Author: Garo Vardanian

Armenia: Legal Dispute Continues Over Catholicos Case

Garo Vardanian Leave a comment
Eurasia Review
April 14 2026
 April 14, 2026  0 Comments

By PanARMENIAN

The Yerevan Court of First Instance, presided over by Judge Ani Danielyan, has ruled to grant the appeal filed by the defense of Catholicos Karekin II, ordering the removal of the preventive measure imposed on him.

According to the lawyer and Mother See representative Ara Zohrabyan, the decision has not yet been implemented, Aysor.am reports.

“I am certain that the Prosecutor’s Office will appeal this decision and will do everything possible to avoid its enforcement,” Zohrabyan said.

Commenting on whether the ruling reflects the existence of justice, he noted that hope remains.

“Unfortunately, some judges blindly make decisions that are pleasing to the authorities. However, there are also judges who act in accordance with the law, and this, of course, increases hope for justice,” he emphasized.

The lawyer’s assessment has been confirmed, as Armenia’s Prosecutor General’s Office stated it is preparing to file an appeal.

The Catholicos is accused of obstructing the enforcement of a judicial act requiring the reinstatement of Arman Saroyan as Primate of the Masis Diocese. A travel ban had been imposed on the Catholicos as a preventive measure.

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We must remove the small group. We Are Ready To Sacrifice Everything For H

Garo Vardanian

April 11, 2026

«Strong Armenia» party chairman Samvel Karapetyan ելույթը՝ April 11-in of freedom publication at the held unity rally

Dear compatriots,

I greet you.

I have been in detention for almost a year now to protect the church and our identity. I raised my voice against a regime that keeps the Armenian people in poverty, under the fear of war and in a state of division.

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Although I am not with you personally, I join the voices of all of you. Together, we are the force that will bring change, and that force cannot be stopped.

We must definitely win the elections by removing from power the small group that disgraces our nation, humiliates our state, and destroys the foundations of our statehood.

We are all ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of Armenia, while Pashinyan sacrifices everything for the sake of his seat.

Now let them listen to us when we say: change is coming.

Dear compatriots,

Together with our team, we will create a strong economy of Armenia with new factories, 300,000 new jobs, a sharp improvement in people’s livelihood, and new opportunities for business and agriculture.

In today’s world, a strong economy strengthens diplomacy and defense, and we will have strong diplomacy and a strong defense, backed by a sky-high, professional, well-equipped military that will truly guarantee peace, not in words, but in deeds.

Armenia should become a safe, peaceful, rich and strong country. A country where the rulers do not empty the budget and fill their own pockets, but on the contrary, they empty their own pockets for the sake of the well-being of our Motherland.

Justice and internal solidarity will be permanent in Armenia. We will make Armenia a country of prosperity and leave the word “poverty” in the past.

I guarantee the fulfillment of all these promises.

The regime scares people with war. They even mention a date – September, because it was from that month that the 44-day war began, in September the attack against the territorial integrity of Armenia began, in September the forced depopulation and ethnic cleansing of Artsakh began. wars where Pashinyan lost.

Are we going to allow him to lose another war for Armenia?

I am sure we will not allow it. My promise is that with our victory and my assumption of the post of Prime Minister, the coming September and every month after that will be peaceful.

Dear compatriots,

Do not despair. Armenia can and should be strong, and we will achieve lasting and real peace.

We will replace weak peace with strong peace through strong diplomacy. We will not be weak anymore.

We will be strong in Moscow and restore damaged relations. We will be strong in Washington, London, as well as in Beijing.

The regime has destroyed relations with the Diaspora. Only our strength can restore both relations with the Diaspora and trust in our Motherland.

Together with all our dedicated and heroic military personnel, we will strengthen our defenses and protect our borders. We will defend true peace.

Dear compatriots,

Don’t be discouraged by repressions and persecutions.

They can even arrest and detain us.

But they cannot stop us from bringing change.

We will replace their fake and incomprehensible hearts with our real Armenian hearts. We will never forget that the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church is our heart, Mount Ararat is our heart.

Dear compatriots,

We need a big victory in the elections so that we can implement all the large-scale programs and changes that the Armenian people have long deserved.

The power is in your hands. You start the change and I will make it happen.

Together, with a strong economy, strong diplomacy, and a strong army, we will bring a strong and stable peace and prosperous life.

I am handing over the management of the largest Armenian business company I built to my children, and I will serve my country and change the lives of Armenian citizens to a better future.

The time for changes has come.

I will be with you soon.

Do not doubt for a second that justice will prevail. Strong Armenia will win.

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How to Vet an Auto Transport Company Before Signing Any Contract

Garo Vardanian

· APRIL 10, 2026


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For two years, I have been telling Suren Papikyan that in the army, the troops will bathe once a week

Garo Vardanian

April 6, 2026

Official deputy Hayk Sargsyan blames various government circles, including Defense Minister Suren Papikyan, for not creating proper conditions in the army. Today in the National Assembly, after his project “getting rid of the army with money” was not accepted by the committee, Sargsyan had a rather sharp briefing with journalists.

“For two years, I have been asking the Minister of Defense, saying: in the army, the troops bathe once a week, let’s create an opportunity, let them bathe every day. What caused the problem in 2024? during our closed meeting, one of the deputies asked the minister a question, because we had a death from pneumonia in the army, maybe he had bathed in cold water, the minister said that it is not only in our army that they bathe once a week, it is like that in many armies. I have studied the experience of dozens of armies, soldiers in many countries bathe every day, in Armenia, in several African countries and in such underdeveloped countries, they bathe once a week,” said Sargsyan.

According to him, although there have been improvements in some places, bathing once a week has been maintained. He suggested the army chief to bathe once a week to be on equal terms. He said that this is the first time he is saying this publicly, because he doesn’t know what to do anymore.
Deputy Minister of Defense Arman Sargsyan, for his part, stated during the briefing that he does not deal with the issue of bathing soldiers in his official capacity.
“There are areas of coordination in the Ministry of Defense, and I don’t know which soldier takes a bath when. I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I think we don’t have any unwashed soldiers.

Turning to the journalist’s question, how correct is it to publish information about the number of the army and its internal life, when it becomes available to the enemy as well, Hayk Sargsyan noted that all this has not been a secret for a long time.

“2019 when I said that the number of troops has increased from 44 to 25, the General Staff, the Ministry of Defense, they said, “Wow, the enemy will know, our number has decreased”, I said, “We have a problem, we need to speak up to solve it.” After a few months, 2020 took place. the disastrous war, and after that the former Minister of Defense said that the enemy followed the entire movement 24/7, not only knew absolute numbers, but also nominally knew the locations of commanders, army leadership, important units and made target shootings,” said Sargsyan.

He announced that the locations of our troops, the supply routes, the positions, etc., have all been observed, are being observed, and will be observed. He added that the issue that the enemy knew everything was discussed at the session of the investigating commission of the 44-day war.

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Lukashenko urges CSTO to be more careful with Armenia

Garo Vardanian
EurasiaDaily
April 6 2026
Lukashenko urges CSTO to be more careful with Armenia

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) needs to be very careful in working with Armenia. This was announced today, April 6, by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting with CSTO Secretary General Taalatbek Masadykov.

Lukashenko recalled that along with certain achievements in the CSTO, there are also problematic issues, which he has repeatedly openly talked about, including at international meetings and events. The Belarusian leader called the relationship with Armenia one of such issues requiring special attention.

“We need to be more correct and careful in our work with Armenia. You know that Armenia does not seem to support work in the CSTO, but at the same time remains in Organizations. You have to be very correct. The situation in Armenia is difficult in this regard, especially during the electoral period (parliamentary elections are scheduled in the summer – EADaily). A very difficult situation. Therefore, we need to be very careful and careful in our relations with Armenia,” he said.

In this regard, Lukashenko considers it important to organize meetings at the level of the CSTO Secretary General and the leadership of Armenia.

“Especially now, in this acute electoral period, when the Armenian leadership will speak honestly and frankly about the situation, including on the CSTO track… If you would visit there and talk with the Prime Minister, the president, the Secretary of the Armenian Security Council, find out their position for the future, it would be nice,” the Belarusian leader said.

Recall that Belarus and Armenia is a member of the CSTO. However, they are due to the close ties between Minsk and Baku- Yerevan has almost completely frozen political contacts with the Belarusian authorities.

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Manifestations of hatred and discrimination against the people of Artsakh are unacceptable

Garo Vardanian

The network of CSOs for the protection of the rights of those forcibly displaced from Artsakh is deeply concerned about the dangerous trends recorded in the Republic of Armenia recently, which are related to the manifestations of discriminatory speech, intolerance and hate speech against persons forcibly displaced from Artsakh. It is even more worrying that similar expressions and approaches are also found in public speech, including by various officials, which may contribute to the deepening of public tension and social polarization. This is stated in the statement issued by the Association.


In particular, it is said in the statement. “In recent days, the incident with the participation of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia in the Yerevan metro, which received a wide public response, further emphasizes the above-mentioned concerns. The communication recorded in the video spread on the Internet, including the tense interaction with the forcibly displaced person from Artsakh and the situation formed in the presence of his child, give grounds for raising the issues of the appropriateness of the behavior of officials, the limits of public speech, as well as ensuring respectful treatment of vulnerable groups. Despite the Prime Minister’s subsequent apology regarding the incident, it was also accompanied by the activation of negative, including hostile expressions in the online domain, which may contribute to the deepening of social tension.


Such phenomena not only violate fundamental human rights and dignity, but also contradict the international obligations undertaken by the Republic of Armenia in the field of human rights protection.


Of particular concern is the fact that the state bodies often do not take sufficient and effective steps to prevent and overcome such manifestations. Moreover, the situations recorded in some cases may be perceived as tolerance or indirect encouragement of hate speech, which may contradict the fundamental principles of the rule of law and democratic values.


In such a context, the fact that the social and psychological vulnerability of forcibly displaced people from Artsakh is largely due to forced displacement and targeted ethnic actions causes particular concern. Their consequences include threats and pressures recorded over the years, humanitarian crises, armed conflicts and mass displacement, as well as the ongoing loss of cultural and historical heritage. Taking all of this into account, we state that the targeting of forcibly displaced persons and those who have survived similar ordeals through hate speech, discrimination and social isolation leads to their secondary victimization. This not only deepens the social and psychological vulnerability of the victims, but is also a direct threat to the principles of rule of law and social solidarity.


The network of CSOs for the protection of the rights of those forcibly displaced from Artsakh calls.


RA state bodies:


Take immediate steps to prevent hate speech and discrimination.


Provide clear legal and institutional mechanisms for the protection of the displaced.


Show restraint and avoid any public speech inciting intolerance.


National and international human rights institutions:


Conduct continuous monitoring and provide objective assessments.


Contribute to the introduction of effective mechanisms of social inclusion and solidarity.


The network of CSOs for the protection of the rights of forcibly displaced persons from Artsakh reaffirms its readiness to cooperate with all interested parties aimed at ensuring the protection of the rights of forcibly displaced persons, social inclusion and strengthening of public solidarity.


Network of CSOs for the protection of the rights of persons forcibly displaced from Artsakh.


“Armenian Association of Lawyers” NGO


“Harmonia” NGO


“Kumairi” NGO of Artsakh Armenians


“Return to Karvachar” NGO


“Krunk” NGO for the protection of the rights of Artsakh Armenians


“Askerantsiner” community development center NGO


“Hay Ka” social, security and development NGO


“Lusastgh” NGO

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‘Time is of the essence’: Relatives of Armenian prisoners call for activation

Garo Vardanian
Panorama, Armenia
Apr 3 2026

Relatives and representatives of Armenian detainees unlawfully held in Azerbaijan have sent a letter to Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ararat Mirzoyan; the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, Ignazio Cassis; and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, requesting the activation of the Protecting Power mechanism within the framework of international humanitarian law. This was reported by the “Center for International and Comparative Law,” headed by Siranush Sahakyan, the representative of Armenian prisoners of war at the European Court of Human Rights.

“We, the undersigned relatives and representatives of Armenian captives currently being unlawfully held in Azerbaijan, express our deepest concern following the complete closure of the International Committee of the Red Cross office in the Republic of Azerbaijan. This development has gravely exacerbated the already dire situation of our relatives, leaving us in a state of profound uncertainty regarding their fate and wellbeing.

Considering these circumstances and recalling the obligations set forth under international humanitarian law, we respectfully but firmly urge the Government of Armenia to extend a formal invitation to the Government of the Swiss Confederation to assume the role of Protecting Power. Such an intervention is both necessary and urgent to ensure that the rights, safety, and dignity of our relatives are safeguarded through internationally recognized mechanisms of protection.

While we are mindful that the institution of the ‘Protecting Power’ has, in recent decades, fallen into disuse and may appear unusual in today’s context, the exceptional and unlawful circumstances we face today demand precisely such exceptional measures. Azerbaijan’s continued incommunicado detention of Armenian captives, without access by their families, independent lawyers, or impartial humanitarian actors, constitutes a flagrant breach of its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions,” the letter states in part.

Noting that at least 19 individuals are currently being held in Baku, their relatives emphasize that this situation has created a serious vacuum in the protection of rights, resulting in a high risk of violence, ill-treatment, and even enforced disappearance.

“In view of these urgent and extraordinary circumstances, and recalling Switzerland’s status as host State and principal supporter of the ICRC in its role as guardian of international humanitarian law, we hereby respectfully but firmly request:

  • The Government of Armenia to extend a formal invitation to the Government of the Swiss Confederation to assume the role of Protecting Power with respect to all Armenian captives currently held in Azerbaijan.
  • The Government of the Swiss Confederation to accept this invitation and to act as the Protecting Power, thereby ensuring the captives’ rights, dignity, and protection to the fullest extent possible, and providing the guarantees that Azerbaijan has unlawfully denied.
  • The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in its capacity as substitute for a Protecting Power, to support this appointment and to assist Switzerland in fulfilling its functions as Protecting Power in relation to the Armenian captives unlawfully detained in Azerbaijan.

Time is of the essence. Continued inaction risks further aggravating the suffering of those unlawfully detained and increasing the threats to their lives and physical integrity. We therefore respectfully call upon the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Government of the Swiss Confederation to take timely and appropriate measures within their respective mandates, and invite the International Committee of the Red Cross to extend its support, with a view to ensuring that international law is effectively upheld and that the rights of ethnic Armenians are duly protected in the face of ongoing violations,” the letter concludes.

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Yerevan patrols found illegally stored weapons and ammunition

Garo Vardanian

On March 26, at 3:40 a.m., the officers of the 2nd company of the 3rd battalion of the Yerevan police regiment found 3 young people, 22 and 34 years old, residents of Aragatsot region, residents of Aragatsot region, and arrested them on suspicion of illegal possession and carrying of weapons.

A loaded gun and a folding knife with a secret lock were found during a personal search of the 34-year-old man.

The young people were presented with the prepared documents to the pre-trial body.

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The “fools” are against it. Trump wants to take away Iran’s oil in the scenario of Venezuela

Garo Vardanian
Photo: Al Drago/Getty Images

US President Donald Trump has admitted with his characteristic disarming frankness about his cherished geopolitical desire: Washington should establish complete control over Iran’s oil industry. The American leader is not at all confused by the prospect of military occupation, and he compares his plans with the recent forceful control over Venezuela’s resources, and openly calls critics of such “diplomacy” idiots.


In a recent interview with the Financial Times, the head of the White House outlined his vision for the settlement of the Middle East crisis without further ado. According to Trump, he would prefer to simply take Iranian oil, as was done in Venezuela in January of Nicolas Maduro after the capture. Those who question the expediency of such an open international confiscation, the US president gently called “stupid people”.


The realization of such bold ambitions of the American leader will inevitably require the occupation of Kharg Island, the main export hub of the Islamic Republic. The Pentagon has already taken action. About ten thousand troops, including elite Marines and paratroopers from the 82nd Division, are being deployed to the region. And while military experts warn of the huge risks and inevitable losses of the operation, Trump himself disparages the defense capabilities of the enemy, categorically stating that the island can be captured “very easily”.


In the background of this peculiar political boasting and non-stop military operations, the world markets are in a fever. Oil prices increased by fifty percent in just one month, crossing the border of $116 per barrel of Brent on the morning of March 30.


Strange as it may seem, Trump calls such aggressive chattering as a successful background for the peace talks, which are being mediated by Pakistan. The American leader presented a tough ultimatum to Tehran until April 6: either a deal on Washington’s terms or total strikes on the energy sector. The US president summed up his unique approach to conducting diplomatic talks with impressive math, coolly noting that the US forces have already bombed thirteen thousand targets, and there are “a couple thousand more” left, so a peace agreement, according to him, can be reached “very quickly”.

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