Author: Emil Karabekian

A complaint was filed against SOCAR Trading for financing the campaign against the Armenians of Artsakh

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A complaint was filed in Switzerland against SOCAR Trading for its role in financing Azerbaijan’s campaign against the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh.


It was said in the statement of the committee for the protection of fundamental rights of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.


“The committee for the protection of the fundamental rights of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, established by the Parliament of Nagorno-Karabakh in December 2023, together with the “Switzerland-Armenia” association, in 2026. filed an official complaint against SOCAR Trading SA in Switzerland on March 18.


The complaint states that the company violated international standards of responsible business behavior by providing financial support to a state responsible for the ethnic cleansing of the indigenous Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh, NEWS.am writes.


“Material support” for ethnic cleansing


The complaint was formally submitted to the Swiss National Contact Point (SECO) in accordance with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD / OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises 2011 and 2023. guidelines. According to the “Specific Instance” procedure of the OECD Guidelines, the Swiss National Contact Point will now investigate the complaint and decide on further actions and remedies.


“SOCAR Trading” is the Swiss-based subsidiary of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), which is the commercial and financial link of Azerbaijan’s oil sector and a key source of revenue for the Azerbaijani state. In September 2023, Azerbaijan’s military offensive led to the complete displacement of the Armenian population of Nagorno Karabakh, effectively ending the centuries-old presence of Armenians in the region.


Based on the analysis of many respected experts, including the first chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Luis Moreno Ocampo, the organizations that filed the complaint allege that this campaign amounted to ethnic cleansing and possibly genocide.


The complaint alleges that SOCAR Trading, through its financial and commercial activities, has contributed to the replenishment of the economic resources of the Azerbaijani state and, therefore, according to OECD guidelines, had a clear obligation to conduct thorough human rights due diligence and respond to the risks arising from its activities.


“Forcible displacement of about 150,000 Armenians from their homeland in the South Caucasus is one of the most serious humanitarian crises of recent decades,” emphasized Garnik Kerkonyan, an international lawyer based in Chicago and a member of the Committee. “Companies that financially support the state responsible for these actions cannot ignore their obligations arising from international standards.”


Switzerland’s mandate for establishing peace in Nagorno-Karabakh


During the press conference held today in Geneva, the appellants also reminded that exactly one year ago, both chambers of the Swiss Federal Assembly adopted a petition instructing the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs to organize a peace forum between representatives of the people of Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh. A year later, no such forum has yet been convened.


The committee and its partners have expressed their continued expectation that the Swiss authorities will implement this recommendation of the parliament, which they believe can play an important role in building a just and lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.


“Switzerland should be actively involved in the protection of indigenous peoples and ensuring their right to self-determination, as guaranteed by the United Nations Charter,” said Sargis Shahinyan, the honorary president of the “Switzerland-Armenia” association. “As a neutral state, Switzerland is in a favorable position to play a constructive role in bringing a just resolution to this decades-long conflict.”


“Lasting peace cannot be built on ethnic cleansing,” said Joel Veldkamp, ​​public interest director of Zurich-based Christian Solidarity International NGO, who also spoke at the press conference. “The new conflict with Iran has made clearer than ever the importance of building long-term peace and security in the vital South Caucasus region.”


Steps in the UN Human Rights Council:


At the same time, two members of the Committee for the Protection of Fundamental Rights of the People of Nagorno-Karabakh are participating in the annual session of the Human Rights Council of the United Nations in Geneva.


Addressing the plenary sessions through several accredited non-governmental organizations, they drew the Council’s attention to the facts of Azerbaijan’s continued illegal detention of Armenian hostages in Baku prisons, Azerbaijan’s refusal to comply with the November 17, 2023 decision of the International Court of Justice (requiring to ensure the safe return of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians to their historical homeland), as well as the ongoing destruction of Armenian spiritual and cultural monuments in Nagorno-Karabakh.

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Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 17-03-

Emil Karabekian

Economy17:10, 17 March 2026
Read the article in: ArmenianRussian:

YEREVAN, 17 MARCH, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 17 March, USD exchange rate up by 0.05 drams to 377.46 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 1.31 drams to 434.27 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.0702 drams to 4.5869 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 2.1 drams to 502.89 drams.

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

Gold price down by 595 drams to 60616 drams. Silver price down by 57.55 drams to 958.05 drams.

Read the article in: ArmenianRussian:

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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India’s foreign minister thanks Armenia for facilitating evacuations of its c

Emil Karabekian

Read the article in: العربيةEspañolفارسیFrançaisՀայերենქართულიRussianTürkçe中文

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has expressed gratitude to Armenia for facilitating the safe evacuation of hundreds of Indian nationals from Iran.

“Thank the Government and the people of Armenia for facilitating the safe evacuation of over 550 Indian nationals from Iran so far. Appreciate their support in these challenging times,” Jaishankar said on X.

Earlier on March 11, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said that since the outbreak of the war in Iran on February 28, citizens of 46 countries have been evacuated through Armenia.

The list includes Georgia, Iran, Türkiye, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Uruguay, Austria, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Greece, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Portugal, Serbia, Ukraine, Finland, France, Australia, Belarus, Turkmenistan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, New Zealand, China, Tajikistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, the Philippines, Guinea, Egypt, Yemen, Zimbabwe, Iraq, Lebanon, South Africa, Morocco, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Syria.

Read the article in: العربيةEspañolفارسیFrançaisՀայերենქართულიRussianTürkçe中文

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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Armenian Owned Development Firm Expands to Sacramento to Develop Stadium and D

Emil Karabekian

· MARCH 16, 2026


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Police request investigators to probe foreign meddling report

Emil Karabekian

Law16:13, 10 March 2026
Read the article in: فارسی, Armenian, Russian:

Armenian Police requested the Investigative Committee to investigate and validate the Foreign Intelligence Service report about a foreign meddling attempt in the general elections.

Armenia’s Foreign Intelligence Service warned earlier on Tuesday of a foreign interference threat, with gathered intelligence indicating that “various actors” are attempting to meddle in the country’s upcoming June 7 parliamentary elections by pressuring Armenians abroad, namely in a specific country, to support certain political parties.

Hours later the Ministry of Internal Affairs said that police formally filed a report to the Investigative Committee to launch a probe.

“The Foreign Intelligence Service of the Republic of Armenia has disseminated information indicating that, in a foreign country, various actors presenting themselves as representatives of that country’s special services are attempting to exert pressure on individuals of Armenian origin and citizens of the Republic of Armenia who conduct economic activities there. According to the information, such pressure is aimed at encouraging them to carry out actions in support of certain political forces that have submitted applications to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia. Based on this information, the Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs carried out verification measures. As a result, a notification of a suspected crime containing elements of obstruction of the free exercise of electoral rights through material inducement, as well as coercion to participate in elections by exploiting material or other forms of dependency, has been submitted to the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia. The Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs reminds that any unlawful influence or interference in electoral processes is subject to legal assessment. The public is urged to remain vigilant. If you have information about similar cases, please immediately contact the Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs by calling 112, sending information to [email protected], or submitting it through the azdararir.am platform,” the Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a statement.

Read the article in: فارسی, Armenian, Russian:

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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Armenia’s economy buys almost twice as much from foreign markets

Emil Karabekian

March: 10, 2026

Facebook post of Davit Ananyan, co-founder of the “Wings of Unity” political initiative

OBSERVATION 2: Foreign trade: decline in exports and deepening dependence on imports (when the real state of the economy is revealed in the external balance)

The real competitiveness of the economy is best seen not in domestic statistical growth indicators, but in the foreign trade balance.

If the economy strengthens, exports increase, markets diversify and import dependence decreases.

2026 January’s data show the opposite picture.

Thus, the external sector reveals the reality that is often not seen in official statements about economic activity.

 A drop in exports at the very beginning of the year

2026 In January, Armenia’s export amounted to 463.9 million dollars, which is 13.5% less than in 2025. the same month.

At the same time, the import amounted to 811.8 million dollars. As a result, the foreign trade turnover amounted to 1.28 billion dollars, which is 12% less than the same month last year.

This means that the very first month of the year for Armenia’s foreign trade begins with a weakening trend of exports.

 Trade balance: real “accounting” of the economy

Foreign trade balance in 2026 in January it was -347.9 million dollars. In other words, Armenia’s economy buys from foreign markets almost twice as much as it sells.

Such a structure is characteristic of economies where domestic production is weak, exports are limited, and consumption is heavily dependent on imports.

 Export Structural Vulnerability

Export data shows another important problem: the structural volatility of exports.
2026 in January, the export of precious metals and stones decreased by about 45%, ready-made food products by about 16%, and the export of devices and equipment by about 69%.

This shows that Armenia’s exports continue to be:

 with a limited product structure,

 with low participation of high-tech production, and

 depending on several product groups.

Such a structure makes the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in foreign markets.

 Geographic structure: limitation of markets

The geographical structure of foreign trade also shows a system of dependencies.

In particular, in 2026 The structure of foreign trade in January was as follows. CIS countries – 29.1%, EU countries – 14%, other countries – 56.9% in foreign trade turnover.

At the same time, the trade turnover with Russia decreased by about 38%.

These data show that Armenia’s foreign trade remains concentrated and based on limited markets.

 “External Audit” of Economic Growth

Foreign trade acts as a reality check mechanism for the economy. If the economy is actually strengthening, exports should increase, import dependence should decrease, and the external balance should stabilize.

But in 2026 January data show the opposite trend.

 exports decline
 the trade deficit remains large,
 the economy continues to depend on imports.

 Conclusion

The figures of foreign trade again show the structural problem of Armenia’s economy, in particular, the official talk about economic activity does not translate into real expansion of exports.

Armenia’s economy continues to be an import-dependent consumer economy, not an export-based production economy.

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Ucom’s fixed network is now available at Ashtarak

Emil Karabekian

 17:47,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 27, ARMENPRESS.  As part of Ucom's fixed network expansion strategy, the company has made its fixed communication services available in the city of Ashtarak.

Now, residents of Ashtarak have access not only to mobile communication services but also to fixed line internet, television, and telephone connections. They can benefit from all regional offers of Ucom, including Unity packages, which encompass mobile, fixed internet, and fixed telephone services.

 Furthermore, residents of Ashtarak who subscribe to Unity 7000 and 9000 packages for a 12-month period until April 30 will enjoy three months of free Ucom services. Additionally, subscribers of the Unity 9000 package will receive a discounted rate of only 8,000 drams per month.

Connection for subscribers in Ashtarak will be completed within three days after submitting the application.

"Providing high-quality internet communications in the regions is a crucial strategic direction for Ucom, and we spare no effort in achieving these goals. Ashtarak is one of the key directions in this regard, and we take pride in launching our network in this city. I'm confident that the residents of Ashtarak will appreciate the speed of our connection and the balance of price and quality of our services," said Ralph Yirikian, Director General of Ucom.

 Ralph Yirikian visited Ashtarak on February 27 to mark the network's launch, meeting with the first fixed-line subscriber and presenting them with a certificate for free use of the Unity Super 20000 package for six months.

“We appreciate Mr. Yirikian’s efforts very much and we follow his work, especially his regional visits. We connected to Ucom’s fixed network once it became available and we are very happy with the connection quality. I think it has the best speed in Ashtarak”, said Sargis Sargsyan. 

It's worth noting that as part of the expansion of Ucom's fixed network, the company has installed networks in four new cities over the past year: Ijevan, Goris, Gavar, and Sevan.

Toivo Klaar, Jeyhun Bayramov discuss Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement process

Emil Karabekian

 18:00,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar has met with Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.

According to the Azerbaijani media, the sides discussed the current state of Azerbaijan-European Union relations, the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the prospects for the draft peace agreement.

Armenia condemns deadly Azeri provocation, calls for resumption of talks

Emil Karabekian

 13:54, 13 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan’s aggressive actions showcase that it is seeking pretexts to escalate the situation on the border, the Armenian foreign ministry said in a statement after the Azeri military killed 4 Armenian troops in Syunik province.

“The Armenian side has 4 casualties and 1 wounded as a result of a new provocation and use of force by the Azerbaijani armed forces near Nerkin Hand community, Kapan municipality of Syunik province of the Republic of Armenia. Despite the February 12 statement released by the authorities of the Republic of Armenia that the images and information released by Azerbaijani media on the same day alleging that Armenian border troops wounded an Azerbaijani soldier is under investigation, nevertheless the Azerbaijani side took aggressive actions in the morning of February 13. This showcases that Azerbaijan is seeking pretexts to commit border escalations. These actions of use of force were preceded by the belligerent statements of the Azerbaijani military-political leadership, as well as the latest information-propaganda preparations. The Azerbaijani leadership is continuously attempting to derail the efforts of the actors interested in the stability and security in South Caucasus to resume the negotiations aimed at the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We strongly condemn Azerbaijan’s actions of resorting to military provocations, and we call for refraining from destabilizing steps, and a return to negotiations. We once again reiterate the previously stated proposals of the Armenian side on implementing reliable measures to increase border security,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

President Radev: Bulgaria, Armenia Have Potential to Significantly Build on Bilateral Economic, Investment Cooperation

Emil Karabekian
BULGARIAN NEWS AGENCY

Feb 15 2024
YOANA VODENICHAROVA
SOFIA,  
15.02.2024 20:48
 (BTA)

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and Armenian National Assembly President Alen Simonyan Thursday agreed that Bulgaria and Armenia have an excellent partnership, an active and constructive dialogue, and the potential to significantly build on bilateral economic and investment cooperation. The two held a meeting at the President's Office during  Simonyan's official visit to Bulgaria, the head of State's press service said.

During their talks, Radev highlighted Bulgaria's interest in further boosting trade and investment in Armenia and the importance of expanding transport, energy, and digital connectivity in the region. He stressed the importance of the Armenian-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Economy, which provides additional tools for cooperation between the businesses of the two countries.

The sides also highlighted the centuries-old historical and cultural ties between Bulgarians and Armenians, which are a solid foundation for deepening cooperation in education through an increased exchange of students and researchers.

Radev pointed to the outstanding contribution of the large Armenian community in Bulgaria to the development of bilateral ties and its active participation in the social, economic, and cultural life in Bulgaria.

"Bulgaria will also continue to work to strengthen the European Union's partnership with Armenia," the President further noted. The sides also discussed topical issues related to the ways sought to achieve sustainable peace, security, and stability in the South Caucasus region.

/RY/