Author: Kalashian Nyrie

Tax revenues in Armenia reach 643.4 billion drams in first quarter of 2026

Kalashian Nyrie Leave a comment
Economy17:48, 2 April 2026
Read the article in: Armenian:

Armenia’s state budget received 643.4 billion drams in tax revenues and state duties in January–March 2026, according to the State Revenue Committee of Armenia.

The figure represents an increase of 76.9 billion drams, or 13.6%, compared to the same period last year.

The Committee also reported that tax revenues and duties exceeded the initial target by 33.2 billion drams, or 5.4%, and the revised target by 29.9 billion drams, or 4.9%, during the reporting period.

Read the article in: Armenian:

Published by Armenpress, original at 
—

Kocharyan Discusses Diaspora Repatriation, Economic Policy, And Political Part

Kalashian Nyrie
Caucasus Watch, Germany
Mar 28 2026
28 Mar 2026 | News, Politics, Armenia

On March 26, Robert Kocharyan, the leader of the Armenia bloc, stated during a meeting with repatriates that although Armenia once began from a weak position in rebuilding ties with its diaspora, those relations were later significantly strengthened, bringing clear mutual benefits. He emphasized that while the diaspora represents a powerful resource, it simultaneously facilitates emigration, as Armenians abroad often provide networks that make leaving easier if domestic conditions are unfavorable. According to Kocharyan, the key to encouraging repatriation lies in creating a secure, stable, and positive environment within Armenia, as a negative atmosphere inevitably drives people to leave rather than return.

He stressed that past progress in diaspora relations was less the result of formal state programs and more due to the general environment that made relocation appealing. Recalling his time in office, Kocharyan noted that he encouraged diaspora Armenians to establish property in Armenia, and many responded by investing and opening businesses. “Whenever I heard that an Armenian from the diaspora was opening a restaurant, I would always visit them… to show that we… welcome all of this,” he stated. He argued that the country should now enter a new phase, where repatriation is actively supported through structured state policies.

Referring to international examples, Kocharyan highlighted Israel as a leading case with its repatriation law and comprehensive integration programs, describing it as a model worth considering. He also pointed out that Armenia has its own historical experience, particularly during the Soviet period between 1945 and 1949, when around 100,000 Armenians were resettled from abroad with full state support, including transportation and housing. The majority remained in the country, forming lasting communities, which, according to him, demonstrates that large-scale repatriation policies can succeed when properly managed.

Addressing economic policy, Kocharyan explained that simplified taxation was introduced to support the strong entrepreneurial drive among Armenians. He noted that in 1998 small and medium-sized businesses accounted for only 13% of GDP, but later expanded to 46% as a result of supportive measures. He expressed his ambition to increase this share to 70%, proposing further simplification so that small business owners could operate without bureaucratic burdens or frequent contact with tax authorities. “This approach… has yielded tremendous results,” Kocharyan emphasized, adding that modern tools such as smartphones could further ease compliance.

Kocharyan also underlined the importance of aligning economic policy with Armenia’s social and cultural characteristics. He argued that Armenians tend to favor family-based businesses over corporate structures, and policies should reflect these preferences to maximize efficiency. He linked this thinking to past constitutional reforms, noting that earlier legal frameworks restricted such flexibility, prompting him to pursue changes.

Turning to political participation, Kocharyan addressed restrictions on dual citizens holding office, stating that such limitations stem from concerns common in smaller states about external influence. However, he argued that the current rules in Armenia are overly restrictive, particularly the requirement for individuals to renounce foreign citizenship years in advance before entering parliament. While acknowledging the risks, he suggested that a balanced approach is needed to allow repatriated Armenians to engage in political life without raising doubts about their loyalties.

He illustrated this point by referencing the case of Vardan Oskanyan, who, he noted, served effectively for a decade despite circumstances that would prevent such an appointment under current regulations. Kocharyan proposed that restrictions could remain in sensitive sectors such as national security, while being relaxed in less critical areas.

Concluding his remarks, Kocharyan stressed that Armenia’s global influence depends significantly on leveraging its diaspora, stating that a country connected to its diaspora operates in a different “weight class” compared to one that is not. “If you want to be a small country but a major player, you must utilize all these opportunities,” he emphasized.

https://caucasuswatch.de/en/news/kocharyan-discusses-diaspora-repatriation-economic-policy-and-political-participation.html

—

Armenian lawmaker says hybrid attacks emerge from Russian, Turkish, Azerbaijan

Kalashian Nyrie
Politics13:41, 27 March 2026
Read the article in: فارسیՀայերենქართულიRussian中文

Member of Parliament from the ruling Civil Contract faction, Lilit Minasyan, said on Friday that hybrid interference against Armenia manifests across media platforms in various countries, mainly Russian, Turkish, and Azerbaijani.

Speaking at a press briefing and responding to opposition claims that the authorities avoid specifically naming the source country of hybrid interference, Minasyan stressed the need to first clearly understand the nature of hybrid attacks.

“I urge our opposition members to first understand what a hybrid attack is, and only then make assertions,” she said.

According to the lawmaker, hybrid attacks involve external interference that can be carried out in various ways, including in the information space.

“From the perspective of external interference, different countries are involved, and we see its manifestations very clearly and explicitly in Russian, Turkish, and Azerbaijani media,” Minasyan said.

She stressed that such interference often takes the form of spreading fake news, including about the Prime Minister and the authorities.

“These publications appear on various anonymous websites or on modified versions of well-known sites in order to mislead citizens,” the lawmaker said.

According to Minasyan, the authorities are trying to respond quickly to such publications and refute false information before it spreads widely.

She also called on media outlets to follow official rebuttals and support efforts to combat disinformation.

“We are working proactively to refute such information, and I urge media outlets to follow these rebuttals and disseminate them,” she noted.

In January this year, Armenia’s Foreign Intelligence Service warned that the country faces mounting hybrid threats aimed at sabotage.

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said earlier this week that the ongoing hybrid attacks targeting Armenia can be partly traced back to Russia.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas reaffirmed that the EU will send a Hybrid Rapid Response Team to Armenia to help counter threats ahead of the country’s June 7 elections.

Read the article in: فارسیՀայերենქართულიRussian中文

Published by Armenpress, original at 
—

Armenia aims to boost annual tourist numbers to match population

Kalashian Nyrie
Economy16:33, 27 March 2026
Read the article in: Armenian:

The Government of Armenia plans to implement measures over the next five years to increase the annual number of tourists visiting the country to match its population. According to the latest census conducted in 2023, Armenia’s permanent population is 2,928,914.

Congratulating the Hungarian airline Wizz Air on increasing its flights from Armenia, Tourism Committee Chairperson Lusine Gevorgyan emphasized that the expansion of routes, the development of civil aviation in Armenia, and the growth of tourist numbers are part of the government’s five-year plan.

“We know that the availability of direct and affordable flights has a direct impact on tourist visits. Over the next five years, we will take measures to ensure that the annual number of tourists visiting our country reaches the country’s population. By the end of the next decade, we believe this number could reach five million per year. We are positioning Armenia as a sustainable and responsible tourist destination,” Lusine Gevorgyan stated.

Read the article in: Armenian:

Published by Armenpress, original at 
—

CC: Armenia faces 25 new cases at European Court

Kalashian Nyrie

· MARCH 27, 2026


—

Armenian Rights Groups Condemn Pashinian’s Behavior Toward Displaced Karabakh

Kalashian Nyrie
March 24, 2026


Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian argues with a displaced woman from Nagorno-Karabakh in the Yerevan metro, March 22, 2026.

More than a dozen Armenian civil society groups have condemned Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s conduct and rhetoric during a public exchange with a woman displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, calling his behavior “unacceptable” and warning of rising polarization ahead of elections.

The incident occurred on March 22 during a live-streamed metro ride in Yerevan that Pashinian and his political allies staged as part of their weekly campaign outings in the run-up to the June parliamentary elections.

During the encounter, the prime minister confronted a woman later identified as Armine Mosiyan, who refused to accept a pin depicting Armenia without Nagorno-Karabakh or allow him to give it to her young son.

Mosiyan, a 36-year-old daughter of a soldier killed during the first Karabakh war in the early 1990s, was among more than 100,000 Armenians who fled Nagorno-Karabakh following Azerbaijan’s military takeover of the region in September 2023.

In a heated exchange Pashinian referred to Karabakh Armenians collectively as “runaways” and said they had no right to accuse him of “giving away” the region.

The incident, broadcast online by the prime minister’s team, triggered strong reactions on social media. Pashinian later apologized to the woman and her son, citing “heightened emotion” and acknowledging “inappropriate remarks, gesturing and facial _expression_.” He also said he wished to meet her again for a “calm” conversation and invited her to his office to deliver a personal apology.

On March 23, a group of leading Armenian non-governmental organizations, including the Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center, the Yerevan Press Club, the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Armenian Committee, the Media Initiatives Center and others, issued a joint statement condemning the prime minister’s behavior.

“We, the undersigned civil society organizations, consider unacceptable and condemn the conduct and rhetoric of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinian, during a conversation on March 22, 2026 with a woman forcibly displaced from Artsakh [Nagorno-Karabakh]. This behavior constitutes not only a violation of the standards of conduct expected of a public official, but also reflects intolerance and hate speech towards Armenians forcibly displaced from Artsakh,” the statement said.

The NGOs said the presence of the woman’s child during the exchange was particularly troubling, arguing that it exposed the child to inappropriate conduct toward his mother and involved him in a political campaign.

“We find it unacceptable as it shapes future generations’ perceptions of power, the quality of speech, and interpersonal relations. This incident also sends a broader signal to society, legitimizing violence and polarization, which, regrettably, tends to intensify in the pre-election period,” the statement said.

The groups also said that despite Pashinian’s apology, his remarks had already triggered a new wave of hatred and targeting against Karabakh Armenians, particularly on social media.

They argued that the spread of hate speech was further fueled by an article published by the media outlet civic.am, which they described as affiliated with the ruling Civil Contract party, alleging it sought to discredit the woman.

According to the NGOs’ statement, such rhetoric by public officials, including Pashinian and Parliament Speaker Alen Simonian, is not isolated. They emphasized that such behavior is particularly “unacceptable and alarming” as it “leads to increased polarization, undermines social cohesion, and results in the re-victimization of the forcibly displaced population.”

The organizations demanded that the Armenian authorities, in particular, Prime Minister Pashinian “refrain from and exclude the use of rhetoric that spreads hatred and intolerance, or contains discrimination and insult…; ensure accountability for individuals who express and disseminate hate speech against forcibly displaced persons from Artsakh; exercise restraint in public speech and adhere to the ethical standards and rules of conduct of public officials; ensure that public officials and media outlets moderate hate speech in posts and comments on their social media platforms; more broadly, guarantee respect for human rights and ensure the implementation of the rule of law in the Republic of Armenia, including the protection of the right to privacy.”

Earlier, Armenia’s state ombudsperson, Anahit Manasian, also urged officials to exercise restraint in public discourse when addressing issues affecting displaced persons and refugees.

Various opposition groups in Armenia also condemned Pashinian’s conduct and statements regarding Karabakh Armenians.

—

The war against Iran draws a cross on the TRIPP corridor. Former ambassador

Kalashian Nyrie
Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

The ongoing military conflict around Iran makes the implementation of the TRIPP transit corridor through the territory of Armenia, promoted by Washington, impossible and pointless. Former RA Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, former Ambassador to China Sergey Manasaryan expressed a similar opinion on NEWS.am’s “Strength Factor” program, warning Yerevan about the danger of getting involved in a new escalation.


According to an experienced diplomat, due to the war that has started, the issue of creating the “Trump Path” (TRIPP) is finally closed. Manasaryan emphasized that this confrontation can have only two ways out, and none of them leave a chance for the transit project. In the event of the defeat of Iran and the victory of the USA, Washington will no longer need to build a complex 50-kilometer road through the heavy relief of the Armenian Syunik, because the entire territory of Iran will be at their disposal. In the opposite scenario, if the United States cannot win and leave the conflict, Tehran, maintaining its positions, will simply not allow such a pro-American highway to be built near its northern borders.


Referring to the regional geopolitical consequences, the former deputy minister expressed his belief that the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, is now forced to pay off debts in exchange for the help he received from Israel in solving the Artsakh issue. For this reason, Baku will do everything to open a new front against the Islamic Republic. According to Manasaryan, such a scenario contains a huge danger. military operations can most likely be transferred to the territory of Armenia, even if Yerevan tries in every way to maintain neutrality and avoid bloodshed.


Let’s remind that the TRIPP (Trump Path for International Peace and Prosperity) project is a logistics corridor initiated by the USA through the south of Armenia, which is meant to connect the main part of Azerbaijan with the Nakhichevan autonomy. According to the Armenian-American framework agreements announced in 2026, the exclusive rights to build and manage the infrastructure for a period of 49 to 99 years should be transferred to a special consortium operating under the auspices of the United States.


The Armenian opposition strongly and uncompromisingly criticizes this plan. Political opponents declare that TRIPP is actually a disguised form of the extraterritorial “Zangezur Corridor”, the opening of which Baku has been striving for many years. Critics emphasize that handing over the strategic route to the foreign American administration deals a heavy blow to Armenia’s state sovereignty in the Syunik region, as well as geopolitically endangers the vitally important land border with Iran, threatening to isolate the country from its traditional southern neighbor for good.

—

The country is “dying”. A historical counter-record of births has been registered in Armenia

Kalashian Nyrie

March: 23, 2026

In the conditions of “peace” brought by Nikol Pashinyan, extremely worrying events are taking place in Armenia. The natural growth of the population has stopped. Not that it has slowed down or the rate of growth has weakened, but it has stopped altogether. The wheel of natural population reproduction has started to turn back.

At the beginning of the year, more people died in Armenia than were born.

This is an unprecedented event, which means that the country is gradually “dying”. Not because more people have started dying, but because fewer and fewer children are being born.

It is the direct response of the citizens to the “peace” brought by Nikol Pashinyan, which means that people do not believe in fake peace, that’s why they avoid having children and connecting their children’s future with the peace brought by this government.

Read also

  • Due to emigration and reduction in birth rate, the demographic picture is getting worse. They intend to fill the gap at the expense of foreigners
  • Who is emptying the earth now?

There was a time when the birth rate in the country increased for a short period, declaring that it was the citizens’ response to the government’s policies regarding the future. Now let Nikol Pashinyan say what message the citizens are sending to the authorities and the peace they brought.

According to official data, 2,393 children were born in Armenia in January. Less than last year. Last year, 2,688 children were born.

This year, 295 less children were born in Armenia than last year.

Births decreased by almost 11 percent.

Never before have so few children been born in Armenia. The number of births in January of this year is unprecedentedly low, a historical counter-record has been registered. Years ago, more children were born in Armenia than now. It is not even comparable to recent years, although the number of children born in Armenia has been permanently decreasing in recent years.

To imagine what happened, compare the number of children born this year with 2-3 years ago. 2023 3,481 were born in Armenia in January, and in 2024 in January: 3,108 children. Those born this year are 1,088 or more than 31 percent less than those born 3 years ago and 715 or 23 percent less than those born 2 years ago.

We still do not say that among those born this year, the children born in tens of thousands of families who emigrated from Artsakh are also included.

Even the fact that fewer people died this year than last year was not a salvation. The natural increase of the population has decreased. 39 more people died than were born.

This is a catastrophe for any country, especially for Armenia, which, as a result of the nation-destructive policies implemented by today’s rulers, is under the threat of expansion by other, including enemy, nations.

This is not the first year, of course, that the number of births in Armenia has decreased. It has been like this in almost all the years of the Communist Party’s rule. If in 2024 33,593 children were born, last year only 32,042 were born. More than 1.5 thousand less than 1 year ago.

The number of births last year is not even comparable with 2-3 years ago.

2023-2024 The number of children born in Armenia exceeded 36 thousand. Last year, at least 4 thousand less children were born.

It is even meaningless to compare with the earlier period. Just 10 years ago or in 2016, under the former “robbery, oppressive and criminal” authorities, more than 40.5 thousand children were born in Armenia. At least 8 thousand more than were born last year.

During the years of the Communist Party’s rule, the birth rate in Armenia was greatly reduced and continues to be reduced. The decrease in the birth rate is directly related to the policy implemented by the rulers of Armenia for the last 8 years. “There is a future” and “peace” brought by them can be seen in these indicators.

Reducing the birth rate is related to the sacrifice of thousands of young lives, as well as to the country’s security, emigration, created social-psychological atmosphere, economic situation and living conditions. It is not surprising that marriages have also decreased significantly. If only a few years ago at least 15-16 thousand marriages were registered in Armenia, last year the number of marriages was only 13.8 thousand. At the beginning of this year, marriages also decreased.

After all this, let them talk about how much they improved life in Armenia, created conditions for promoting marriages and births.

Since 2018, they have been implementing programs aimed at increasing the birth rate, distributing money, and we can see what results they have produced. Until recently, in the case of the birth of the third and fourth children, one-time support of 1 million drams was provided, and in the case of the birth of the fifth and each subsequent child, 1.5 million drams were provided. After seven years, they hardly realized that it was ineffective. Recently they decided to change. Instead of the previous millions, they will give 500,000 drams for the birth of each next child and consider that they are stimulating the birth rate, and the birth rate will continue to decrease, as it has been until now.

The picture of natural population growth in Armenia is deteriorating at a catastrophic rate. Instead of taking steps to correct the situation and promote the birth rate, they want to change the demographic picture of the country with foreigners. And this has been evident everywhere in recent years. The number of foreigners in Armenia is increasing.

If this continues, it is not excluded that one fine day Armenians will be a minority in Armenia. Such a prospect is not improbable under this government.

HAKOB KOCHARYAN




—

Verelq: 10 proposals of “Mother Armenia”.

Kalashian Nyrie

“Mother Armenia” party will participate in the National Assembly elections to be held on June 7 with the “Offer to Armenia” program. Our proposals will enrich the program, which has been developed so far by the professional team of “Proposal Armenia” and the political forces, leading experts in the field, who have joined the program.


Our suggestions are ten. They include RA internal and external policy, economy, business, social sphere, administration of the capital, development of marzes and mega-projects.


We’ll be featuring those 10 point openings regularly.


1. Guaranteed peace


2. Balanced diplomacy


3. Economic growth. GDP in 2031 should be at least 75 billion dollars


4. Tax haven for all strata of business


5. Decent pension


6. Affordable and quality education


7. Exclusion of loan sharking and bank racketeering


8. A healthy soul in a healthy body


9. Yerevan: a smart and accessible capital


10. Mega projects for Armenia


PS: The attached video presents the complete package of “Mother Armenia” proposals.


Chairman of “Mother Armenia” party Andranik Tevanyan




—

The Speaker of the National Assembly accepted Vladimir Vardanyan’s resignation

Kalashian Nyrie

According to part 1 of Article 155 of the “Regulations of the National Assembly” constitutional law, the deputy of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia Vladimir Vardanyan submitted his resignation on March 19, 2026. We learn about this from the NA website.


According to Part 2 of Article 155 of the Constitutional Law “Regulations of the National Assembly”, if within one week after the publication of the resignation, the deputy withdraws his resignation in a written application, then the President of the National Assembly makes a statement to that effect, if he does not withdraw his resignation, a protocol is drawn up about the termination of his powers, which is signed and published by the President of the National Assembly. The resignation is considered accepted from the moment of publication of the protocol.


Let’s remind that Vardanyan was nominated by the President of the Republic of Armenia as a candidate for the judge of the Supreme Court.

—