Armenia’s UNESCO-listed cultural heritage presented in Uruguay

Culture10:10, 25 March 2026
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The “Armenia in UNESCO” event was held at the headquarters of Uruguay’s Ministry of Foreign Relations, the Santos Palace, where Armenia’s cultural heritage registered with UNESCO was showcased.

Armenian Ambassador to Uruguay Mariam Gevorgyan, Acting Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs at Uruguay’s Ministry of Foreign Relations Soledad Martínez, and Acting Director of the UNESCO Regional Office Alcira Sandoval delivered remarks, the Armenian embassy reported. 

The showcased Armenian heritage included the Armenian duduk, performed by renowned Argentine-Armenian duduk player Gagik Gasparyan, along with the Armenian Kochari dance, performed by members of the senior generation of the “Gayane” dance ensemble of Uruguay.

A photography exhibition was held in the Pedro Figari Hall of the Santos Palace and will be open to the public until March 27.

The event was attended by the Secretary General of the Latin American Integration Association, Sergio Abreu, senior officials from Uruguay’s Ministry of Foreign Relations, a number of foreign ambassadors, political and public figures, as well as representatives of the Armenian community.

The event was organized at the initiative of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Uruguay, in cooperation with Uruguay’s Ministry of Foreign Relations and the UNESCO Regional Office.

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Armenia’s foreign trade turnover rises 9.3% in first two months of 2026

Economy14:33, 25 March 2026
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Armenia’s foreign trade turnover in January–February 2026 exceeded the same period of the previous year by 9.3%, reaching USD 3.0641 billion, according to the Statistical Committee.

In February, trade turnover increased by 37.1% compared to January and by 30.8% compared to February of the previous year. Trade in the last month of winter amounted to USD 1.7718 billion.

Exports in the first two months of the year exceeded the same period of the previous year by 12.6%, estimated at USD 1.1688 billion. Month-on-month growth compared to January was 44.2%, and year-on-year growth compared to February 2025 was 37.6%. Exports in February totaled USD 690.2 million.

Imports in January–February were 7.3% higher than in the same period of 2025, estimated at USD 1.8953 billion. In February, imports increased by 32.9% compared to January and by 26.9% compared to February of the previous year. Imports in February amounted to USD 1.0816 billion.

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Trump’s son-in-law, Kushner, called his father-in-law, the Qataris were “furious” and “mad”

March: 25, 2026

The situation surrounding the war against Iran is getting out of control. The conflict significantly escalated especially after the United States and Israel attacked Iran’s South Pars gas field and Bushehr nuclear power plant. About this Norwegian political scientist, professor of the University of Southeast Norway Glenn Dizeny with in the interview said former British diplomat Alastair Crookspeaking about the ongoing military operations in the Middle East region.

The British expert noted that in response, Iran attacked the energy infrastructures of the Gulf countries, causing serious damage to Qatar’s gas liquefaction infrastructure.

As the former diplomat notes, after that, Trump’s son-in-law, Jewish businessman Jared Kushner, called his father-in-law and conveyed that the Qataris were “furious” and “mad” about what happened. Alastair Crook refers to Mike Wolf, who spoke to people representing Trump’s circle.

“Of course, Jared has huge investments there, most of his investment funds come from Qatar, and he said this is very bad, they’re really angry, very upset about what happened, and Trump responded: “Listen, I’ll take care of it,” and then posted on his Truth Social page, stating that he didn’t even know about the attack, it was solely Israel’s handiwork, thus placing all the blame on Israel. However, the Israelis have very clearly stated that: “Listen, we act together with the White House in such matters.” Of course, they agreed.” Aleister Crook said.

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According to Crook, Trump thought that through these coordinated strikes, they would put pressure on Iran and force them to stop blocking the Strait of Hormuz.

“He thought that after this sudden attack on Iran’s gas field, South Persia, the Iranians would say, ‘Oh my God, we better stop and open the Strait of Hormuz.’ I mean, it’s complete stupidity. That’s why I say that the situation is taking a dangerous course,” Crook added.

Robert Amsterdam appeals to the European Union on behalf of Samvel Karapetyan

March: 25, 2026

I am addressing you on behalf of Samvel Karapetyan, who is the leader of the “Strong Armenia” party and is considered a political prisoner in Armenia, deprived of the opportunity to fully participate in the upcoming elections. lawyer and international human rights defender Robert Amsterdam announced on his Facebook page, also publishing a video.

“Our clear demand from the European Union is the supremacy of law and equality for all. Although we welcome the operation of the EU Rapid Response Team in Armenia, our demand is clear.

A key focus must be on the rule of law.

All political parties should be supported equally and transparently.

The activities of the group should be open to all interested parties and public groups in Armenia,” he wrote next to the video.

Where there is no prepared mass, an incident occurs. Hrant Mikayelyan: Pashiny

March: 25, 2026

Nikol Pashinyan’s pre-election campaign, contrary to the logic of his songs and heartthrobs, is not going smoothly. Perhaps, Pashinyan’s nervous outbursts during the question-and-answer session with the citizens testify to this.

Do the scenes of citizens’ uprising suggest to Pashinyan that his positions have weakened, and that is why he pays tribute to aggressive rhetoric after the heart-song mise-en-scenes: 168amwas interested political scientist Hrant Mikayelyanfrom

In response, the political scientist mentioned: “Definitely, he sees it, definitely understands that he has serious problems, and this became clear not only to him, but also to everyone. the same shots of him getting off the subway, and no one wants to take the brooch-map he offers, or interact with him, etc.

It is impossible not to see this. And where there is no prepared mass, there is an incident everywhere. In other words, he isolates himself. By the way, this situation is not completely new, and it is an incomprehensible situation for them. they have to decide how to take the next steps, because the previous tactic that he goes among the people, the people start to support him and advance his agenda, has failed.”

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In other words, under the name of democracy, foreign aid might not play a role in the upcoming elections, Hrant Mikayelyan responded to our clarifying question, in any case, in that case, the various technologies introduced will work in favor of the current government.

“For example, if they specifically target Kocharian’s bloc, the Armenia bloc, the Armenia bloc may not pass, and in that case it will be almost impossible to form an opposition coalition, because it is clear that the government has the leverage to at least gather more votes than the others, but not have a majority.”

The most likely scenario is the Gyumri scenario, and in the case of the Gyumri scenario, a lot depends on whether smaller opposition entities, in this case, for example, the “Wings of Unity” and the “Armenia” alliance, will pass or not.

It is clear that “Strong Armenia” takes the 2nd place, but this force, taking into account Pashinyan’s administrative resources and other circumstances, will not be able to form a majority on its own, and, accordingly, must work with other opposition forces.

So, these technologies can work well, because this election in Armenia is not only a referendum on Pashinyan’s support. It may turn out that he will not get support, but will be elected. I will cite a not-so-distant example: the example of the Yerevan elections, where his party is completely defeated, gathering only 32.6 percent in the case of very low participation, or 9.4% of the total number of voters, but one, thanks to various manipulations, their candidate becomes the mayor,” he reminded.

According to the political scientist, there are many risks in this regard. political manipulations will be very important in this situation.

“There will be specialists from abroad, or the threats of Aliyev, Erdogan and Pashinyan, or the EU summit… I will not rule out the release of prisoners in order to strengthen Pashinyan’s position in the pre-election phase, which was done in 2021.

It is an uncertain situation, because, yes, he has lost the support of the people, but he has not lost the administrative resource,” the specialist concluded.

The remuneration of judges of the CC will increase

The salary of judges of the Constitutional Court is not equivalent to their high legal status, scope of constitutional powers and high degree of responsibility inherent in their activities. RA Minister of Justice Srbuhi Galyan informed about this and added that due to the above, it is proposed to review the amount of remuneration of judges of the Supreme Court.


It is proposed to establish by law an additional payment for the length of service in the position of a judge for the president, vice-president and judges of the Supreme Court.


Taking into account the 12-year term of office of judges of the CC, the seniority bonus is calculated for a maximum of 11 years and is set in ascending order, starting from the 2nd year of office, in the 2nd year – 20%, in the 3rd year – 35%, from the 4th year – 10% more than the previous year in each subsequent year.


By virtue of the transitional provisions of the project, the full years of working as a judge of the Supreme Court at the time of the law’s entry into force will be taken into account, that is, the starting point is the moment of assuming the position of the president, vice-president, judge of the Supreme Court.


For the year 2026, for the president, vice-presidents and 7 judges of the SC, it is assumed that 46 million 775 thousand 40 drams will be spent, which is an additional expenditure obligation, in terms of the additional payment to be paid on the basis of seniority.


In a related report, Deputy Alkhas Ghazaryan presented the positive conclusion of the Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs.


At the regular session of the National Assembly, the legislative package providing for additions to the Law “On the Remuneration of Persons Occupying State Positions and State Service Positions” and the Constitutional Law “On the Constitutional Court” was discussed.

The National Assembly is an elected member of the Competition and Consumer Protection Committee

At the March 25 session, the National Assembly discussed the election of a member of the Competition and Consumer Interest Protection Committee.


Ruben Rubinyan, the Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly conducting the session, informed that the “Armenia” and “I have honor” factions nominated Tadevos Avetisyan as an agreed joint candidate for the position of the member of the Competition and Consumer Interests Protection Committee.


The candidate’s biographical data and work path were presented by Artsvik Minasyan, secretary of the Armenia faction.


In his speech, Tadevos Avetisyan referred to the activities of the commission, the scope of powers, the protection of consumers’ rights, and presented the international experience in the field. The reporter noted that the Commission for the Protection of Competition and Consumer Interests should, first of all, exercise control over the provision of effective competition in the field of competition, including public procurement.


Speaking about modern approaches to consumer protection, the candidate singled out the protection of rights in the digital environment. According to Tadevos Avetisyan, innovative regulation packages aimed at the control of digital platforms have been implemented in the EU.


According to the reporter, the commission’s decisions should contain clear legal and economic justifications, effective re-examination and appeal mechanisms should operate.

If the topic of Artsakh is closed, then why does it constantly appear in the middle of discussions?

If the topic of Artsakh is closed, then why does it constantly appear in the focus of discussions in the public-political discourse?

Although Azerbaijan is obviously satisfied with the assurances given by the RA government on the subject of Artsakh, expectations will continue to grow.

The incoming and outgoing governments can adopt different approaches and principles regarding the Artsakh problem, complicate or ease the life of the Artsakh people, but against the will of the Artsakh people, they simply cannot erase the issue.

Whoever today tries to justify the surrender of Artsakh, the defeat and the declaration of Artsakh as Azerbaijani, records his stigma in the shameful pages of history.


Tigran Abrahamyan, secretary of the NA “I have an honor” faction




‘Opposition forces are parties of war,’ says Armenia’s parliament speaker

JAM News
Mar 26 2026
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

Armenian parliament speaker Alen Simonyan has commented on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s warnings that war could break out if the ruling party fails to secure a constitutional majority in the upcoming elections. Simonyan said there is no need to look for a “tactical or political trick” behind these remarks.

“In 2020, there was a war. After that, Armenia and Azerbaijan established a border. If a force comes to power and says: ‘I do not recognise the delimitation and demarcation that took place. I intend to think about territories beyond 29,743 square kilometres,’ then naturally, as a politician and as citizens, we can assume that war is possible,” Simonyan said during a briefing.

He added that the prime minister, who has access to information and oversees ongoing processes, has the right to make such forecasts.

Simonyan also agreed with Pashinyan’s view that voters in the 7 June parliamentary elections will face a choice between peace and a possible war.

In recent weeks, Pashinyan has repeatedly said the ruling Civil Contract party must secure a constitutional majority in the elections. He has warned that otherwise war will be inevitable. He has also indicated a possible timeframe, saying hostilities could begin as early as September this year.

The opposition says Pashinyan is using the threat of war as a form of pressure. They argue that this has become the ruling party’s main tool for re-election — to frighten voters with the prospect of conflict. Pashinyan’s team rejects this, saying the statements are political assessments, not threats.


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‘We must not miss the chance for peace’ — Simonyan

“I understand that the forces currently in parliament, as well as those seeking to enter it, need war — or talk of war — to build their political agendas. But there is no war now, there is peace,” the National Assembly speaker told journalists.

Alen Simonyan stressed that no one has been killed by Azerbaijani fire on the border for two years.

“So are we at war or at peace? Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenia and Azerbaijan have never traded. Never before have leaders of both countries spoken about peace at the same time.”

He said people should be careful not to miss the opportunity for peace.

“The current government of Armenia, Civil Contract, is a party of peace. All the other main opposition players are parties of war. That is the reality. If they say they want to put forward demands and go beyond these square kilometres, that is called war.”

Simonyan also recalled that unresolved border issues have remained across the former Soviet Union — in Central Asia, Ukraine and the South Caucasus.

“They told us: people of Armenia, always dream that your home is not only here but also there, and we will support you. The goal was to keep us dependent on them. Yes, there is a party of war, and there is a party of peace. And yes, the 2026 elections will be about peace and a possible war,” he said.

Pashinyan warns of “catastrophic war”

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said over the weekend that war would be inevitable, speaking during a livestream on his Facebook page:

“There will be war in September. And it will be a catastrophic war if the Civil Contract party does not secure a constitutional majority… I am not just talking about winning the elections.”

He did not provide detailed justification. He said his seven years as prime minister allow him to assess the situation and the risks.

Pashinyan made similar remarks during a briefing on 19 March. He said military action could begin in autumn, shortly after the June elections. He warned that if forces advocating a “revision of peace” come to power, this will lead to serious consequences. He said this could mean losses — not only of territory, but also of sovereignty.

Asked why opposition forces would need a war, Pashinyan said:

“War would bring them the following: they would run an outpost, not a state, because time has shown this benefits them financially. […] All three forces advocating a revision of the peace agreement [the Armenia bloc, Strong Armenia and Prosperous Armenia] have billions in assets in Russia and Belarus. They were told: if you want to keep these assets, you must work, sweat, run, do push-ups 30 times. They will not manage it.”

The prime minister said a constitutional majority in the next parliament could guarantee that peace in the region becomes “irreversible”.

Why does the ruling party need a constitutional majority? Foreign minister responds

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said the timeline for a possible war — set out by the prime minister as September — is conditional, but confirmed that such a scenario remains possible.

Mirzoyan noted that both parliamentary and extra-parliamentary opposition figures hold territorial claims against almost all neighbouring countries.

“If they come to power, problems with neighbours will arise immediately. Given the way disputes are resolved today, Armenia would most likely find itself in a state of war straight away.”

Journalists asked the minister whether he saw the prime minister’s remarks as blackmail.

“Do I see an element of blackmail here? No. Why are we acting this way? We are doing the right thing. This is our political proposal. Are we breaking the law? Absolutely not,” he said.

According to Mirzoyan, the ruling party aims to secure a constitutional majority in order to “form a more stable government”. Radio Azatutyun (RFE/RL) asked whether this was linked to the process of adopting a new constitution.

“It may be related to that as well — I cannot say for sure,” Mirzoyan replied.

To put a draft constitution to a referendum, the ruling party would need at least a two-thirds majority in parliament. This means Pashinyan’s party would not be able to initiate a referendum on the issue unless it secures a constitutional majority in the 7 June elections.

Azerbaijan views Armenia’s Constitution as a key obstacle to signing a peace agreement. Officials in Baku object to the reference to the Declaration of Independence in the Constitution’s preamble. The declaration mentions the unification of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia, which Azerbaijan regards as a territorial claim. While a new version of the constitution is still under discussion, Armenia’s prime minister has repeatedly said the Declaration of Independence should not be referenced in it.


https://jam-news.net/opposition-forces-are-parties-of-war-says-armenias-parliament-speaker/