Author: Antonian Lara

In RA, Anna Hakobyan is demanded to be administratively liable for 15 dr

Antonian Lara

The “Independent Observer” alliance has found alleged violations in the activities of the “My Step” fund in recent months and is applying to the Administrative Court, demanding 15 episodes of administrative liability against Anna Hakobyan, the head of the executive body of the fund. This was written by Daniel Ioannisyan, the founder of “Union of Informed Citizens” NGO.


“The alliance considers the concerts in Gyumri on April 19 and Yerevan on April 23 as a propaganda event of the CP. their expenditure had to be made in accordance with the Law on Parties. However, the financing of those concerts does not fit within the limitations of that law. We submit an application to the Corruption Prevention Commission with the request to give a legal assessment to the mentioned.


The alliance considers that the April 23 torchlight procession is also an event of the ARF (Armenia) party, and its financing must also comply with the regulations of the parties’ legislation. In this regard, we are also studying the facts so that, perhaps, we can turn to the Central Intelligence Agency,” he wrote.

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Pashinyan confirms reconciliation with long-time partner Anna Hakobyan

Antonian Lara
OC Media
April 23 2026

by Gunef Yedic

Nikol Pashinyan has confirmed he and his long-time partner Anna Hakobyan have reconciled, months after she publicly announced their separation.

Speaking at a press briefing, Pashinyan said he had actively worked toward the reconciliation after Hakobyan’s announcement in February 2026.

He told the reporters that when the statement was made by Hakobyan, he said that he  ‘respects that decision’, but did not say that he was ‘at peace’ with it.

‘And, naturally, with that logic, I also made efforts to ensure that the event you are referring to would take place, and I am glad that it is happening, and I am glad that I now have another chance for our family to remain together.’

The prime minister’s comments came days after the couple was seen in Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city, on 19 April walking and drinking coffee together, after Hakobyan took part in Pashinyan’s motorcade. The visit was tied to the opening of the Ashtrak–Gyumri section of the North-South highway, and included a pre-election concert organised by Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract party, which also saw Pashinyan playing drums.

Before Gyumri, Hakobyan was also spotted passing behind Pashinyan in one of his social media videos at the prime minister’s residence.

Hakobyan and Pashinyan had been in a common-law relationship for nearly 30 years. The couple were never legally married, though Hakobyan was widely referred to as the prime minister Pashinyan’s wife. The couple have four children.

Hakobyan had announced the end of their relationship in a video she published on Facebook in February, saying only that the matter was not open for discussion and that she would be moving out of the prime minister’s official residence. She did not give a reason for the split.

At the time, Pashinyan released a short statement saying he respected her decision, and apologised for ‘any pain’ he may have caused her over their 30 years together.

Hakobyan, who serves as editor-in-chief of the newspaper Armenian Times and as executive director of the education-focused My Step foundation, had been a prominent public figure in her own right throughout Pashinyan’s tenure in office.

When she announced the separation in February, Hakobyan acknowledged that she could face criminal prosecution over her work at My Step, amid questions about whether the foundation’s provision of free English classes during the pre-election period had violated Armenia’s campaign laws.

At the time of her announcement, some analysts suggested the split may have been a political manoeuvre ahead of elections, and that a reconciliation was possible.

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“Land of Living” and “Strong Armenia” signed a memorandum uniting themselves

Antonian Lara

“Land of Living” and “Strong Armenia” parties have signed a memorandum, combining political, organizational and human potential.


In this regard, the statement of the “Land of Living” party says:


“The Republic of Armenia is facing serious security, political and value system challenges that require nationwide consolidation, responsibility and clear political will.


Emphasizing the above, the “Aprelu Yerkir” party and the “Strong Armenia” alliance of parties signed a memorandum according to which they combine their political, organizational and human potential, forming a unified political agenda in order to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections and ensuring the active involvement of the regional teams of the “Aprelu Yerkir” party within the framework of the “Strong Armenia” alliance of parties by being included in the latter’s electoral list.


Cooperation is based on:


The fundamental importance of the Republic of Armenia as a free, independent, sovereign and democratic state,


The indisputable priority of the return of Armenian prisoners, the most important precondition for the restoration of national dignity and the establishment of a just and stable peace,


The exceptional role of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church throughout the history of the Armenian people as a pillar of national identity, faith, unity and statehood.


The imperative of restoring trust between the state and the people, strengthening national solidarity, as well as the effective consolidation of the pan-Armenian potential between Armenia and the Diaspora.


“Aprelu Yerkir” party assumes its responsibility for the changes in the country.

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Russia guides only Pashinyan, I am guided only by the Armenian people

Antonian Lara

April 17, 2026

“We will force them to retreat,” was the answer 168.amto the question that the government is not retreating, said the leader of the “Strong Armenia” party, political hostage Samvel Karapetyan, whose house arrest regime was extended for 3 months by the judge of the Anti-Corruption Court, Vahe Dolmazyan.

Samvel Karapetyan noted that only the Armenian society can change this reality with its activity and persistence.

To the question: if it were not for the famous statement, would he have submitted an application to enter politics, Karapetyan answered, of course not.

To the observation that Pashinyan says that he is directed by Russia, Samvel Karapetyan replied: “Russia is directing only Pashinyan, only the Armenian people are directing me.”

Read also

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He also advised not to pay attention to the statements of frivolous people, referring to Nikol Pashinyan.

Details in the video.




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RFE/RL – More Armenian Oppositionists Rounded Up Ahead Of Elections

Antonian Lara
  • Naira Bulghadarian
April 16, 2026
Armenian – Billionaire Samvel Karapetian’s Strong Armenia party holds a rally in Yerevan, April 11, 2026.

Armenian authorities arrested on Thursday at least 14 people mostly affiliated with a key opposition group led by billionaire Samvel Karapetian, raising more fears of its disqualification from the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections.

All of the detainees were understood to be residents of the southern town of Artashat. The Anti-Corruption Committee (ACC) claimed that they gave or accepted vote bribes, a charge rejected by Karapetian’s Strong Armenia party as politically motivated.

The law-enforcement agency, which also raided the party’s local offices, released audios of their online conversations which it said prove that “a group of individuals” affiliated with the party or working for a non-governmental organization linked to it have been engaged in vote buying.

Vahan Hovannisian, a lawyer representing Strong Armenia, insisted that financial issues discussed by them related only to their wages. Senior party figures likewise rejected the accusations as politically motivated.

Two other Strong Armenia activists were arrested on similar charges on Tuesday. Armenian courts released them from custody hours later.

Hovannisian echoed media speculation that these criminal cases could be used by the authorities to bar Karapetian’s party from running in the June 7 elections. Davit Ghazinian, a senior party member, did not rule out such a ban.

“We are ready for all scenarios, including the party’s non-registration [for the elections,]” Ghazinian told journalists.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian was accused by critics of planning to secure an election victory through fraud or foul play when it emerged in December that his administration requested election-related assistance from the European Union. The EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, revealed that Yerevan is seeking the kind of “help to fight foreign malign interference” which the EU provided to Moldova ahead of parliamentary elections held there in September 2025. Two Moldovan opposition parties deemed pro-Russian were barred from participating in the elections won by the country’s pro-Western leadership.

Karapetian, 60, has mostly lived in Russia since the early 1990s and has a dual Russian nationality. Pashinian’s political allies have accused the tycoon of plotting to topple the Armenian government on the Kremlin’s orders ever since he entered politics following his controversial arrest last June. In a series of statements made earlier this year, they said that the ruling Civil Contract party will not “allow” Karapetian’s party and two other major opposition groups to collectively win a majority in the next Armenian parliament. Pashinian claimed on Wednesday that they will struggle to win any parliament seats.

Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly warned the authorities in Yerevan from barring what he called pro-Russian opposition forces from the elections when he met with Pashinian in Moscow on April 1. Putin implied that the Armenian economy, which is heavily dependent on Russia, would pay a heavy price for such bans or Yerevan’s continued drift to the EU.

Karapetian’ movement, which has avoided making overtly pro-Russian statements so far, is now increasingly regarded as the country’s main opposition force. It held a big rally in Yerevan on April 11.

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Art: Armenian government has acquired Arshile Gorky’s “Untitled”

Antonian Lara
MediaMax, Armenia
April 16 2026



Armenian government has acquired Arshile Gorky’s “Untitled”

Yerevan /Mediamax/. The exhibition “Arshile Gorky: New York-Yerevan: New Acquisition” has opened at the National Gallery of Armenia.

The Armenian government has acquired the graphic work “Untitled” (1944) by the world-renowned American-Armenian artist at an international auction.

The event was attended by Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Mayor of Yerevan Tigran Avinyan, and Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan.

“Our people have had different pages in history: at times the center of Armenian life was Madras, at other times Istanbul or Tbilisi, and at one point Venice. Today, we affirm that the center of Armenian reality and life in all its dimensions – cultural and ideological – is the Republic of Armenia,” Nikol Pashinyan said in his speech.

The Prime Minister noted that the acquisition of Arshile Gorky’s work was made possible by the contributions of thousands of tax-paying citizens.

Photo: Armenian government

The government reports that “Untitled” was presented at the Sotheby’s auction house in London. The starting price for the 1944 graphic work (paper, pencil, 45.4 × 55.5 cm) was 45,000 euros, with an estimated upper range of 70,000 euros.

During the auction held on December 3, 2025, the work was acquired by the Government of Armenia for 30,978,000 AMD (approximately 69 000 euros).

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Armenian Prosecutor-General meets Chinese counterpart

Antonian Lara
Law14:09, 13 April 2026
Read the article in: فارسیՀայերենქართულიRussian中文

Armenia’s Prosecutor General, Anna Vardapetyan, met with Ying Yong, Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) of China, during her visit to Shanghai for the 61st session of the International Association of Prosecutors Executive Committee.

Armenian Ambassador to China Vahe Gevorgyan also took part in the meeting.

Anna Vardapetyan thanked her counterpart for initiating the meeting and emphasized the importance of direct dialogue between the prosecutors general of the two countries for deepening cooperation in criminal justice and developing bilateral relations, her office said in a readout.

“The International Association of Prosecutors is an important platform for effective professional dialogue and the strengthening of bilateral ties, designed to facilitate cooperation between the prosecution services of different countries, including our own,” Vardapetyan said.

She also referred to the international and bilateral legal instruments in force between the Republic of Armenia and the People’s Republic of China that regulate cooperation in criminal matters, including legal assistance and extradition.

The Prosecutor General of Armenia also cited statistical data on cooperation, noting that in 2018–2025, the Armenian Prosecutor’s Office sent 37 requests for legal assistance to China on various cases, including cybercrime, tax evasion, illicit drug trafficking, and corruption. During the same period, two of the requests received from China were fulfilled.

The parties emphasized the need to develop cooperation in the law enforcement sphere within the framework of the strategic partnership established between the Republic of Armenia and the People’s Republic of China in 2025.

The prosecutors general of the two countries also highlighted the potential for further cooperation between their offices and, among other issues, discussed practical matters related to legal assistance requests.

Anna Vardapetyan and Ying Yong stressed the importance of intensifying direct contacts between the competent units of their respective offices in order to resolve working issues more swiftly.

During the meeting, the need to develop and formalize a new cooperation program was also discussed.

The prosecutors general of Armenia and China reaffirmed their readiness to expand cooperation, particularly in combating transnational crime, corruption, money laundering, and cybercrime.

At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed confidence that such contacts would contribute to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing the effectiveness of cooperation.

Anna Vardapetyan is participating in the 61st session of the IAP Executive Committee in Shanghai as a member of the IAP Executive Committee.

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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The railway with Azerbaijan will never be closed, says Nikol Pashinyan

Antonian Lara
Aysor, Armenia
April 13 2026

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with representatives of Armenia’s largest employers in a working breakfast format.

Welcoming the participants, the Prime Minister noted that the meeting brought together representatives of companies that have created the most jobs in Armenia and thanked them for their contribution. According to him, since 2018, these companies have remained responsive to the government’s policies, contributing to the creation of approximately 288,000 jobs.

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Estonia committed to strengthening ties with Armenia, says Foreign Minister

Antonian Lara
External policy13:53, 10 April 2026
Read the article in: Armenian-GeorgianРусский中文:

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said his country is ready to provide support to Armenia and further develop practical cooperation.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan following their meeting in Yerevan on Friday, Tsahkna said that this is his second visit to Armenia as foreign minister and that it reflects Estonia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

“This is our commitment as the Estonian people: we love you, the Armenian people. You are very close to us, even though there is a great distance between us,” he said.

The Estonian foreign minister also highlighted the opening of Estonia’s embassy in Armenia, emphasizing its practical significance.

“We opened our embassy here, in Armenia. This is not just a symbolic step; it aims to develop practical cooperation between Armenia and Estonia,” Tsahkna said.

According to him, Armenia is at an important stage, and the policies being implemented could have a significant impact not only on the country but also on the entire region.

“The path to peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan is extremely important as a prerequisite for the prosperity of the people, as well as the development of business and trade,” he emphasized.

Tsahkna also noted that Estonia is ready to support Armenia by sharing its experience and knowledge, while at the same time being interested in learning from Armenia’s experience.

“We want to support, share our experience, and learn from you,” he said.

The Estonian foreign minister added that the processes taking place in the region can be seen as part of broader geopolitical changes, and Estonia wants to be an active participant in these developments.

Read the article in: Armenian-GeorgianРусский中文:

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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RA will buy a “road tomograph”. Since 2018, 4 billion have been returned to citizens

Antonian Lara
Photo: sputnik

The Armenian government intends to introduce state-of-the-art technologies working with artificial intelligence in the field of road construction, which will allow to ensure “surgical precision” in repair works.


At the same time, the executive announced the return of an unprecedented amount of about 4 billion dollars to citizens with unplanned social and assistance programs since 2018.


Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures at the government session on April 9 Davit Khudatyan announced plans to acquire a unique piece of equipment of regional significance: a road stratification system, or “road tomograph.” This technique, worth about 500-600 million drams ($1-1.5 million), will use artificial intelligence to analyze the road surface up to 70 centimeters deep.


According to the minister, the equipment will automatically assess the hidden cracks and injuries while passing the road, suggesting what type and depth of repair is needed in the given area. According to Khudatyan, they bring paving closer to the accuracy and logic of surgery, which will help to clearly separate the need for average and major repairs.


Referring to the introduction of new technology, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noticed that the acquisition of such expensive equipment is not a loss of finances, but a long-term saving, because due to quality and competent repair, the costs of further operation will be significantly reduced.


During the session, the head of the government also spoke about the economic results of the support programs implemented after 2018. He reminded that the state has implemented a number of non-compulsory, incentive programs, including leasing of agricultural equipment, support for border villages, loan subsidies, energy-efficient renovations and income tax refunds.


“As a result of the revolution, since 2018, the state budget has generated an additional amount of around 6 billion dollars. We can record that out of those 6 billion, we have returned 4 billion to the citizens through various programs,” the Prime Minister announced, adding that the increases in pensions and other mandatory payments are not included in this calculation.

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