June: 4, 2026
If Yerevan considers that it will be better in the EU than in the EAEU, it can make that choice, but not at our expense, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Government Alexei Overchuk told RIA Novosti at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
“We are in favor of what the Armenians themselves consider to be the best for them. If they think that it will be more convenient for them in the European Union and it will be better in the European Union, of course they can go there,” Overchuk told the agency within the framework of the Union of European Union, answering the question whether Yerevan will go for a final break with the EAEU.
The interlocutor of the agency clarified that Yerevan can make that choice if it wants.
“But not at our expense,” he emphasized.
—
The list of intangible cultural heritage of Armenia has been supplemented with new values
An important step has been taken in the framework of the works being carried out in the direction of preservation and popularization of intangible cultural heritage of RA. The list of values of intangible cultural heritage of Armenia was supplemented by the decision of the Government of Armenia with new elements, emphasizing the diversity and vitality of national culture. This is reported by KGSMN.
According to the present decision, the list of intangible cultural heritage values was supplemented with 12 new values, increasing the total number to 80.
New items included are:
“Folk lore of weather forecasting related to luminaries”
“Lullabies in the communities of Shirak Marz, RA”
“The tradition of making and using Gatanakhsh”
“Khab u khaz (milk change)”
“The tradition of making and using the drum (dhol, gos: big drum)”
“Hunters and ducks” ball game
“Tak blossomed” song
“Forms of community mutual aid in Gavar’s burial ritual”
“Preparation and use of kufta with hemp in Martuni community”
“Making tolma with fish in Sevan community”
“Chortne dolma preparation in Vardenis communities”
Traditional game “Chilinki Pet” in Chambarak community
The values included in the list of intangible cultural heritage are important expressions of the cultural originality, historical memory and national identity of the Armenian people. Their preservation, transmission and popularization play an important role in ensuring cultural continuity between generations and increasing Armenia’s recognition on international cultural platforms.
The basis for the implementation of this process is the Resolution N 310-A of March 11, 2010 of the Government of Armenia “On the standards for the compilation of the lists of intangible cultural values of the Republic of Armenia and the dissemination of the list of intangible cultural heritage values”. The initiative stems from the 2023-2027 strategy for the preservation, development and popularization of the culture of the Republic of Armenia approved by the decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia No. 1951-L of November 9, 2023, within the framework of which a systematic inventory of the intangible cultural heritage of Armenia is being implemented.
—
Verelq: Mets Shen Surb Astvastatsin Church is facing the danger of destruction
The Armenian church of Mets Shen village of Shushi region of Artsakh is facing the danger of destruction. Artsakh cultural heritage ombudsman, vice-president of “Azkayin” historical and cultural NGO Hovik Avanesov warned about this on his Facebook page.
According to Avanesov, the observations carried out by means of the “Planet” satellite system document that large-scale construction and earthworks have begun in the vicinity of the Saint Astvatsatsin Church. According to him, these actions were carried out by the Azerbaijani side in the period from the end of October 2025 to the middle of May 2026.
Avanesov emphasized that this poses a serious threat to the physical preservation of the historical monument and may lead to its irreversible loss.
“The Armenian Christian monuments of Artsakh are the most important part of our identity and history, and in recent years, there have been many cases of erasing or changing the shape of the Armenian traces in the territories that came under the control of Azerbaijan,” he said.
In this context, Avanesov emphasized that what is happening in the Great Building cannot be considered a normal economic activity.
“It is highly condemnable that there are continuing actions that endanger the native Armenian cultural heritage of Artsakh, ignoring the fundamental principles of international law on the protection of cultural values, including the obligations established by the UNESCO and Hague 1954 Conventions on the Protection of Cultural Values in the Event of Armed Conflict,” continued Avanesov.
He called on international professional structures, scientists and human rights defenders to intervene immediately and start independent inspections on the spot.
—
The Prosecutor General canceled the decision made in the case of the murder of Artsrun Margaryan
On May 27, 2026, General Prosecutor Anna Vardapetyan canceled the decisions of September 20, 1999 to stop the criminal prosecution against Arsen Khachatryan and Armen Khachatryan, the bodyguards of the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and National Security of the RA, to cancel the restraining order against them and to terminate the proceedings of the criminal case regarding the murder of Artsrun Margaryan. RA General Prosecutor’s Office informs about it.
“The decisions were canceled on the basis of the newly revealed circumstances and the results of the proceedings carried out in the Investigative Committee.
Let’s remind that in 1999, during the preliminary investigation, Arsen and Armen Khachatryan, the bodyguards of Artsrun Margaryan, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and National Security of RA, were charged with the murder of Artsrun Margaryan. Later, however, the preliminary investigation body came to the conclusion that they did not commit any crime, and Artsrun Margaryan, according to the version of the previous investigation, committed suicide after attempting to kill his bodyguards. On that basis, the criminal prosecution was stopped, and the proceedings of the criminal case regarding the murder were terminated.
As part of the new criminal proceedings initiated in 2025, the materials of the criminal case were studied, additional investigative actions were carried out and a forensic commission examination was appointed.
According to the conclusion of the new forensic medical examination received on March 31, 2026, it was recorded that as a result of the severe gunshot wound in the chest region of Artsrun Margaryan, his mobility would be sharply limited, and he would not be able to perform any purposeful and coordinated action in practice after a short time. According to the conclusion of the examination, in the conditions of such an injury, it was practically impossible that Artsrun Margaryan could independently point the weapon to the head and fire a fatal shot.
Taking into account that the study of the newly emerged circumstances yielded data, according to which Artsrun Margaryan could not perform such actions that would be necessary for suicide after the gunshot wound he received in the chest area, RA General Prosecutor Anna Vardapetyan canceled the relevant decisions of September 20, 1999.
The preliminary investigation of the criminal proceedings is in progress,” the message states.
—
Rubio: Russia wants Pashinyan to lose elections over closer US-Armenia ties
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has suggested that Russia would like to see Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan defeated in future elections due to Armenia’s growing relationship with the United States.
Rubio made the remarks while briefing lawmakers at a hearing of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he discussed the TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) project and broader US engagement in Armenia.
“I think it is pretty clear from open-source information that the Russians are less than pleased with our engagement there,” Rubio said. “There are signs that they want the current prime minister to lose the election, and that this would be a consequence of the growing relationship with the United States.”
The US Secretary of State stressed that Washington is not seeking to undermine Armenia’s sovereignty or force the country to choose between international partners.
“To be clear, we are not there to violate Armenia’s sovereignty. We are not asking them not to be friends with other countries. We simply want to have a relationship with them that is not based solely on peace. Peace is important, but it is only the beginning,” Rubio stated.
His comments come amid deepening ties between Washington and Yerevan, including the recent signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership charter and several cooperation agreements aimed at expanding economic, infrastructure and security cooperation between the two countries.
Moscow has not officially responded to Rubio’s remarks.
—
Armenian PM Pashinyan Fails to Release Dove of Peace During Campaign Event
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was unable to release a dove of peace during a meeting with voters. Video footage of the incident was published by the Telegram channel Sputnik.
Pashinyan tossed the bird into the air twice, but neither attempt was successful. The dove ultimately returned to its owner.
Pashinyan Discusses Possible Visit to Russia
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan once again stated that he is prepared to visit Russia if he succeeds in retaining his position following the parliamentary elections.
According to the politician, Russian President Vladimir Putin called him on June 1 to congratulate him on his birthday. The conversation was followed by a discussion of current issues.
“And we agreed that after the elections I will travel again, we will meet, and resolve all current issues,” the prime minister said.
Comments on EAEU Membership Referendum
Earlier, Pashinyan commented on the idea of holding a referendum on Armenia’s withdrawal from or continued membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), a proposal that had been suggested in Russia.
The Armenian prime minister said that holding such a referendum at the present time would be illogical.
See video at the link below:
—
A strategic choice: Armenian voters between diversification and dependency
This commentary was prepared by Ms. Varduhi Harutyunyan for the 10th issue of the Armenia Election Monitor 2026 newsletter.
Exactly one month before the parliamentary elections in Armenia, Yerevan was transformed into the center of Europe, hosting the 8th European Political Community Summit, parallel to which the inaugural Armenia-European Union Summit and the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron were also held. Such developments in Armenia-EU relations became possible after the National Assembly of Armenia adopted a law on March 26, 2025, initiating the process of Armenia’s accession to the EU. Yerevan and Brussels are also engaged in an active dialogue on visa liberalization. Cooperation in the fields of security and defence is deepening, and the EU has also expressed support for Armenia’s agenda on regional unblocking and the diversification of economic relations.
Just days before the elections, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also arrived in Armenia for a brief visit. The Secretary’s visit was marked by the signing of three crucial documents. Through one of them, Armenia-US relations were effectively elevated to yet another level, reaching a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Additionally, the framework agreement on the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) was initialed, along with a framework memorandum on critical minerals and rare earths. Undoubtedly, Armenian-American relations are developing and deepening at an unprecedented pace. Specifically, the Republic of Armenia and the US transitioned from a strategic dialogue to a strategic partnership on January 14, 2025. It is noteworthy that while this initial document was signed under the US Democratic administration, the Republicans, led by Donald Trump, contrary to the assertions of many, did not ignore this partnership. Instead, they elevated it to a new level with lightning speed and infused it with strategic depth, demonstrating their consistency and active interest in Armenia, as well as in peace and stability in the South Caucasus.
The current authorities of the Republic of Armenia have announced a policy of foreign policy diversification. In addition to deepening relations with the West, this also means normalizing relations with Azerbaijan and Turkiye, as well as activating ties with the countries of Central Asia and the Middle East, among others. The diversification of the defense and economic sectors also forms an integral part of this policy.
The ruling Civil Contract party, for which 32 percent of respondents expressed support according to the IRI polls published on May 22, promises to continue this course upon re-election. The party proposes the institutionalization of peace, the implementation of a balanced foreign policy, the development of relations with all four neighbors, and the realization of a regionalization concept targeting the countries of Central Asia, the Middle East, and India. The Civil Contract also promises voters steps toward a European future. At the same time, as long as European Union membership remains a long-term prospect and current regulations do not hinder membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, the Republic will continue to remain an EAEU member and develop trade and economic relations with its member states. Regarding relations with Russia, the force led by Nikol Pashinyan reassures that Armenia will develop mutually beneficial, constructive relations with the Russian Federation while simultaneously reducing its dependency on it, emphasizing that bilateral relations are currently in a phase of constructive transformation. As for relations with the US, we can assume they will continue under the logic of the documents signed in May.
It is noteworthy that the opposition forces, which, according to opinion polls, are the most likely contenders to win seats in parliament, have negatively viewed both the European events and the advancements with the US. According to the latest IRI polls, these forces include Strong Armenia with 6 percent of the vote and the Armenia Alliance with 3 percent. Meanwhile, 2 percent of respondents expressed support for the Armenian Meritocratic Party. Supporters of the Prosperous Armenia Party, the I Am Against Everyone Party, the Wings of Unity Party, and the DOK Party accounted for 1 percent each.
The Strong Armenia party, founded by Russian-Armenian businessman and billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, generally criticizes the authorities’ foreign policy, from the peace agenda to relations with various power centers. The peace agenda is characterized as defeatism, to say the least, and the thesis is actively pushed that if the current government is re-elected, 300,000 Azerbaijanis will move to Armenia for permanent residence, a claim the ruling authorities have repeatedly denied.
In public speeches and interviews, representatives of the party have stated that Armenia must maintain a balanced policy among Russia, the EU, and the US, and build relations with all countries and organizations from which Armenia can benefit, without presenting a clear agenda for diversification. At the same time, they have sharply criticized the Armenian authorities’ policy toward Russia. Nonetheless, this force is perceived as pro-Russian, with its connections to Russian business and political circles frequently highlighted, and they face accusations of utilizing Russian narratives in the domestic political struggle and contributing to the preservation of Armenia’s dependency.
The Armenia Alliance, led by the second President of Armenia, Robert Kocharyan, puts forward a more well-defined agenda. In its electoral program, the political force also promises to build complementary relations with all power centers. At the same time, its foreign policy priority is a new quality of allied relations with Russia, including within the frameworks of the EAEU and the Collective Security Treaty Organization, where Armenia has currently frozen its membership. The program notes elevating the level of strategic partnership with Iran and China, as well as joining BRICS. It also speaks of developing partnership relations with the US and deepening ties with the EU, including visa liberalization. At the same time, the Armenia Alliance accuses the current authorities of ruining relations with Moscow. Its position is that while relations with the West are important, they must not come at the expense of Russia.
Although at first glance these political forces appear to offer engagement with all power centers without a pronounced foreign policy vector, the depth of the relationships they propose varies significantly. In the program and statements of the ruling party, the balancing act is more pronounced, backed by a clear plan to deepen relations with the EU and the US. Conversely, in the statements of the two main opposition forces, the balance is heavily tilted toward Russia and the preservation of membership in current integration blocs.
It is noteworthy that in the same IRI polls, 61 percent of respondents stated that Armenia is moving in the right direction, 28 percent said it is moving in the wrong direction, and 11 percent did not answer the question. It is important to note that in the February 2026 poll, 47 percent of people responded that the Republic of Armenia was moving in the right direction, while 41 percent said the wrong direction. The numerical gap between those selecting the right and wrong directions was also narrow in the 2024 and 2025 polls. However, in recent months, public opinion has effectively swung toward endorsing the current political course.
France was identified as the most important foreign policy partner by 39 percent of respondents, followed by Russia at 35 percent, the EU at 34 percent, Iran at 29 percent, and the US at 27 percent. Compared to the previous poll, the approval ratings for the EU and France have risen, while those for Russia and the US have declined. It is important to emphasize that this survey was conducted before Rubio’s visit and the signing of the latest agreements. Meanwhile, in the top political threats, Russia ranks third, immediately behind Azerbaijan and Turkiye. Finally, 58 percent of respondents expressed support for Armenia’s pro-European course.
In conclusion, we can emphasize that given the nature of the pre-election campaign, the 2026 parliamentary elections will be the most critical in the history of the Republic of Armenia from the perspective of the country’s vision and strategic choice. It can also be viewed as a referendum on whether to support or reject the course adopted by the current authorities. These elections will demonstrate the extent to which Armenian society is prepared to bear the cost of strategic sovereignty. Diversification is not just a beautiful slogan; it is hard, daily work that requires building alternative energy, logistics, and economic channels without exposing the country to new geopolitical shocks. The outcome of the vote will provide the answer to whether Armenia will succeed in forging a resilient and independent foreign policy.
Source: Ms. Varduhi Harutyunyan is an Armenian international relations specialist with expertise in foreign policy diversification, European integration, and information warfare. Her work focuses on navigating Armenia’s strategic realignments and media manipulation dynamics. Her LinkedIn can be found here.
—
Armenian minister attends Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway opening
Armenia’s Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Davit Khudatyan attended on Tuesday in Georgia the official opening ceremony of the new Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway line.
Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev, and Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu were in attendance, Georgia’s public broadcaster First Channel reported.
Furthermore, present were members of the Georgian government, members of Parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps and partner nations, as well as guests from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
According to Georgia’s Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, this railway is a joint strategic project between Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye, playing a vital role in enhancing connectivity between Europe and Asia.
“The new railway route increases regional capacity, promotes diversification of freight routes, and strengthens regional connectivity. The Marabda–Kartsakhi section stretches 180 kilometres, of which 153 kilometres have been rehabilitated and reconstructed, and a brand-new 27-kilometre railway line built to European standards. Freight volumes on the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars line are steadily rising each year. Once fully operational, the line’s capacity is expected to reach five million tonnes, enabling the region to handle additional cargo and significantly boost its transport capabilities. The complete commissioning of this section was made possible during Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s visit to Baku, Azerbaijan, alongside Minister Kvrivishvili and Azerbaijan’s Minister Nabiyev. The signing of the Protocol of the Bilateral Coordination Council by Rashad Nabiyev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport, cemented the achievement,” the Georgian public broadcaster quoted the country’s economy ministry as saying.
Published by Armenpress, original at
—
“Post-election developments are inevitable if Nikol Pashinyan is not re-elected
June: 2, 2026
On May 25, during his pre-election campaign, Nikol Pashinyan announced that after the parliamentary elections in Armenia on June 7, extraordinary elections should be held in Gyumri together with the people of Gyumri and “people’s power will be established in Gyumri”.
Vardevan Grigoryan, a former deputy of the National Assembly of Gyumri according to him, the Gyumri people have already made their choice last year, it is very difficult to deceive the Gyumri people.
“Gyumri has the experience of choosing the right direction, if you look at the results of the elections, you will see that Gyumri made a mistake in its choice in very few cases. In some cases, the elected deputy or other official could not live up to the expectations of the people of Gyumri, in all other cases, the people of Gyumri made the right choice.
As for the issue of organizing new elections in Gyumri after the national elections, which Nikol Pashinyan is talking about, then it cannot be within the limits of the law. If they do something like this, they should do everything within the limits of the law.” of 168.am Vardevan Grigoryan said in a conversation with
According to him, today the people of Gyumri are not dissatisfied with the work of the Gyumri municipality, because the municipality works well. If the head of the community Vardan Ghukasyan was not arrested, but was free, it would be better for Gyumri.
Speaking about the participation of Gyumretians in the upcoming elections, Vardaevn Grigoryan said that Gyumretians have always been active, and he believes that participating in these elections is no exception.
“I think you have seen the activity of Gyumri people at all events during this period, this also speaks of their future activity.
As for post-election developments, in my opinion, post-election developments are inevitable. There will be similar developments if Nikol Pashinyan is re-elected or not.
If Nikol Pashinyan is not re-elected, he will not leave his seat easily, the post-election developments will be hotter in that case,” emphasized Vardevan Grigoryan.
Let us remind that the elections of the 9th convocation of the National Assembly will be held on June 7, in which 19 political forces will participate.
—
New Book Examines ‘The Armenian Revolutionary Federation and Constitutionalis
LONDON/NEW YORK—Bloomsbury Press announced the publication of the late Dr. Garabet K. Moumdjian’s “The Armenian Revolutionary Federation and Constitutionalism in the Ottoman Empire, 1895-1908.” The book is part of the series “Armenians in the Modern and Early Modern World” edited by Bedross Der Matossian (University of Nebraska, Lincoln).
What was the nature of the relationship between the Young Turks, whose members would go on to form and lead the Committee of Union and Progress, which would carry out the Armenian Genocide beginning in 1915, and the Armenian revolutionaries of the late Ottoman Empire?
Based on rich Armenian, Ottoman, British, and other archival documents and periodicals, this book reveals the complex dynamics and relations that Armenian organizations, most notably the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, maintained with the Young Turks between 1895-1908, when relations shifted from mutual suspicion to closer collaboration.
Put in the context of the worsening conditions for Ottoman-Armenians in the eastern provinces of the empire, the book reveals the internal debates of the ARF about collaboration with Young Turk cadres in an effort to improve conditions for their people, as well as the role that Armenian revolutionaries played in CUP calculations and aims for toppling the regime of Sultan Abdulhamid. The book thus reveals the complex and gradual development of relations between the groups before the outright anti-Armenian policies of the CUP would culminate in the Armenian Genocide. It also reveals the ARF’s commitment to the constitutional project and the difficult choices it faced in pursuing those aims.
“Essential reading to understand political and security conditions in the Ottoman Armenian provinces in the years prior to the Constitutional Revolution. Moumdjian provides critical insight into the interactions and cooperation between Armenian and Turkish revolutionaries,” said Dikran M. Kaligian, author of “Armenian Organization and Ideology under Ottoman Rule: 1908-1914.”
“Long at the center of polemical debate, relations between the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and the Young Turks remain a defining problem of late Ottoman history,” said Varak Ketsamanian, American University of Beirut. “Drawing on a rich body of previously untapped archival sources, Armenians and Young Turks offers a decisive and much-needed reinterpretation. Focusing on the years 1895 to 1908, Moumdjian reconstructs a relationship marked by both strategic convergence and profound ideological divergence.
“United in their push to restore constitutional rule, Armenian and Young Turk revolutionaries nonetheless advanced competing meanings and visions of the empire’s future. Through a meticulous analysis of internal deliberations and inter-organizational negotiations, this compelling book reveals the difficult and fraught choices that shaped this fragile alliance and traces the paths that led to its collapse, ultimately culminating in rupture and catastrophe,” Ketsamanian added.
Bedross Der Matossian reflected on his close intellectual connection with Dr. Moumdjian, noting their shared roots as Marashtsis from the Middle East and their common interest in Ottoman Armenian history. After encouraging Moumdjian to submit his manuscript to the “Armenians in the Modern and Early Modern World” series, he received a strong peer review and began revising the work. Tragically, Moumdjian passed away on March 29, 2023, before completing the project. A year later, his wife, Nayeri Moumdjian, expressed her wish to see the manuscript published. With her support, Dr. Der Matossian enlisted Dr. Mehmet Polatel to revise and expand the text and Dr. Tamar Boyadjian to edit and refine the manuscript.
“Although Dr. Moumdjian did not live to see the publication of his book,” said Der Matossian, “his scholarship and memory endure through this work. The book is dedicated to his wife, Nayeri, and their sons, Hagop and Purag,” he concluded.
Copies of “The Armenian Revolutionary Federation and Constitutionalism in the Ottoman Empire, 1895-1908” are available for purchase on Bloomsbury’s website. Enter code GLR AT8 at checkout for 35% off.
Garabet K. Moumdjian was an independent historian and an Ottomanist. He obtained his Ph.D. in 2012 from UCLA under the supervision of the late Prof. Richard Hovannisian. His dissertation, “Struggling for a Constitutional Regime: Armenian-Young Turk Relations in the Era of Abdul Hamid II, 1895–1909,” examined the complex dynamics of Ottoman-Armenian political relations.
Over the course of his career, Moumdjian served as Principal of the Armenian Mesrobian School and Vice-Principal of the Vahan and Anoush Chamlian School. He also taught Armenian History at California State University, Northridge; the University of La Verne; UCLA; and Glendale Community College. In addition, he taught at the Ferrahian School and authored multiple Armenian history textbooks that continue to educate new generations.
—