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

The Catholicos congratulated the newly elected Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church

Emil Lazarian

H.E. Karekin the Second Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians sent a congratulatory message to the newly elected Head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Shio the Third.


The congratulatory letter of His Holiness specifically states: “Your election is a vivid testimony of your years of devoted service to the Church and people of Georgia. It is our prayer that the Almighty Lord, with His abundant graces, will always strengthen you in your high patriarchal mission, to lead the pious Georgian people with the paths of peace and blessings.


Your Holiness, beloved brother in Christ, the centuries-old fraternal ties between the Armenian and Georgian Churches, anchored on the love of our Lord Jesus Christ and rich spiritual and historical heritage, we are sure, will continue to serve as a solid foundation for the cooperation of our Churches, peoples and states during your Patriarchate.


His Holiness wished Shio the Third Catholicos-Patriarch good health, many years of fruitful pontifical service for the glory of God and for the good of the Church of Georgia and the faithful Georgian people.

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CC: Turkish Toponym Boss Consults Erdogan

Emil Lazarian

· MAY 12, 2026


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2 real estates, securities and about $61,000 in income. how is 2025?

Emil Lazarian

May 12, 2026

The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Ruben Rubinyan, a member of the CP, recently submitted the declaration of property, income, expenses and interests for 2025 to the Corruption Prevention Commission.

According to the declaration, the ruling deputy started and ended the accounting year with two real estates: an apartment and a parking lot, which he bought in 2024 and manages alone.

During the year, Ruben Rubinyan purchased securities from “Armeconombank” OJSC, the value of which at the end of the year was 6,059,664 drams in one case, and 4,091,492 drams in the other.

Bank deposits also had the following movement during the year. 2.5 million drams available at the beginning of the year doubled at the end of the year, and another deposit of 5 million drams was reduced to zero at the end of the year, the balance of the bank accounts was 2,784,178 drams at the beginning of the year, and 1,453,247.31 drams at the end of the year.

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Ruben Rubinyan’s income of about 23 million drams (22,847,308.9) for the reporting year was formed from the salary of 17 million 886,240 drams received from the National Assembly and or equivalent payments, from the 549,339 drams he received from Inecobank, which was mentioned as interest received for loans or bank deposits and other compensation received from the same bank. 80,915.9 drams from other incomes, 2,830,814 drams from the income tax refund received from the Ministry of Finance and 1,500,000 drams from the loan (loan) received from “HAYECONOMBANK” OJSC.

As of December 31 of the reporting year, the balance of the principal amount of loans and borrowings was AMD 31,932,332.6. during the year, he directed 5,236,971.4 drams to repay the loan.

Rubinyan did not mention cash.

Rubinyan’s wife, Mariam Haji-Hakobyan, did not declare real estate, but the property of the ML mining development company In the declaration, a loan of 13,291,053 drams was mentioned, and in another line, the object of the mortgage was the apartment and the amount of the principal amount of the loan of 12,970,311 drams.

His income of 4,745,527 drams for the reporting year was formed from 414,600 drams of other income received from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, 1,185,507 drams from the income tax refund received from Finnakh, 254 thousand drams from other incomes received from an individual, and 2,891,420 drams from the salary and or equivalent payments received from the National Assembly (we had the opportunity to mention earlier, that he also works in the National Assembly).

One of the two bank deposits of Rubinyan’s wife was 1,266 dollars at the beginning of the year, which slightly increased to 1,417.25 dollars at the end of the year, and the dram deposit, 1,560,000 drams, was preserved at the end of the year.

Mariam Haji-Hakobyan’s bank account balances and cash have also slightly increased at the end of the year.

The balance of bank accounts became 642,607.4 AMD from 249,239.53 AMD.

And the cash amount: 350,000 drams – 450,000 drams, 900 dollars – 1200 dollars.

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A new PR event worth 1.5 million euros for Pashinyan

Emil Lazarian

May 12, 2026

Pashinyan’s government is once again revealing its true face and priorities. at a time when the country is burdened with agricultural problems, the government takes the funds intended for “supporting the investment projects implemented in the livestock sector” and directs them to another PR event of the government.

At the May 7 session of the government, it was decided to allocate 684 million drams for holding the “Concours Mondial de Brussels 2026” international wine tasting-competition in Armenia.as we have already mentioned, reducing the support of livestock investment programs to the same extent. Moreover, the initiative to redistribute funds from this program belongs to the RA Ministry of Economy.

According to the data presented to the government session, the event will be held in Armenia in 2026. May 19-23 K. in the sports concert complex named after Demirchyan. About 400 guests from 65 countries are expected, including journalists, bloggers, sommeliers and experts. More than 8,000 wines from more than 60 countries will be presented at the tasting competition. A B2B (business to business) meeting will be organized for 120 wholesale buyers and 50 local producers.

The Concours Mondial de Brussels 2026 is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious international wine competitions, which has been held over the years in countries from Belgium to Croatia, Mexico and China. The problem is not the rating of the event, but the incomprehensible and questionable waste of state funds in its name.

The most important question here is: why will the same event cost more than 1.5 million euros (684 million drams) for taxpayers in Armenia, when in other countries its main state organizational costs usually amounted to three times less approximately 400-500 thousand euros, and never exceeded 600 thousand euros։

Moreover, if in other countries these costs were planned for a jury of about 300 people (for transportation, hotel, food and recreation costs, which make up a significant part of the total costs), then in the case of Armenia, according to Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan, the number of the jury and main participants is around 200.

In other words, the participants are fewer, but the amount is several times larger. The question arises, where will that difference go?

There is no detailed explanation in the decision as to what exactly the hundreds of millions will be spent on. How much will be the fee for conducting the competition? What are the costs of hotel, transportation, PR, advertising or information campaigns? The public is once again faced with the “trust us” principle, which has already become commonplace for the government, when it comes to huge state funds.

In other words, during the reign of Nikol Pashinyan, we are once again dealing with a situation when the state is ready to pay three times more to organize an international show, without presenting the clear structure of the costs to the public.

The choice of venue is also a separate issue. In international practice, halls with natural lighting are chosen for such tasting-competitions, because the evaluation of wine color and shades is an important component of the professional process. However, K. was elected in Armenia. Sports concert complex named after Demirchyan, an expensive, demonstrative, but obviously inconvenient area from a professional point of view. This once again shows that the priority for the government is not the quality organization of the event, but showing “scales”. It is not excluded that under the name of similar international events, a part of state funds is simply “written off” to be used for pre-election purposes. There is no doubt that, even if the current government does not take advantage of this “opportunity”, there is a clear pre-election calculation in this story. international guests, high-level events, media noise, selfies with beautiful views… All of these will naturally be used as pre-election propaganda, especially considering the dates of the event.

The government will undoubtedly try to convince the public that it is about raising Armenia’s international reputation. However, the reputation of the state is not built by expensive shows and demonstration events. It is built with transparent management, accountable and responsible government and justified spending of state funds. When money is cut from agricultural programs in order for the government to implement an international PR event, the public has the right not only to ask questions, but also to suspect that the real goal is not the benefit of Armenia, but the political reproduction of the government.

Until the government presents a clear and detailed report on the expenditure of every dram, until it explains how it turned out that in the case of Armenia, the organization of the event is three times more expensive than usual, this story will continue to be perceived not as a national success project and an opportunity for Armenian winemakers to enter the international market, but as another expensive government propaganda campaign paid for by taxpayers.

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168: Armenia’s parade is a cheap show in the style of Zelensky. Pashinyan gone

Emil Lazarian

May 12, 2026

168TVof “Trigger” the guest of the program former head of the Israeli “Nativ” special service, military-political analyst Yakov Kedmi is:

The relations between the current authorities of Armenia and the EU were discussed during the program.

Reference was also made to the topics of the 8th European Political Community Summit in Armenia, the statements of EU representatives and Zelensky’s anti-Russian speeches.

The Putin-Pashinyan meeting, the latest statements of the Russian President regarding Armenia, as well as Armenia’s possible choice between the EU and EAEU were discussed.

Special attention was paid to the conflict over Iran and the possible strengthening of US influence in the South Caucasus as a counterweight to the EU for Armenia.

The US position in relations with Russia and China, the possible withdrawal of the US from NATO, as well as the relations between Washington and the EU were touched upon.

In addition, the May 28 parade in Armenia, French arms supplies and the anti-Armenian position of the current Armenian authorities were discussed.

Hayk Derzyan




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‘We know better when to decide’: Nikol Pashinyan responds to Vladimir Putin on

Emil Lazarian
JAM News
May 12 2026
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

“If we decide the time has come to make a decision, we will not wait for others to tell us so, because in the end this is our decision. We know better when the moment comes to make it,” Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A few days earlier, Putin commented on Armenia’s plans to join the European Union. He again raised the issue of choosing between the EU and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

“It would be right both for the population and for us, as Armenia’s main economic partner, to decide as soon as possible. For example, hold a referendum. It is not our business, but it would be logical to hold a referendum and ask Armenian citizens what choice they want to make,” Putin said.

According to him, that could pave the way for “a soft, intelligent and mutually beneficial divorce”.

Pashinyan rejected the term “divorce”. He said Yerevan did not intend to get drawn into an argument.

“We will discuss all issues through normal working channels, without unnecessary tension, in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual respect,” Pashinyan said.

The key points from the latest exchange between Pashinyan and Putin.

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Pashinyan’s response: “We do not intend to harm Russia’s interests”

Armenian journalists asked Nikol Pashinyan to respond to the Russian president’s remarks. In reply, he said Yerevan continued to pursue a balanced policy. He stressed that Armenia would not choose between the EU and the EAEU unless such a need arose.

“I said in parliament that we sometimes confuse interstate relations with marriage. In interstate relations, Armenia follows the logic of state interests.”

Pashinyan said Armenia continued to fully participate in decision-making within the EAEU. As for a referendum on joining the EU, he said Armenia would hold one “when the need arises”.

He also stressed that Armenia did not intend to damage Russia’s interests.

“We will continue to act on the basis of Armenia’s state interests. At the same time, we will continue to deepen and develop our relations with Russia, understanding that these relations are changing.”

At the same time, Pashinyan said Armenia would continue strengthening ties with the EU.

“It is a fact that we are a member of the EAEU. It is also a fact that we adopted a law launching the process of joining the EU. These two realities coexist. That means they can coexist. They existed yesterday and they exist today.”

Pashinyan added that Armenia would continue discussing all issues with its Russian counterparts and clarify its position to them.

Putin: “We will support anything that benefits the Armenian people”

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a number of remarks about Armenia and relations between the two countries.

“As for Armenia’s plans to join the European Union, that of course requires careful consideration. Prime Minister Pashinyan and I have discussed this more than once. We do not see anything unusual here. I have told him several times, and I can repeat it publicly now: we will support anything that benefits the Armenian people.”

However, Putin added that Armenia also needed to “take certain circumstances into account”. He pointed to trade between the two countries. He acknowledged that the figure had declined, but said it still reached $7bn in 2025. He used this to underline the “significant advantages” Armenia receives by remaining in the EAEU.

The Russian president then referred to Ukraine, which at one time also had “a free trade area” with Russia. According to Putin, problems began after Ukraine tried to join the EU.

“As a result, all this led to a coup d’état, the Crimea story […] and war,” Putin said.

The Russian president described the issue as “serious” and warned Armenia against “taking things too far”.

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Putin openly warned Pashinyan and Armenians: Do you want a Ukrainian scenario?

Emil Lazarian
Eurasia Daily
May 12 2026
Putin openly warned Pashinyan and Armenians: Do you want a Ukrainian scenario?

Russian President Vladimir Putin actually openly linked Armenia’s European course with the Ukrainian precedent. And it sounded without threats and without emotional rhetoric. But it was precisely in this cold political intonation that the main signal was contained, the Russian-language Armenian resource “Public Tribunal” points out.

Perhaps two quotes turned out to be key. The first:

“It would be quite logical to hold a referendum and ask the citizens of Armenia what their choice will be. In accordance with this, we would have drawn the appropriate conclusions and would have followed the path of such a gentle, intelligent and mutually beneficial divorce.”

And the second is much more important and disturbing:

“After all, we are now experiencing everything that is happening in the Ukrainian direction. And how did it start? From the attempt of Ukraine’s accession to the EU… all this then led to a coup d’etat, to the Crimean history, to the position of the south-east of Ukraine and to hostilities.”

In fact, for the first time, Putin indicated in plain text that Moscow considers Nikol Pashinyan‘s current foreign policy course as a move towards the Ukrainization of Armenia — with all the ensuing consequences.

And it is important to understand one fundamental detail. This is not about formal accession to the European Union. Everyone understands perfectly well that neither Brussels is going to accept Armenia into the EU, nor Armenia itself is ready for such a step economically, institutionally and politically. We are talking about the consistent involvement of the country in the anti-Russian geopolitical course.

This is exactly what Putin pointed out. Moreover, he did it not in the form of an ultimatum, but in the form of a warning: decide in advance, calculate the consequences, do not bring the situation to the point of no return. But the problem is that the current Armenian government seems to live in the logic of political PR, not strategic calculation.

At first, the society was told fairy tales that it is possible to stay in the EAEU at the same time, receive Russian economic preferences, use the Russian market, Russian energy, Russian migration opportunities — and simultaneously move towards European integration without any consequences.

Now it becomes obvious: Moscow is starting to say directly that such a state of affairs will not be able to exist for a long time.

Putin, meanwhile, named specific figures. The trade turnover between Armenia and Russia is about $7 billion. For an economy with a GDP of about 29 billion, this is a colossal value. The Russian market feeds entire sectors of the Armenian economy. Hundreds of thousands of Armenian citizens depend on Russia’s migration policy, remittances, trade and economic mechanisms of the EAEU.

The Russian President actually warned: Russia is ready to accept any choice of Armenia, but after that “appropriate conclusions” will follow. And this is already a signal of a possible revision of the entire system of relations — trade, economic, migration, energy and military-political.

This is where the most dangerous thing begins. Because Ukraine, with which parallels are being drawn today, had completely different resources. A huge territory. A multi-million population. Enormous industrial potential. Access to the sea. Soviet-scale military infrastructure. And, most importantly, unprecedented financial, military and political support from the West.

Even with all this, Ukraine found itself in a state of severe war and colossal destruction of the economy. Armenia, on the other hand, has neither Ukrainian resources, nor Ukrainian demographic potential, nor the Ukrainian economy, nor the Ukrainian depth of defense, let alone a comparable level of external support.

Moreover, Armenia is in a much more vulnerable geographical position and has an incomparably smaller margin of safety. That is why any geopolitical experiments are potentially more dangerous for Armenia at times.

Meanwhile, Yerevan has been pursuing a quite conscious policy of misleading society for several years. Pro-government “experts”, grant propagandists, social media pages serving the authorities, and Pashinyan’s team itself tell tales about the “European choice” to the population from morning to night, accompanying all this with a hysterical Russophobic campaign. Society is inspired with the idea that it is enough to turn away from Russia — and Armenia will automatically find itself in a world of security, investment, high living standards and political comfort.

At the same time, elementary things are stubbornly not explained to the population: who will compensate for possible economic losses, who will replace the Russian market, who will ensure energy stability, who will open their borders to Armenian labor migrants, who will take on real security guarantees in the region.

Instead of a serious conversation with society, the authorities are engaged in political demagoguery and emotional anti-Russian mobilization, trying to replace common sense with ideological slogans.

Putin, in fact, publicly voiced a simple thought: Moscow is not going to throw tantrums about Armenia’s European aspirations, but Russia also no longer intends to pretend that nothing is happening.

The wording about a “soft and mutually beneficial divorce” is especially indicative. In diplomatic language, this means a very specific thing: if Armenia finally chooses a different geopolitical vector, Russia will gradually begin to revise the entire system of current relations — economic, trade, migration and, possibly, military-political.

And the question here is no longer whether Nikol Pashinyan wants Brussels or Paris to like him. The question is: does the Armenian society understand the value of such experiments?

Because Ukrainization is not about beautiful flags, grants and endless talk about the “European future”. Ukrainization is, first of all, the transformation of the country into a geopolitical collision line and the devastating consequences that follow from this. And if Ukraine had the resources to survive such a blow, then Armenia simply does not have such a margin of safety.

More details: https://eadaily.com/en/news/2026/05/12/putin-openly-warned-pashinyan-and-armenians-do-you-want-a-ukrainian-scenario

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Turkish Press: EU trying to pull Armenia away from Moscow ahead of elections:

Emil Lazarian
Turkey Today
May 12 2026

EU trying to pull Armenia away from Moscow ahead of elections: Russia

Russia on Tuesday accused the European Union (EU) of attempting to separate Armenia from Moscow by increasing its influence over the country’s socio-political life and economy, according to state news agency Tass.

Mikhail Kalugin, director of the Fourth Department of Commonwealth of Independent States countries at the Russian Foreign Ministry, claimed the EU is using Armenia to pursue geopolitical objectives centered on confrontation with Russia.

“We see how the EU is trying to exploit the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia for this purpose. Two missions similar to those used during the Moldovan election campaigns have already been deployed in the republic,” Kalugin said.

He also alleged that European “specialists” were attempting to portray Russia as an enemy and create what he described as a false impression that Moscow opposes “the establishment of an independent Armenia.”

Kalugin further accused European officials of making baseless allegations about Russian “hybrid attacks” and interference in Armenia’s internal affairs.


Putin signals possible Armenian pivot

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during talks at the Kremlin in early April that Moscow was not concerned about Armenia’s relations with the EU.

However, Putin stressed that Armenia could not simultaneously join both the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the EU.

On Saturday, Putin suggested Armenia consider holding a referendum on its geopolitical alignment, saying Moscow would accept a “gentle, intelligent and mutually beneficial divorce” if Yerevan chose closer ties with the European Union.

Pashinyan later said Armenia has no plans to hold a referendum on whether to remain in the EAEU or pursue EU membership.

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Congratulations Armenian Studies Minors and Graduating Seniors of 2025-2026

Emil Lazarian
The Collegian, Fresno State
May 12 2026
By Nellie Chobanyan

Natalie Agazarian

Interior Design

Minor in Armenian Studies

 

What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?

I was encouraged to take an Armenian Studies course in high school when I had heard that they used to offer a William Saroyan writing class.

What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?

My favorite activity was working on the self-identity paper in the Armenian Studies 10-Introduction to Armenian Studies course, because I had the opportunity to learn more about my lineage.

What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?

Through the Armenian Studies Program, I had the opportunity to genuinely learn more about and explore my personal history, ancestry, and lineage. Gaining that knowledge gave me a stronger sense of my personal Armenian identity, and that is something I will always be grateful for.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to continue working at a design firm until I gain enough experience to start my own business.

 

Jonathan Chardukian

Jonathan Chardukian

Civil Engineering

Minor in Armenian Studies

 

What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?

I took Armenian Studies courses because I have grown up as an active member of the Armenian community, and, being Armenian, I wanted to learn more about my culture and get an opportunity to learn the language that my ancestors spoke. Additionally, my mom and both of my older sisters took Armenian Studies courses, so I was strongly encouraged by them to take these courses.

What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?

It is difficult to name a specific moment from my experience in the program, since each class that I took was unique and brought me closer to my culture. However, the most memorable experience that I had was the trip to Armenia with Professor Barlow during the summer of 2023. It exposed me to many of the locations that we had covered in prior classes, and being able to see the tangible homeland that we as Armenians have, was a profound experience; not to mention the sheer natural beauty of the country that we were able to see in such variety while traveling the countryside.

What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?

The thing that I value the most is that I got the opportunity to learn Western Armenian, a language that was ripped from my family and from many other Armenians of the diaspora as a result of the Genocide. Being able to learn the language in a class was incredibly special to me, and helped me to see my culture with a much deeper and overall more informed view, especially from learning the alphabet which opened up many new sources of information to me.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduating with a BS in Civil Engineering, I plan to take and pass my Fundamentals of Engineering Exam and secure a full-time job in the field.

 

Hovsep Manoukian

Hovsep Manoukian

Business Administration-Accounting

Minor in Armenian Studies

 

What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?

The Armenian Studies courses helped me connect to my roots, whether it was through language or architecture.

What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?

My favorite classes were the language courses because I always wanted to learn how to read and write in Armenian and those classes helped me do what I have been wanting to do my whole life, but never had the opportunity.

What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?

Becoming more connected to my heritage.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to join an accounting firm and then later obtain my CPA license.

 

Aaaron Rettig

Aaron Rettig

Kinesiology

Minor in Armenian Studies

 

What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?

Being Armenian has always been a part of my identity, but coming into college, I wanted to gain a better understanding of my own culture. Taking Armenian Studies courses allowed me to learn more about my people’s past, culture, and language in a way that I hadn’t known before.

What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?

Some of my favorite college experiences were being involved with the Armenian Students Organization, along with learning the Armenian language. Being surrounded by people who share similar backgrounds and knowledge of the Armenian people made it easy to want to learn more and strengthen my connection to the community.

What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?

Some of the things I valued most about my experiences in the Armenian Studies Program were the knowledge I gained, the pride I discovered, and the community I joined. The program taught me not only about my culture, but also to be proud of the strength my people have shown throughout generations.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I am passionate about helping others recover from injuries and stay active, so this career choice aligns with my academic interests and background in powerlifting. I also plan to stay connected to the Armenian community through events, church, and community.

 

Rachel Yepremian-Owens

Rachel Yepremian-Owens

Mass Communication and Journalism-

Digital Journalism

Minor in Armenian Studies

 

What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?

I knew that when I started attending Fresno State, that I would be pursuing a Minor in Armenian Studies. I was more than excited to know I would be taking classes in reading, writing, speaking, learning history, art, architecture, etc. I wanted to take every opportunity possible to grow deeper in my connection and knowledge regarding my culture. It was a no-brainer that taking all Armenian Studies courses available would be the way to do that.

What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?

My favorite course was definitely my very first Armenian class I took at Fresno State – Armenian 1A-Elementary Armenian. It truly was just such an enjoyable experience, having a full class of both Armenians and non-Armenians, growing in the language together. We had conversations in Armenian, took tests writing in the language which I very much loved and it was a new dialect for me as I am an Eastern Armenian. Learning the Western dialect was intriguing! I was also very honored to be able to attend the commemoration events at our own Armenian Genocide Monument.

What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?

I valued seeing the strength of Armenian pride through our students. It makes me proud as both an Armenian and a student, to see others that share my ethnicity, be so passionate about it. The Armenian Studies Program reaches countless communities and demonstrates true resilience. I am grateful to know there are still people like me who will do everything possible to not let our culture die.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to move to Dallas, Texas with my husband, in a pursuit of ministry. I have goals of continuing my digital journalism work for either a print or digital publication as a photojournalist. I plan to stay connected to the Armenian community in the Valley, as well as get planted in any Armenian community present in Texas.

 

Harutyun Amirkhanyan

Harutyun Amirkhanyan

Business Administration-Accountancy

 

What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?

The desire to learn more about Armenian history and culture encouraged me. Although I have lived in Armenia for most of my life, there is always more to explore about one’s culture.

What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?

My favorite Armenian Studies experience has been attending the lectures, which offer rich and culturally valuable content. I especially enjoy seeing the diversity of the Armenian community, with people of different ages and interests coming together to connect with their heritage.

What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?

I greatly valued the support of the professors, who helped me succeed academically and beyond. I also appreciate their dedication to the crucial mission of educating generations and promoting the Armenian cause.

What are your plans after graduation?

My plans are professionally focused on accounting, while also staying connected with the Armenian Studies Program, its professors, and students.

 

Nellie Chobanyan, Staff Writer

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Pashinyan highlights hundreds of millions of dollars in defense industry contr

Emil Lazarian
Politics16:12, 11 May 2026
Read the article in: ArmenianRussian:

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Monday that over the past three years, orders worth 170 billion AMD (roughly 460 million USD) have been placed in Armenia’s defense industry, resulting in the establishment of dozens of enterprises and factories.

Speaking at a press briefing in Yerevan, Pashinyan said the development of the defense industry should be viewed as a natural process for a developing country. He made the remarks when asked about a video he shared earlier in the day showing rehearsals for the May 28 Republic Day military parade, which featured homegrown reconnaissance-combat UAVs as well as what appeared to be the CAESAR self-propelled howitzers that Armenia purchased from France.

“I believe that in our assessments, we should be as free from pathos as possible because we need to understand that this is a normal phenomenon for a developing country,” the Prime Minister said when asked specifically about the development of the domestic defense industry.

According to him, the orders implemented in the defense industry have led to the creation of new production facilities.

“Over the past three years, we have placed orders worth 170 billion AMD in Armenia’s defense industry complex, resulting in the establishment of dozens of enterprises and factories that are manufacturing equipment,” Pashinyan noted.

The Prime Minister also urged citizens to attend the event planned at Yerevan’s Republic Square on May 28.

“All citizens of the Republic of Armenia should be present at Republic Square to recognize that the Republic of Armenia now has a new-quality, new-level, and new-logic military,” he said.

Pashinyan earlier announced that the Armenian government will showcase military equipment acquired during his tenure during a May 28 Republic Day event in central Yerevan. He had previously said that the event would serve as a “report to citizens” on his administration’s defense reforms.

Read the article in: ArmenianRussian:

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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