April 28, 2026
For the Armenians of Artsakh, it was expected that after Azerbaijan completely occupied Artsakh, it would do everything to erase the Armenian trace, because this is the handwriting of Azerbaijan. However, the RA leader’s statement that he will not try to make the issue of Azerbaijan’s cultural genocide a subject of discussion at the state level is incomprehensible and absurd for them.
Artsakh cultural heritage ombudsman, Caucasus expert Hovik Avanesov calls Nikol Pashinyan’s statement absurd, says that he represents an entire country, it is not permissible to say such things in public.
“These statements of Nikol Pashinyan and all the steps resulting from them fit into the logic of the so-called “peace” agenda, and declaring that they will not do anything against Azerbaijani crimes in order not to interfere with that agenda is at least diplomatic naivety.
First of all, there has never been and never will be a “peace” agenda in Azerbaijan, there are many proofs of this, starting from the cultural vandalism in Artsakh to the occupation of the sovereign territories of the Republic of Armenia.
These statements and steps of Nikol Pashinyan will lead to the fact that the cases of cultural genocide recorded in occupied Artsakh will significantly increase.” 168.amHovik Avanesov said in a conversation with
According to our interlocutor, Azerbaijan organizes large-scale events in the permanently occupied Artsakh, which are followed by the destruction and destruction of cultural monuments. Moreover, when people from different countries of the world go to Artsakh and give Aliyev some kind of award, Azerbaijan is more motivated by this and starts to act recklessly and destroy the Armenian footprint.
“I am afraid that if we do not stop all this, we will have a second Nakhijevan. And under these conditions, not making the issue a topic of discussion at the state level contributes to the promotion of that policy, which is, of course, unacceptable. Today, the opposite should have happened: any case of vandalism in Artsakh should have been reported at the state level.
While the government of Armenia is silent, the government of Azerbaijan is acting and accusing the Armenian side of committing cultural genocide. In other words, having at least such a parallel on the part of the Azerbaijani authorities, the approach of the Armenian authorities should have been different, a harsh response should have been given to all this,” added Hovik Avanesov.
According to him, not only the issue of the destruction of cultural monuments in Artsakh after 2020, but also all those cases that Azerbaijan carried out in Nakhichevan before that, when it razed an entire civilized culture to the ground, should have appeared on the international agenda at the state level today.
“Nikol Pashinyan’s statements are very dangerous and may have serious consequences for the works dedicated to the preservation of our historical and cultural heritage. This will further complicate the work of specialists dealing with the field, because when the problem is raised, the foreign delegate may retort that “if everything is correct, why is there no official response from RA?”
The Mother See of St. Etchmiadzin issued a statement and speaks about it on various international platforms, but the statement expressed by the Church is different, the official political statement is different,” said Artsakh’s cultural heritage ombudsman.
He said that regardless of Nikol Pashinyan’s statements, specialists and interested persons should continue to work actively to save the remaining monuments of Artsakh, otherwise, like the khachkars of Nakhijevan, all of them will disappear after a while.
“Of course, the work for us becomes more complicated under these conditions, but regardless of the created situation, otherwise the minor processes that are taking place today on this or that international platform may be stopped to our detriment. Moreover, I think that under these conditions we are obliged to multiply our efforts even more,” emphasized Hovik Avanesov.
Let’s remind that on April 23, Nikol Pashinyan said in a briefing with journalists that he is not going to make the policy of destroying cultural monuments in Artsakh by Azerbaijan a subject of discussion at the state level. According to Nikol Pashinyan, if they talk about this, a war will be started with Azerbaijan.
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Every month I will transfer 1 dram of my salary to the “administrator”. Samvel Karapetyan
April 28, 2026
“Five questions to the next Prime Minister Samvel Karapetyan. what will he do with a salary of 1 dram? The series of interviews with the leader of the “Strong Armenia” party, philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan continues with Alik Aleksanyan, a member of the same party.
Samvel Karapetyan, referring to the arrest of Kandaz, a well-known detective from his team, responded: “Under this government, all patriotic people will be targeted. We must be ready when this government fulfills the demands of the outsiders, specifically Aliyev’s demands. All patriotic people are targeted. What Aliyev and Azerbaijan could not do in 30 years, the government of Armenia did it by their order, but soon, after our victory, the heroes will become heroes again.”
To the next question, whether you have any plans for the first session of the Government and how Samvel Karapetyan will spend his 1 dram salary, he answered:
“Since Pashinyan will not have a chance to receive bonuses after June 7, I will suggest that “varchabend” continue its activities, I will transfer 1 dram to “varchabend” every month. If, of course. accept it themselves, maybe they already have a lot of money?’
More details in the video.
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168: A power oligarch will monopolize the market
April 27, 2026
After sitting on the chair of the Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan hastened to announce that there are no more monopolies in Armenia. However, exactly 8 years after that announcement, he had to admit that monopolies have not disappeared at all. Recently, it was justified that it took 8 years to be able to destroy the monopoly of the gasoline market. He was led to such a “genius” conclusion by the fact that the prices of gasoline in Armenia had decreased.
Experts will know how much the decrease in gasoline prices had to do with the destruction of monopolies in that market. Nikol Pashinyan just needed an opportunity to deceive the people with another “unprecedented achievements” and to attribute the decrease in gasoline prices to him.
Everyone can see what happened shortly after. It’s been quite some time, the price of gasoline has gone up again. The prices are even higher than before the last reduction.
“Breaking the monopolies” didn’t help at all either, because the recent drop in gasoline prices had nothing to do with breaking the monopolies.
Instead of destroying monopolies, today the authorities and their affiliated oligarchs are busy forming new monopolies and concentrating the markets in their hands.
The other day, the Minister of Economy made an encouraging note about what kind of large investment program is being implemented in the poultry production sector. This program, which seems welcome at first glance, is actually very worrying. It will lead to the absolute monopolization of the poultry market. And you know, in whose hands?
But before that, let’s quote the post first.
“I visited the Shirak poultry farm.” Deputy Minister Arman Khojoyan also participated in the visit.
The investments planned by the company reach 250 million dollars, of which more than 60 million dollars have already been made. The project will be implemented on an area of 420 ha in Shirak and Kotayk marzes. It is planned to create 2500 jobs, of which 750 will be in Shirak. 300 jobs have already been created in Shirak, 350 in Kotayk.
As a result of the implementation of the project, it is planned to increase the production volumes, ensuring the daily production of around 100 tons of poultry meat and 15-20 tons of pork. The produced poultry meat will satisfy the needs of Armenia, and a part of the product will be exported. The company already produces 400,000 eggs per day.
Accompanied by the owner of the company, Narek Nalbandyan, I toured the poultry factory, got acquainted with the conditions, installed equipment and the production process. During the tour, the plans for the development of the poultry farm and the upcoming tasks were presented,” the Minister of Economy wrote.
We are talking about the same Narek Nalbandian, who, enjoying the patronage of the government, managed to successfully settle in many businesses and became the owner of expensive objects and properties in recent years. This is the same Narek Nalbandyan, with some of whose businesses, according to information regularly circulating in the press, the name of Nikol Pashinyan’s ex-current wife is connected.
Narek Nalbandian owns many businesses, including the “Shirak” poultry factory. More than once, this company has been accused of unfair competition in the market and implementing unjustified price policy. At one time, there were reports that other companies went bankrupt and closed as a result of setting an unjustified low price for eggs by the “Shirak” poultry factory owned by Narek Nalbandyan.
Of course, the competition commission found the information about the implementation of dumping policy unfounded.
“Regarding the reduction of the price recorded in the chicken egg market, which is connected with the “Shirak” poultry factory, I inform you that its share in the market does not reach 10 percent. Therefore, the company, not having a dominant position in the market, could not violate the competition legislation and carry out dumping”, the chairman of the commission assessed the situation in the egg market, denying the accusations about the “Shirak” poultry factory. No wonder that unjustified lowering of the price of eggs caused some producers to go bankrupt.
Just 3-4 years ago, the company, which barely had a 10% share in the egg market, after the implementation of the plan announced by the Minister of Economy, will essentially monopolize the sector of poultry production, pushing out others.
It is not known through whom and with what funds Narek Nalbandian, the owner of the “Shirak” poultry factory, which he received as a government oligarch, implements his 250 million dollar project. Not every businessman can be lucky enough to attract such a large amount of money, even if it is in the form of loans. Although there is so much talk about the high liquidity of Armenian banks, the banks are not always ready to provide such large amounts of credit.
At one time, in order to obtain 150 million dollars of loan funds from Armenian banks for the purpose of the implementation of the Amulsar gold mine development project of the “Lidian Armenia” company, the provision of a government budget guarantee was required. Who is going to finance the 250 million dollar project of a newly-found businessman who made a name for himself in business shortly after the change of power? Or is the government’s finger mixed up here as well?
Let’s leave the answer to these questions pending and content ourselves with quoting a part of the status left by one of the Facebook users under the post of the Minister of Economy.
“Another photo “show” and the magic of numbers, behind which is hidden the convergence of power and the new oligarchy. From the point of view of state interest, this is not an economic success, but a classic example of monopolization and risk concentration.
Monopolization under the guise of “investment”. An investment of 250 million dollars in the hands of one person means that tomorrow one company will dictate the market prices of poultry and eggs. This is not a free market, but a dependence of food security on one oligarchic entity. The real state interest requires the development of thousands of small and medium farmers, not the creation of greenhouse conditions for one privileged person, wrote the user responding to the Minister of Economy.
HAKOB KOCHARYAN
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Any action against cultural and historical monuments unacceptable: Zakharova
The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, stated that Russia condemns the destruction of Armenian churches in Karabakh, emphasizing that any action against cultural and historical monuments is unacceptable.
Speaking at a briefing in response to a journalist’s question, Zakharova noted that Russia understands “better than anyone” the consequences of the destruction of cultural heritage. She added that Moscow does not apply double standards in this matter.
“We don’t have double standards,” she said, calling such actions “inadmissible” and stressing that it is always possible to negotiate and find common ground, regardless of economic, logistical, or political differences.
Zakharova also referred to the trilateral agreements reached between Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia in 2020–2022, “aimed at supporting the humanitarian reconciliation process, including the return of detainees and refugees,” she said.
According to her, Russia remains ready to assist in addressing such issues if it receives a corresponding request from the parties.
Published by Armenpress, original at
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Free transportation of visitors to Tsitsernakaberd Memorial will be organized on April 24
The Yerevan Municipality informs that in connection with the events dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, on April 24, from 8:30 to 22:00, a free transportation of visitors to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex from the area adjacent to the “Hrazdan” stadium will be organized along the following routes:
Route No. 1 – “Hrazdan” Stadium – Athens Street – Haghtanak Bridge – Argishti – Italini – Khorenatsi – Agatanghegos Streets – “Zoravar Andranik” metro station.
Return: Agathangelos – Gr. Lusavoruchi – Argishti streets – Haghtanaki bridge – Atenki street – “Hrazdan” stadium.
no. Route 2 – “Hrazdan” stadium – Tsitsernakaberd highway – Kerkoryan (former Leningradyan) – Kievyan streets – “Berekamutyun” metro station.
Return along the same route.
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The silence is intolerable. The memory of the Genocide cannot be doubted
In these post-truth times, there are questions, topics and ideas about which it is impossible to remain silent, to tell half-truths, or to discuss something.
Everything about them is more than black and white.
Among such issues is honoring the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide and the struggle for the restoration of justice, which is not only morally important, but also highly pragmatic for our state and people today. To put it mildly, those who remain silent on this topic, and even more so those who question it, have nothing to do with Armenia and the Armenian people.
Therefore, we should remember and act in this direction every day, but especially on April 23, we can do it with a symbolic action by joining the “Torch March”, which, by the way, our “peace-loving neighbors” can’t stand.
Mourning is eternal, as long as there is no struggle.
Turkologist Varuzhan Geghamyan
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Fwd: They justified that defeat by saying that it was necessary to save Armenia. Raff
Along with other parties, “Heritage” was also negotiating with Samvel Karapetyan’s “Strong Armenia” party to create a pre-election alliance. But that consolidation did not happen. And a few days ago, “Heritage” announced that it simply supports “Strong Armenia”, but will not participate in the elections.
According to the presentation of the founder of “Heritage”, they proposed their formula for success and victory, which had a value, program and ideological basis, but at the end of the discussions, they did not come to a common denominator. And according to his presentation, perhaps as a result of various measurements or studies, they changed their mind and decided to go with a “smaller, technical alliance”. And in his words, gathered around Samvel Karapetyan, “the movement with a national perspective became partisan.”
“And “Heritage”, coming to the harsh reality that there may be polling of votes, decided to support the movement gathered around Karapetyan. We strived for great unity, which would increase the probability of winning, of success, we did not make additional demands, that changed. But “Heritage” was not offended by that,” added Raffi Hovhannisyan.
Details in the video.
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Analyst says Armenian government acting as proxy for Turkey, Azerbaijan
Armenian political analyst Hayk Nahapetyan has accused Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s administration of serving as an instrument for Turkish and Azerbaijani interests, claiming that campaigns against the Armenian Apostolic Church and efforts to dilute recognition of the 1915 Armenian Genocide are externally driven.
Speaking at a forum organized by the Alternative Projects Group on Wednesday, Nahapetyan argued that the government is not independently motivated in its policies. “The motivation belongs to two states — Turkey and Azerbaijan — while he [Pashinyan] is merely their executor,” he said.
Nahapetyan cited what he described as a coordinated effort to undermine the Armenian Apostolic Church, which he called the only national institution resisting regional pressures. He recalled that criticism of the Church and its leader, Catholicos Karekin II, intensified after a statement by Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, head of the Caucasus Muslims Board. Days later, Karekin II convened Christian leaders in Switzerland to discuss the genocide and the future of Artsakh.
According to Nahapetyan, Ankara and Baku envision Armenia’s future without Artsakh, genocide recognition and the institutional elements that preserve historical memory. He stressed that recognition of the genocide carries the prospect of material reparations, a scenario Turkey is determined to avoid. Neutralizing the diaspora — unified largely through the Church — is therefore central to this strategy, he said.
“Turkey and Azerbaijan, through Pashinyan, are attempting to dismantle the church,” Nahapetyan asserted, framing the campaign as part of a broader effort to erase the legacy of the genocide and weaken Armenian national identity.
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Iran is ready for the resumption of war and has prepared “new surprises”
Iran is fully prepared for a possible resumption of hostilities and has prepared “new surprises” for a potential new phase of the war. reports the Iranian Tasnim agency.
According to the agency, in the last two weeks, Iran assessed the probability of the resumption of war as high and in this regard carried out a number of military movements and compiled a new list of targets. As a pretext, the American demands and the established sea blockade are mentioned, which, according to the Iranian side, did not allow to resume the negotiations.
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Speculation about gas price increase exaggerated – minister
Speculation about a possible increase in gas prices is exaggerated, as Armenia has not received any signals through official channels.
The Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, David Khudatyan, said, noting that cooperation with Gazprom Armenia is proceeding smoothly.
“Our work with Gazprom Armenia partners is going quite well. We have had a stable gas supply over the past year, despite weather fluctuations. We are also working with our partners on investment programs. I do not see any problematic issues in our work,” the minister said.
Addressing whether Armenia has alternative energy resources to compensate for a possible increase in gas prices, Khudatyan emphasized the importance of strengthening energy security.
“Regardless of possible scenarios, any country should ensure its own energy resources. In our case, we are primarily focusing on solar power plants,” he noted.
According to the minister, Armenia’s energy sector has seen significant growth in solar energy.
“Last year, about 10 billion kWh of electricity was produced in Armenia, of which more than 1.6 billion kWh was generated by solar power plants. The Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant produced about 29 percent of total output, while solar power plants already produce about 60 percent of Metsamor’s output, which is important.
In previous years, we have recorded double growth in the number of transactions in the liberalized market across various segments of the solar energy sector, both in the number of suppliers and in the number of solar power plant installations in households,” Khudatyan said.
He added that Armenia concluded the previous year with stations having an installed capacity of 1,100 megawatts, which has now increased by another 100 megawatts.
“In the near future, a draft law on the licensing procedure for energy storage facilities will be submitted to the National Assembly,” the minister said.
According to Khudatyan, energy storage facilities will improve the efficiency of the sector.
“Energy storage facilities will allow electricity generated by solar power plants to be supplied on a fixed schedule, which will further support the Armenian economy. We are trying to promote the rapid development of the sector through legislative regulations,” he concluded.
Published by Armenpress, original at
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