children, there is still a lot that needs to be tackled to develop solutions specific to children and their engagement. As technologies evolve very fast, the opportunity to benefit from the online world and the potential risks that it imposes also evolve. We need to all work together, each from our perspective, to move forward and mitigate the relevant risks. At the moment, the Ministry is in the process of restructuring its division on combating cyber-crime, and we look forward to working with all partners, as well as engage children in thematic discussions to adapt online behaviors with the strategic vision we hold for a safe digital environment for them,” informed Ms Sargsyan.
UNICEF will work with the Ministry of High-Tech Industry to not only propose and develop solutions to eliminate online harm, but also make sure that it is aligned with the existing strategies and roadmaps in the wider context of digital development and cyber security. “The present generation is adept at developing and using various technologies but with this come big risks, such as mis- or disinformation, which can have implications for the wider society. We are already working on draft legislation on cyber security and crime. Within that context, it is our job to work with members of the society who are most vulnerable to this and devise ways to ensure their safety. The younger generation is often more media literate so we also hope that they will take on the calling to support the older generations to overcome barriers,” said Mr Mantashyan.
Participants heard from CoMedia start-up, established by young people with the support of UNICEF, who presented their media literacy board game through which children and young people can learn more about common mistakes or misconceptions online. Through the programme, UNICEF will work with adolescents and young people to empower the development of youth-led solutions and support them in learning more about safety online and being the advocates of online safety with their parents and families.
Together with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, UNICEF will work to develop the capacity of social services in responding to cases of online crimes involving children and delivering responses with a victim-centred approach for child victims. In cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, UNICEF will also enhance the skills and knowledge of teachers to prevent online risks for children.
Ministry of Defense releases names of fallen troops
14:18, 13 February 2024
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. The Ministry of Defense of Armenia released the names of the 4 soldiers who were killed in action in Syunik when Azerbaijani forces opened gunfire at their post near Nerkin Hand.
The names of the fallen troops: Eduard H. Harutyunyan (born 1974), Gagik V. Manukyan (born 1982), Arsen G. Hambardzumyan (born 1979), Hrachya T. Hovhannisyan (born 1957).
The Ministry of Defense extended condolences to the families and friends of the fallen troops.