Author: Arsine Chaltikian

Turkish Press: Armenia-Türkiye thaw: A ‘strategic moment’ for South Caucasus

Arsine Chaltikian
Anadolu Agency, Turkey
May 8 2026
Fresh diplomatic engagement fuels hope for stability across South Caucasus
Aysu Bicer
08 May 2026•


LONDON

A flurry of diplomatic activity in Yerevan has signaled a “new chapter” for the South Caucasus, as Armenian officials and EU mediators push for the full normalization of relations with Türkiye and a permanent peace with Azerbaijan.

Calling the current atmosphere a “strategic moment in time,” Magdalena Grono, the EU special representative for the South Caucasus, said the region is beginning to achieve a level of stability that is “extremely welcome.”

“The two leaderships in Baku and Yerevan have been very brave in opening a possibly new chapter,” Grono told Anadolu in an exclusive interview.

She said reopening the Armenia-Türkiye border would enable Armenia to “integrate in deeper trade” while advancing “transit and connectivity agendas.”

“Everybody is welcoming the opportunities that this brings, and we are, of course, from the EU side, very much hoping for progress in both the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, institutionalization, but also in the normalization, full normalization, between Armenia and Türkiye,” she underlined.

Normalization between Ankara and Yerevan is deeply intertwined to the broader “South Caucasus Peace” framework.

Türkiye has consistently maintained a policy of coordination with Azerbaijan regarding its steps with Armenia.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Monday that he hopes to visit Azerbaijan in 2028 for the next European Political Community (EPC) summit.

“I hope that I will have the opportunity to visit Azerbaijan in 2028 for the EPC summit,” Pashinyan said at the EPC summit held in Yerevan.

He noted that Armenia and Azerbaijan had mutually supported each other’s candidacies to host future EPC summits.

Pashinyan also stressed that it marked the first time an Azerbaijani president participated in an event hosted in Armenia, albeit via videoconference.

Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan said dialogue between Ankara and Yerevan has seen a “rapid increase” over the past two years, highlighting the “historic” visit by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz to Armenia.

Speaking to Anadolu, Kostanyan said “multi-dimensional talks” involving several ministries are underway on issues including cultural heritage and transport infrastructure.

‘No obstacles’ to normalization

Sargis Khandanyan, chair of Armenia’s Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, emphasized that the government’s “regionalization” of foreign policy will remain a priority regardless of upcoming elections in Armenia.

“I think there are not going to be major shifts after the elections… we are going to continue the balance and balancing for the policy,” Khandanyan told Anadolu.

The upcoming June 7 parliamentary elections are viewed as a critical referendum on Armenian Pashinyan’s “Crossroads of Peace” policy aimed at strengthening Armenia’s connectivity with neighboring Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Türkiye, while fostering regional cooperation and mutual understanding among nations.

Pashinyan argues that Armenia’s long-term security and sovereignty depend on shifting from a “security through military alliance” model to one based on “security through regional integration,” asserting that opening the borders is the only way to prevent further isolation.

On Monday, Türkiye’s Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz said that the normalization and peace process achieved between Türkiye and Armenia in the South Caucasus is “extremely valuable” and “will serve as an example and inspiration for others all around the world.

According to Yilmaz, “progress is being made day by day in Azerbaijan-Armenia relations, with mutual positive steps being taken,” while parallel efforts between Türkiye and Armenia are “creating a new atmosphere in the South Caucasus.”

“This is one of the most strategic regions in the world. It has historically been a transit region. We believe that as peace and normalization are achieved in the South Caucasus, first and foremost, everyone living in this region will benefit. Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Türkiye — all countries will benefit,” he said.

According to Khandanyan, “there is no single political reason from our perspective that blocks this process.”

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Pashinyan, Macron attend “Musical Bridge: Armenia–France” concert in Gyumri

Arsine Chaltikian
Armenia21:39, 5 May 2026
Read the article in: العربيةEspañolفارسیFrançaisbedroom

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and French President Emmanuel Macron attended the “Musical Bridge: Armenia–France” concert in Gyumri.

The concert was dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and to the French president’s state visit to Armenia.

The event began with live performances of the national anthems of France and Armenia. Works by the world-renowned chansonnier of French birth and Armenian origin, Charles Aznavour, were performed on stage.

Performances were delivered by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, the National Academic Choir of Armenia named after Hovhannes Chekijian, as well as singers representing Armenia and France.

The concert, held at Vardanants Square in Gyumri, was also attended by Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, ministers from Armenia and France, other senior officials, and members of the public.

Read the article in: العربيةEspañolفارسیFrançaisbedroom

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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It turned out that Roberta Metzola was a better guy than Nikol Pashinyan, who even poo

Arsine Chaltikian

May 5, 2026


During the protest action organized near the RA President’s residence, the activists addressed the European leaders who arrived in Yerevan, stating that they are happy to see them in Armenia, but not happy to see them as “part of the pre-election show of the RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan”.

“Welcome to Armenia, a country where there are more than 50 political prisoners, where the so-called authorities are looting, attacking, fighting against the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church. You heard it right: today’s rulers in RA, which is the gate of a Christian country, have declared war on the Armenian Apostolic Church. You have come to a country where, according to official data, more than 200 square kilometers are occupied by Azerbaijan, whose children are tortured in Baku prisons. You have come to a country whose so-called authorities still don’t know how many missing people there are from our country,” declared Hayk Mamijanyan, head of the “I have honor” faction of the RA NA.

RPA Vice President Armen Ashotyan also announced that the relations between the European Union and Armenia are anchored on the SEPA signed during the third RA President Serzh Sargsyan’s reign.

“I am sorry that they have acquired such a degenerate character, where Armenia does not pursue its own interests,” said Ashotyan.

According to him, European leaders cannot be good or bad for Armenians, they can be that way for their countries and peoples.

Ashotyan recalled yesterday’s extraordinary speech of the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metzola, in which she, unlike the RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, responded to the accusations of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.

According to him, Metzola’s speech showed what it means to be a leader who respects sovereignty and own institutions.

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Armenpress: Combating hybrid threats to be discussed at EPC Summit in Yerevan,

Arsine Chaltikian
Read the article in: EspañolՀայերենქართულიRussianTürkçe

President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said leaders at the EPC Summit in Yerevan will discuss further integration with allies and partners, as well as the fight against hybrid threats.

Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the EPC Summit, Metsola thanked Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for hosting the event and recalled that just days ago, the European Parliament had adopted a resolution by an overwhelming majority welcoming Armenia’s commitment to strong democracy and European values.

Metsola highlighted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s participation in the EPC summit.

“We will discuss fighting disinformation and hybrid threats. These are no longer remote risks. It is something that the European Parliament is particularly committed on working with stakeholders to make sure that these are stamped out because they are a real threat to democracy. Wars are not only fought on the ground, but they’re also fought in the digital sphere, and they undermine and target the most vulnerable parts of our society. So in this regard, our commitment is also to work with social platforms,” she said, highlighting the need to make sure that tools that were created to bring people together, are not abused.

“Finally, on artificial intelligence, we are aware of the concerns, but those do not stop us from using artificial intelligence, actually, to solve the problems and the challenges that we have in order to make sure that our democracies are protected.”

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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“Pashinyan does not care about this issue. took away our child and killed us from our homeland

Arsine Chaltikian

May 2, 2026

Nikol Pashinyan told journalists after the previous session of the Government that they do not discuss with Azerbaijan and have never discussed “the issue of the return of the Armenians of Karabakh and Baku, as well as the return of Azerbaijanis to Armenia, because both sides have a provocative effect on the current political situation.”

As for the churches destroyed by Azerbaijan in Artsakh, Nikol Pashinyan cited Artsvashen as an example, noting that “if a mosque is built in Artsvashen and Armenians go and decide to live there, won’t they destroy the mosque?”

It is not known what will happen to the cemeteries in occupied Artsakh, including the “Brotherhood Cemetery”, does Nikol Pashinyan view this issue in the same way as the issue of churches, that he will not make it a subject of discussion at the state level?

The graves of all the martyrs of the first Artsakh liberation war and subsequent wars remained in Artsakh, the grave of Armen Baghdasaryan, who was martyred in the 44-day war of Artsakh in 2020, also remained in Artsakh, in his native Gandzasar.

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Armen Baghdasaryan’s mother, Eliza Baghdasaryan, when he was forcibly displaced from Artsakh in September 2023 and could not move his son’s grave In Armenia, the deceased asked to throw a “shell” on his son’s grave so that the Turks could not defile it, but no one took such a step.

of 168.am in a conversation with Eliza Baghdasaryan mentioned that she did not even think that Nikol Pashinyan could suddenly and suddenly raise the problem of destruction of Artsakh’s cultural monuments at the state level.

“If that person has at least a little Armenian conscience left, let him take steps to at least move the graves of our sons to Armenia, at least we will have a place to put flowers and smoke incense. But I don’t believe that he will do something like that, Pashinyan just doesn’t care about this issue, he illegally took our child away, killed us, deprived us of our homeland, he doesn’t care about us,” said Eliza Baghdasaryan.

According to our interlocutor, if Nikol Pashinyan has a desire, he will cooperate with the EU, Russia and various structures that will support him to solve this issue. However, he has clearly shown that he has no desire to address that issue.

Let’s remind that Artsakh Armenians have protested several times near the Government building. Some of the participants of the action were the relatives of those who went missing after the explosion in Stepanakert on September 25, 2023, who demanded a meeting from Nikol Pashinyan, because he is the one negotiating with Azerbaijan.

Relatives of those who died as a result of the military operation that took place on September 19-20, 2023 and were buried in Artsakh also participated in the action. They also demanded that the Government take steps to remove the bodies of their dead relatives from Artsakh and rebury them in Armenia.

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Leading Armenian and Emirati think tanks ink cooperation deal

Arsine Chaltikian
Armenia14:01, 28 April 2026
Read the article in: Arabic PersianՀայերենРусскийTurkçe

The Orbeli Center for Analytical Research, a leading Armenian think tank affiliated with the Public Relations and Information Center of the Prime Minister’s Office, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR), a prominent UAE research center.

The purpose of the memorandum is to promote cooperation in the field of research and analytical activities, as well as to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

Under the memorandum, the parties plan to cooperate in the following areas: conducting joint research and preparing analytical materials, organizing expert discussions, roundtables and conferences, exchanging information and experience, and developing the capacities of young researchers.

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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Sports continues to unite different nations. Kyokushin Karate World Cup

Arsine Chaltikian

On April 25-26, the Kyokushin Karate World Cup was held in Yerevan. This is an important event for both Armenian and international sports life, especially since the tournament is organized for the first time in our country.

The President of the International Kyokushin Karate Federation, David Pitkle, and the General Secretary of the World Kyokushin Union, Alexander Pichkunov, arrived in Armenia to watch the tournament.

Such tournaments remind us once again that our focus should be not only on Olympic, but also on non-Olympic sports, supporting the development of sports and the active participation of young people.


Armenia is hosting the Kyokushin Karate World Cup for the first time, with the participation of about 500 athletes from 30 countries.

This is not only a great honor for our country, but also a worthy evaluation of the years of work of Armenian athletes.
Sports continue to unite different nations, creating a platform for strength, respect and solidarity.


Gagik Tsarukyan




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USUP leader lays wreath of loyalty at Sayfo and Armenian Genocide Memorials, r

Arsine Chaltikian
April 26 2026
 26/04/2026

BEIRUT — On the occasion of the 111th anniversary of the Armenian, Syriac and Kafno Genocide, the President of the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) Ibrahim Mrad headed a delegation to visit the Syriac Orthodox St. Ephrem Church in Achrafieh, seat of the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of Beirut. They were received by Archbishop Mor Daniel Gouwrieh and Father Charbel Bahi.

During the visit, a wreath was laid at the Sayfo Martyrs Memorial, and prayers were held for the souls of the martyrs. Archbishop Gouwrieh affirmed that the blood of the martyrs will remain a beacon of steadfastness, and that the people will stay rooted in their land, firm in their struggle for truth, justice, and existence. He also expressed his gratitude to the USUP and all those who faithfully uphold the cause of the Church and nation.

The delegation then headed to the Armenian Orthodox Catholicosate in Antelias, where they were received by Bishop Mor Dajad Ashekian, Head of the Catholicosate Chancellery of the Armenian Orthodox Church of Cilicia, along with officials from the Patriarchate’s institutions. There, the delegation laid a wreath at the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Memorial, and prayers were offered for the souls of the martyrs.

On this occasion, the USUP reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to continuing political and legal struggle in defense of the martyrs’ memory, upholding historical justice, and preserving the existence and dignity of the Syriac people in their homeland.

It is worth noting that the Zahle branch of the USUP had participated in commemorating the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, in response to an invitation from the Armenian Church in Zahle. A delegation from the branch, headed by Rabih Azouki, laid a wreath on behalf of the USUP at the memorial in the courtyard of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, honoring the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, and commemorating the martyrs of the Sayfo Genocide that targeted the Syriac people, as well as the martyrs of the Mount Lebanon famine, known as Kafno.

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Armenians in Georgia denied permission to commemorate genocide near Turkish Em

Arsine Chaltikian
OC Media
April 24 2026
by Mikheil Gvadzabia

Georgia’s Interior Ministry has denied a request by an Armenian civil society group to hold a demonstration in front of the Turkish Embassy in Tbilisi on the occasion of the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.

The Armenian Community of Georgia, the organisation behind the demonstration, told OC Media that they initially notified Tbilisi City Hall at the end of March about the rally planned for Friday.

A board member and secretary of the organisation, Zhaneta Baghdasarian said that the police contacted them a few days later and informed them that they would not be allowed to hold their demonstration in front of the embassy.

‘[The Ministry representative] informed us that we are denied [the opportunity] to hold the event at the specified location, citing the motive to prevent potential risks’, a statement from the organisation read.

According to the organisation, they requested a written document confirming the refusal decision, after which they encountered a ‘lack of coordination between government agencies’.

‘The City Hall and the Interior Ministry were not aware of any such decision’, the statement said, going on to describe the subsequent communication with both agencies and the difficulties in obtaining an official document.

The organisation further noted that the problematic communication continued until 21 April, when they were finally able to obtain an official letter from the ministry.

The letter, cited in the statement, referred to the Georgian law on assemblies and demonstrations, stating that the ministry is obliged to maintain a balance between the freedom of assembly and the rights of individuals who live, work, or conduct business in the areas where a demonstration is held. The ministry emphasised that these individuals should not be hindered in doing their activities.

‘Given the specified location and its particular characteristics, holding the assembly may lead to a risk of violating the requirements established by the above-mentioned norm; therefore, we ask you to consider the advisability of changing the location of the event’, the ministry’s statement concluded.

Pashinyan links Armenian Genocide to ‘international machinations’ in commemorative address

Baghdasarian described the letter and its justification as ‘unclear’, noting that similar rallies had been held near the embassy over the past 20 years.

‘The Georgian government knows that our demonstration is peaceful. There have been no provocations, no incidents over these 20 years that would justify restricting our demonstration or our ability to freely express our opinions’, she added.

Baghdasarian said that the community organisation is not considering holding the rally at another location and, therefore, will not hold the demonstration at all.

‘It was a matter of principle for us to hold the demonstration there, as our demand is for Turkey to recognise the Armenian Genocide’, she added.

OC Media has contacted the Interior Ministry for comment on the matterr, but had not received a response at the time of publication.

Unlike the 24 April rally, the community held its annual torchlit procession the day before, from the Isani Metro Station to the St. Etchmiatsin Church in Avlabari. In this case, the Interior Ministry greenlit the planned route, but emphasised that participants had to remain on the pavement.

Under the protest-related restrictions passed by the ruling Georgian Dream party and its allies in December 2025, an obligation was introduced to notify the police before holding a protest in ‘people’s movement’ zones — including on the pavement — and wait for their response.

The police have the authority to change both the location and timing of a protest. Failure to comply with the law could result in imprisonment on the first offence. Numerous participants of daily anti-government rallies in Tbilisi have received days-long sentences after the legislation was passed.

Before the amendments were adopted, it was mandatory to notify municipal authorities — not the police — only in cases where a protest was expected to block a road; however, there was no obligation to wait for a state response — something that now exists not only for roadways but also for pavements and is overseen by the police.

Although the Armenian community had largely been able to hold rallies near the Turkish Embassy without restrictions in previous years, there have been exceptions.

In 2017, Tbilisi City Hall told organisers that holding the gathering at that specific location was not advisable, citing potential traffic disruptions.

Earlier, in the case of the 2016 rally, which coincided with tensions in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the organisers said they changed the location of the demonstration at the government’s request and in order to avoid potential provocations.

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Batumi 2026: Bulgaria and Armenia power to gold

Arsine Chaltikian
Inside the Games
April 25 2026

Batumi 2026: Bulgaria and Armenia power to gold

Karlos Nasar stepped on the platform on Friday at the European Weightlifting Championships in Georgia once again to assert his dominance, while youngster Emma Poghosyan claimed her first senior title.

In the men’s 94 kg category, Nasar reinforced his status as one of the sport’s most explosive talents. The Bulgarian secured the snatch gold with a successful lift of 176 kg, finishing just ahead of Armenia’s Ara Aghanyan, who took silver with 175 kg. Turkiye’s Hakan Şükrü Kurnaz was third with 166 kg.

Nasar demonstrated his ambition by calling for a world-record weight of 183 kg on his third attempt, though the lift went unsuccessful.

He was equally clinical in the clean & jerk, opening with 210 kg to immediately secure the discipline gold and the overall crown. With the absolute title secured, he loaded a massive 223 kg for a world-record attempt. While he fell short of completing the lift, his total of 386 kg earned him the European title.

Aghanyan claimed Armenia’s fourth silver in total with a result of 381 kg, while France’s Romain Imadouchene took the bronze with 370 kg. The French also won silver in the clean & jerk.

https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/batumi-2026-bulgaria-and-armenia-power-to-gold

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