Author: Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS

Armenian government to decide fate of $500,000 Zayed Prize awarded to Pashinya

Emil Lazarian
JAM News
Apr 2 2026
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has submitted a document to the Corruption Prevention Commission to register the $500,000 prize he received.

He received the money as part of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. The organisers honoured Pashinyan “in recognition of his consistent efforts to promote peace”. He shared the award with the president of Azerbaijan. The total prize fund amounted to $1 million.

Under Armenian law, officials must transfer gifts worth more than 60,000 drams ($160) to the state. This rule covers gifts and souvenirs received

  • during official visits, events, working trips or business travel,
  • from foreign states, international organisations or other entities.

Here is what is known so far about the fate of the prize money received by Pashinyan.

  • ‘Peace is strengthening’: outcomes of the third meeting of Armenian and Azerbaijani experts
  • Opinion: ‘Sentences handed down to Armenians in Baku do not fit the peace agenda’
  • ‘First economic deal since independence’: Azerbaijani petrol arrives in Armenia

Prize classified as a “gift”

The Corruption Prevention Commission has classified the cash prize as a gift received by Pashinyan in the course of his official duties.

After registration, the authorities will transfer the gift to the State Property Management Committee. A local TV channel asked what would happen to the funds.

“At present, the issue is under procedures carried out by the committee in line with the rules approved by Armenian government decree No. 956 of 20 June 2024,” the body said.

The decree states that the committee “manages gifts that have become state property”.

Later, reports said the Armenian government plans to open an extra-budgetary deposit account at the finance ministry’s treasury to manage the prize funds. The authorities intend to transfer the money to this account. They will then allocate it to cover expenditures approved by the government. Officials say this “mechanism will ensure transparency in the management of the funds.”

‘I have not yet decided how to spend the money’ — Pashinyan

During a briefing in early March, journalists asked Armenia’s prime minister whether the funds had already been transferred and whether he had decided how to spend them.

“Yes, the money has already been transferred. But I have not yet decided how to spend it. I do not rule out revising my earlier decision and plans. If that happens, I will inform you,” the prime minister said.

However, Pashinyan did not specify what decision he was referring to.

He had addressed the issue earlier in February, before the funds were transferred.

“I am considering which public purposes or needs these funds should support. Once we make a concrete decision, we will announce it,” Nikol Pashinyan said at the time.

Context

On 4 February in Abu Dhabi, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received the 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented the award.

In his speech, the Armenian prime minister stressed that although the award recognises the leaders of the two countries, it represents an achievement of both the Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples.

“This ceremony is not only about celebrating a peace agreement, but also about Armenia and Azerbaijan confirming that the chapter of conflict is closed. Otherwise, it would make no sense for the president of Azerbaijan or for me to come here and receive this award,” Pashinyan said.

He also said the Zayed Prize symbolises support for peace from both the Muslim and Christian worlds. According to him, it will help strengthen peace in the region.

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Australia urges use of public transport to conserve fuel

Emil Lazarian
Read the article in: Armenian:

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged Australians to use public transport due to fuel supply uncertainties created by the Iran war, the Associated Press reports.

Albanese said in a statement broadcast Wednesday by major television and radio networks that “the months ahead may not be easy.”

“You should go about your business and your life as normal. Enjoy your Easter,” Albanese said.

“And over the coming weeks, if you can switch to catching the train or bus or tram to work, do so,” he added.

Australia slashed fuel taxes from Wednesday in a bid to curb price rises at the pump, according to AP.

The government maintains that Australia has all the fuel it needs, but panic buying and distribution problems have created regional shortages.

Read the article in: Armenian:

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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Armenia hopes peace will eliminate hate speech, end Azerbaijan’s fabricated cl

Emil Lazarian
Politics10:12, 1 April 2026
Read the article in: العربيةEspañolFarsiHayerenKartulushiRusskyTürkçe中文

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan released a statement on March 31, falsely accusing what it described as “Armenian groups” of carrying out “genocide” against Azerbaijanis in 1918.

In an interview with Armenpress, Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan responded to the statement.

Armenpress: How would you comment on the March 31, 2026 statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan?

Badalyan: During the decades-long conflict, a number of hostile and unfounded narratives had taken shape which, unfortunately, continue to be used in Azerbaijan, even at the state level.

We hope that the peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan will not only contribute to stable, peaceful coexistence and the development of good-neighborly relations between the two states and societies, but will also put an end to fabricated claims and rule out hate speech. We recall that the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan reached an agreement on this in Washington, where the declaration signed on August 8, 2025, clearly states in its fifth point the intention to close the chapter of hostility between the two peoples and to embark on building good-neighborly relations following a conflict that caused immense human suffering.

Read the article in: العربيةEspañolFarsiHayerenKartulushiRusskyTürkçe中文

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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Pashinyan arrives in Russia to meet Putin

Emil Lazarian
Politics16:19, 1 April 2026
Read the article in: English

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has arrived in Russia.

He is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin today in Moscow.

Pashinyan posted a video of his arrival showing Russian Deputy FM Mikhail Galuzin greeting him at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport. 

The Kremlin earlier said the talks will focus on bilateral issues, as well as the development of economic, transport, and logistics ties in the South Caucasus.

Read the article in: English

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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President Khachaturyan receives EUMA’s new Head of Mission

Emil Lazarian
President21:50, 1 April 2026
Read the article in: العربيةFrançaisՀայերենRussian

President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan received the newly appointed Head of the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA), Satu Koivu, the President’s Office said in a readout.

Khachaturyan congratulated Koivu on assuming the post and wished her success, emphasizing that the mission’s activities are important for ensuring stability and security in Armenia’s border regions.

He noted that the work carried out over the past four years has contributed significantly to reducing tensions and fostering a more peaceful environment. The President also expressed readiness to support the mission’s effective functioning.

Koivu thanked the President for the reception and trust, stating that it is a great honor to take on the role at such an important time. She expressed readiness to make every effort to ensure the mission’s effectiveness and to contribute to strengthening peace in the region.

The sides noted that the mission’s activities are important for Armenia’s citizens, who highly appreciate its role in ensuring security and stability in border areas.

They also emphasized the importance of successfully advancing the ongoing peace process.

Read the article in: العربيةFrançaisՀայերենRussian

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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ASNH. Payment of pensions and allowances for the month of April has started, increased

Emil Lazarian

The Ministry of ASR informs that the process of payment of pensions and allowances for the month of April has started.

“Pensions and allowances will be transferred today, April 1, in the already increased amounts, exclusively in a non-cash way.

At the same time, we inform you that until April 1, bank cards have already been delivered to most of the citizens with mobility and other problems. However, there are citizens with whom it was not possible to contact in any way to deliver the bank card.

Citizens who have not yet received their bank cards can call the 114 call center or send their details to [email protected]. to the address indicating the means of feedback.

The delivery of the cards of the pensioners and beneficiaries who have not yet received their bank cards will be carried out in the coming days,” the message states.

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Verelq: By order of the head of the investigative committee, 30 investigators were appointed to different departments

Emil Lazarian

On April 1, 2026, the Chairman of the RA Investigative Committee Artur Poghosyan met the newly appointed investigators.


The Deputy Chairman of the Investigative Committee, the Head of the Main Department of Supervision of the Activities of Territorial Investigative Departments and the Head of the Investigative Department of the City of Yerevan were present at the meeting.


The Chairman of the Investigative Committee highlighted the traditional meetings with the newly appointed investigators, stressing that this format is a good opportunity for the investigators to get to know the management staff.


During the meeting, Artur Poghosyan referred to the standards set for the staff of the Investigative Committee, stressing that the work of investigators is always visible, from discipline to the quality of investigation of criminal proceedings.


Artur Poghosyan urged the newly appointed investigators to be respectful and patient in their interactions with citizens, regardless of the content of the issues raised by them.

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Please make an impartial examination, but I will take care of my child at home, not his health

Emil Lazarian

April 1, 2026

Please give me a chance to take possession of my child before the end of the investigation, Gayane Minasyan, the mother of Davit Minasyan, who is involved in the case of the incident in the presence of Nikol Pashinyan, told reporters in the court yard.

He described the incident as a misunderstanding, noting that his sons attend services every Sunday.

“Please give me the opportunity to take care of my son, my sons attend mass every Sunday. I am asking for an impartial investigation, for me as a mother to have the opportunity to take control of my child’s house under my control until the court conducts its investigation, everything is done according to the law. At least health and life are not endangered. I suspect that my other son has pneumonia too,” said David’s mother.

According to him, his children are a pair of boys, whom he had at the age of 33, and raised them with great difficulty. He made me believe that his boys are educated and brought up.

“Those who know them will say that they are cultured, educated boys, they study at home, at school, and at the church – at mass. My son Davit was beaten and beaten in the church, it was a stampede, he wanted to stand in his place and pray,” he said that his son was pushed, he fell, got up, and his brother helped him.

Today, Gayane Minasyan has not yet managed to see his son Davit.

It should be noted that the decision regarding the arrest of Davit Minasyan will be published shortly.

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Did you act with a conscience? You are disturbing me. Mnatsakan Martirosyan ran away

Emil Lazarian

April 1, 2026

18-year-old Davit Minasyan, who was arrested on Sunday in the case of the St. Anna church incident, was detained for two months. The court, chaired by Mnatsakan Martirosyan, satisfied the petition of the investigator.

Hours after the decision 168․amhad the opportunity to ask questions to the judge who visited the bank on his own business during working hours. A short Q&A is below.

– Did you act according to your conscience?

– You are disturbing me now.

Read also

  • Pashinyan gave the last chance for a change of power. time to punish the hyenas
  • WHAT kind of mass are you listening to? HAS YOUR HEART GONE COLD? DAVID SHOULD NOT REMAIN PRISONER
  • After a superficial examination in the hospital, 18-year-old Davit Minasyan was transferred to “Armavir” prison. Varduhi Elbakyan

– You know, don’t you, that today’s decision was emotionally reacted to by various public circles․ You actually deprived a school-aged boy of his freedom.

– You can’t pursue this order.

– I’m not chasing, I’m just raising questions, the opportunity has arisen…

By the way, footage of how one of Nikol Pashinyan’s bodyguards hit a school-aged boy in the church, who was taken into custody, recently appeared on the Internet.

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168: It is necessary to name and shame not only the dictators, but also their fathers

Emil Lazarian

April 1, 2026


RPA Vice President Armen Ashotyan referred to the provocation that took place in the church on Palm Sunday and the noisy realities that followed it. “The European and international experience of fighting against authoritarian regimes dictates that it is necessary to name and shame not only the dictators, but also the persons who serve them, carry out their orders, and are instruments of oppression.

That approach is called naming and shaming.

Therefore, within the framework of that toolkit, I remind you which of Nikol’s bodyguards hit 18-year-old student Davit Minasyan in the church.

His name is Mkrtumyan Ashot.

Shame on all the tools of dictators. May God punish them and their children for their actions.”

The photo that Armen Ashotyan attached to his post is a reminder of two Liturgies. in one case, the said bodyguard shuts the mouth of a citizen who uttered the name of His Holiness, in another case, he hits a school-aged boy.

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