Author: Emma Nadirian

PM Pashinyan, Bulgarian ambassador discuss regional cooperation

Emma Nadirian

External policy18:45, 16 March 2026
Read the article in: العربيةFrançaisHayerenРусский中文

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Bulgaria to Armenia, Nikola Nikolov, the PM’s office said in a readout.

Pashinyan congratulated the ambassador on assuming the post and expressed hope that Armenia–Bulgaria cooperation will continue to develop and expand during his tenure.

The prime minister said bilateral relations have been dynamic in recent years and noted the existence of a high-level political dialogue. Pashinyan also stressed the importance of Bulgaria’s support in strengthening Armenia–European Union cooperation.

Nikolov thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome and said Armenia is one of Bulgaria’s important partners in the South Caucasus. He noted that his country attaches great importance to the continued development of ties in various fields.

The ambassador stressed the need to develop trade and economic cooperation and give new impetus to cooperation in the fields of energy, tourism and transport. He also expressed Bulgaria’s support for the Armenian government’s “Crossroads of Peace” project.

The parties exchanged views on cooperation in the above-mentioned areas, as well as in the fields of education and culture.

 They also touched upon issues related to the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan and regional cooperation.

Read the article in: العربيةFrançaisHayerenРусский中文

Published by Armenpress, original at 
—

Visa-free travel for Armenian citizens a ‘realistic prospect’ in coming years,

Emma Nadirian

Politics16:14, 13 March 2026
Read the article in: العربيةEspañolفارسیFrançaisbedroom

Visa liberalization is an important part of the EU-Armenia partnership, Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, told Armenpress in an exclusive interview during his visit to Armenia.

The EU Commissioner visited Armenia on March 12 and held talks with PM Nikol Pashinyan and Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan amid the ongoing EU-Armenia visa liberalization dialogue.

The Commissioner emphasized that if the reform momentum continues, visa-free travel in the coming years is a realistic prospect.

“Visa liberalisation is an important part of the EU-Armenia partnership because it brings our people closer together. It will make travel easier for work, study, and tourism. This, in turn, deepens cooperation and people-to-people contacts. Last November, we handed over the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan, and progress has been steady, especially on document security and migration management. The introduction of biometric identity documents is an important step, and I understand this will come into effect soon. Reforms are also continuing in areas such as asylum, and the fight against organised crime and corruption, with support from EU partners and agencies like Europol and Frontex. Visa liberalisation is a benchmark-based process, so all requirements in the Action Plan must be met before a final decision can be taken – not only in the interest of the EU, but most importantly for the Armenian people. The first progress report will be presented at the EU -Armenia Summit in May 2026. If this reform momentum continues, visa-free travel in the coming years is a realistic prospect. It would create new opportunities for Armenian citizens in education, business, tourism, and cultural exchange, and further strengthen ties between Armenia and the European Union,” Brunner told Armenpress.

Read the article in: العربيةEspañolفارسیFrançaisbedroom

Published by Armenpress, original at 
—

Do I have the right not to give an interview? I will decide when I will speak. Karen Karapetyan

Emma Nadirian

March: 13, 2026

I am not in the mood to give an interview today, please respect my right, I will give an interview one day. Former RA Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan said this in front of the Anti-Corruption Court, without answering journalists’ questions.

He only mentioned that he definitely supports Samvel Karapetyan.

Let’s remind that at the moment, the Anti-Corruption Court is examining the issue of Samvel Karapetyan’s arrest petition.

—

Lay members of the Supreme Spiritual Council were invited to the Inquiry

Emma Nadirian

March: 12, 2026

Lay members of the Supreme Spiritual Council were summoned to the Investigative Committee. Former justice minister Gevorg Danielyan, one of the members of the council, confirmed this information to “Azat”.

According to Danielyan, within the framework of the case of obstructing the execution of the judicial act, the purpose of the invitation to investigate is the failure of the meeting of the Supreme Spiritual Council.

The meeting of the Supreme Spiritual Council, which started a few days ago, was interrupted due to the absence of those invited to investigate.

The investigator refused to comment.

According to the Echmiadzin report, at the meeting of the Supreme Spiritual Council, which started two days ago in the Mother See, under the leadership of the Catholicos of All Armenians, “issues affecting church life” are discussed.

—

Mickey Mouse Funhouse to Celebrate Armenian Culture with ‘Vardavar!’ Episode

Emma Nadirian
Feb 28 2024
Momen Zellmi

Mickey Mouse Funhouse, a beloved animated preschool series, is embracing cultural diversity by spotlighting Armenian traditions in its upcoming episode titled 'Vardavar!' Set to air on Disney+ on March 1, 2024, this episode represents a significant stride towards cultural representation in children's television programming, drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of Armenia's Vardavar festival.

Written by Kathleen Sarnelli Kapukchyan, the 'Vardavar!' episode seeks to introduce Armenian culture to young viewers in an engaging and educational manner. Kapukchyan, inspired by her Armenian husband and aiming to share her heritage with her son, crafts a story where Minnie Mouse faces a relatable dilemma – wearing the wrong outfit for the Vardavar celebration. This storyline not only highlights the importance of cultural awareness but also teaches valuable lessons on adaptability and inclusion.

Vardavar, a festival celebrated with water games and joyous gatherings, is at the heart of this special episode. The festival's inclusion in Mickey Mouse Funhouse is a milestone for Armenian culture's visibility in mainstream media, especially on a platform as influential as Disney+. By showcasing this vibrant tradition, the episode invites viewers to explore and appreciate the diversity of world cultures, fostering a sense of global community among its young audience.

The decision to feature Vardavar in Mickey Mouse Funhouse underscores a growing trend towards cultural inclusivity and representation in children's media. Such initiatives not only enrich the viewing experience for children from diverse backgrounds but also encourage empathy and curiosity about different cultures. As the first-ever representation of Armenian culture on Disney, this episode marks a significant step forward in the network's commitment to diversity and education through entertainment.

As we anticipate the premiere of 'Vardavar!' on Disney+, it's clear that this episode is more than just a story about Minnie Mouse's fashion dilemma. It's a celebration of cultural heritage, a bridge connecting young minds to the world's rich tapestry of traditions, and a testament to the power of storytelling in promoting understanding and inclusivity. Through such thoughtful programming, Disney continues to shape a more inclusive world for the next generation.

https://bnnbreaking.com/world/armenia/mickey-mouse-funhouse-to-celebrate-armenian-culture-with-vardavar-episode

Silenced Voices: The Battle Against Defamation Faced by Armenian Environmental Defenders

Emma Nadirian
Feb 21 2024
Momen Zellmi
In the heart of Armenia, a battle rages not over land or resources, but over the right to protect the environment and uphold human dignity. At the center of this storm is the Amulsar mining project, a venture that has sparked fierce opposition due to its far-reaching environmental, health, and socio-economic implications. Yet, those daring to stand against the tide face a daunting onslaught of defamation, intimidation, and criminalization. This is their story, a testament to the courage of Armenian environmental and human rights defenders fighting for their land, their community, and their future.

The controversy surrounding the Amulsar mine, developed by Lydian, encapsulates a classic David versus Goliath scenario. Here, environmental defenders, equipped with nothing but their voices, stand against a project backed by substantial government and corporate interest. At stake is not just the environmental integrity of Jermuk and its surrounding ecosystems, but the very essence of civic space in Armenia. The project, experts warn, threatens to contaminate local water sources, imperil biodiversity, and disrupt the socio-economic fabric of nearby communities. Despite these dire warnings, the government has pressed forward, seemingly willing to silence any dissenting voices.

The defenders, ranging from volunteers at the Armenian Environmental Front to high-profile figures like lawyer Nazeli Vardanyan and journalist Tehmine Yenokyan, have faced a slew of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). These legal battles, designed to intimidate and exhaust, underscore a troubling trend towards the criminalization of legitimate environmental activism.

The plight of Armenian defenders has not gone unnoticed on the international stage. Voices like Mark Fodor of the Coalition for Human Rights in Development and Ryan Schlief of the International Accountability Project have loudly condemned the attacks, framing them as a direct assault on the right to defend human rights and the environment. Their statements, echoed by a slew of international organizations, highlight the broader implications of the Amulsar project — not just for Armenia, but for global norms surrounding environmental protection and civic engagement.

The international community's involvement has been pivotal, offering moral support and increasing pressure on Armenian authorities and international financial backers like the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to reconsider their stance. Yet, despite these efforts, the battle is far from over. The defenders continue to face legal challenges and public smear campaigns, fighting to ensure their voices are heard and that environmental considerations are front and center in development decisions.

The ongoing saga of the Amulsar mining project is more than a local issue; it is a microcosm of the global struggle for environmental justice. The defenders' resilience in the face of defamation and criminalization offers a beacon of hope, a reminder that the fight for a sustainable future is alive and well. Yet, it also serves as a stark warning of the lengths to which some will go to silence dissent.

As the world watches, the defenders of Amulsar stand at the crossroads of history, their actions setting the tone for future environmental activism. Their struggle is a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring spirit of those who dare to dream of a greener, more just world. With each passing day, their voices grow stronger, echoing beyond the confines of Armenia, inspiring others to stand up and speak out for what is right.

https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/human/silenced-voices-the-battle-against-defamation-faced-by-armenian-environmental-defenders

Azerbaijan falsely accuses Armenia of opening fire – Defense Ministry

Emma Nadirian

 09:21, 13 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. The Azerbaijani authorities are generating fake news targeting the Armenian military, the Ministry of Defense has warned.

The Azeri Defense Ministry, in its latest statement, falsely accused the Armenian military of opening fire at Azeri posts.

“The statement issued by the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan, alleging that between 20:50 and 23:40 on February 12, the units of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia fired in the direction of Azerbaijani positions situated in the northeastern part of the border, is untrue,” the Ministry of Defense said.

Turkish Press: Germany’s Scholz meets Azeri and Armenian leaders, pledges support for peace talks

Emma Nadirian
Yeni Şafak
Turkey – Feb 17 2024

Germany's Scholz meets Azeri and Armenian leaders, pledges support for peace talks

Chancellor Scholz calls for swift conclusion of peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Germany and EU ready to support this process

14:25 – 17/02/2024 Saturday
AA

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held a meeting with Azeri and Armenian leaders on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

During the meeting, Scholz reaffirmed Germany's support for the peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the German government spokesman said in a statement.

“In these trilateral talks, the Chancellor called for a swift conclusion to the peace negotiations between the two countries. Germany and Europe are ready to support this to the best of their ability, including through the efforts of EU Council President Charles Michel,” Steffen Hebestreit said.

Chancellor Scholz thanked Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for the meeting, and welcomed the commitment from both sides to resolve existing differences “exclusively through peaceful means and without the use of force,” according to the statement.

Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia have been tense since 1991, when the Armenian military occupied Nagorno-Karabakh, a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, and seven adjacent regions.

Azerbaijan liberated most of the region during the war in the fall of 2020, which ended with a Russian-brokered peace agreement, opening the door to normalization.

Baku initiated an anti-terrorism operation in Karabakh last September to establish constitutional order, after which illegal separatist forces in the region surrendered.

‘International community must acknowledge Azerbaijan’s lack of legitimacy for military aggression,’ Armenian official

Emma Nadirian

 11:52,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. The international community must acknowledge Azerbaijan's lack of legitimacy for military aggression and demand the withdrawal of its troops from occupied territories of Armenia, Ambassador-at-large Edmon Marukyan has said.

“I am often asked whether Azerbaijan will attack Armenia again,” Marukyan said in a post on X. “My answer is that Azerbaijan lacks any legitimate grounds for attacking Armenia. All actions since 2021 constitute aggression and are deemed crimes under international criminal law. Azerbaijan's occupation of Armenian territories remains unpunished. The international community must acknowledge Azerbaijan's lack of legitimacy for military aggression and demand the withdrawal of its troops from occupied territories, urging a return to negotiations.”

Defense Minister lauds 25-day training model for reservists

Emma Nadirian

 12:07,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 29, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan has praised the 25-day training model for military reservists.

Speaking at the January 28 Army Day event, Papikyan said the government decided to initiate training musters for military reservists given the security situation around the country, and with the purpose of increasing the level of combat readiness of the reserve. “Despite the existing problems, we can say that the 25-day training model is a success,” he said.