Author: Karakhanian Suren

‘Main obstacle to Armenia’s EU integration is frozen EU-Georgia dialogue’ – P

Karakhanian Suren
JAM News
March 12 2026
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

“The biggest problem on the path of Armenia’s integration into the EU at the moment is the frozen state of the political dialogue between the European Union and Georgia”, — Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said this while speaking at the European Parliament.

He recalled the law adopted by Armenia’s parliament to launch the process of the country’s accession to the European Union. He stressed that lawmakers passed the law after Georgia received EU candidate status:

“This made Armenia’s EU membership prospect tangible, and it is our expectation and request that the European Union-Georgia constructive process should develop. This is important for Armenia, just as important as for Georgia”.

The Armenian prime minister also addressed the possibility of Armenia joining the European Union. He said the country now faces the task of continuing reforms in order to meet membership criteria. After that, he said, the EU will decide whether to admit Armenia.

He acknowledged that EU enlargement requires a political decision. He added that Armenia would still benefit even if it did not become a member. As he explained, it would “become a country that fully meets EU standards”.

In his speech, the Armenian prime minister spoke not only about the prospect of EU membership but also about the peace process with Azerbaijan, the upcoming parliamentary elections and the domestic political situation. Members of the European Parliament gave him a standing ovation.

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‘It pains us to see what is happening in the Middle East’

In his speech at the plenary session of the European Parliament, the Armenian prime minister addressed the situation in the Middle East.

He highlighted the current scale of Armenia’s partnership with the United States. At the same time, he said Iran is “a friend and a centuries-old neighbour”. He added that Armenia recently established diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia. He also said that the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Bahrain and Syria remain long-standing partners of Armenia.

“We are pained by what is happening in the Middle East. Against the backdrop of such an international crisis of such magnitude, we are a small, modest state, and we can only pray for the repose of the souls of all the victims and for the wisdom of our partner leaders to find diplomatic solutions as soon as possible.“

‘Where has perfect peace ever been established? Where and when did it exist?’

Pashinyan said the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border has remained calm for eight months. No casualties or injuries have been reported. He repeated his view that peace requires constant care.

“Otherwise it will collapse very quickly. Just as regions that remained stable for decades can fall into the whirlpool of war within a matter of days before our eyes.”

He said critics accuse the Armenian authorities of accepting a peace with Azerbaijan that is not perfect. In response, the prime minister addressed European lawmakers with a question:

“Please tell me, where has perfect peace been established, where and when did it exist? On the contrary, the willingness to care for peace makes it possible to improve it.”

‘Ready to provide Azerbaijan with road transit’

Speaking about the benefits of peace, Pashinyan recalled that Azerbaijan lifted restrictions on railway transport through its territory. In November 2025, cargo reached Armenia along this route for the first time since the conflict began.

“We plan to use the Georgia-Azerbaijan railway for exports as well. I hope Azerbaijan will also become an export destination for Armenia in the near future,” he said.

The Armenian prime minister repeated his proposal to allow transit from Azerbaijan to Turkey and back immediately. Baku and Ankara have not used this opportunity so far. Pashinyan said they may believe it could delay the implementation of the “Trump Route” project.

“Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP) is a road project that would connect Azerbaijan with its exclave of Nakhchivan through the territory of Armenia.

“Armenia has neither the intention nor any grounds to delay the implementation of the TRIPP project. The project fully serves Armenia’s short-, medium- and long-term interests and in no way undermines Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity or jurisdiction,” he said.

From the European Parliament podium, Armenia’s prime minister called on Azerbaijan to provide road transit.

“Now I also want to say that the Republic of Armenia is ready to provide a road connection between the western regions of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic via the Kornidzor-Goris-Yeghegnadzor-Yeraskh route using the existing infrastructure.“

Returning to the issue of railway links, Nikol Pashinyan said:

“Just as Azerbaijan is waiting for the establishment of a connection through the territory of Armenia to Nakhchivan, so we are waiting for the establishment of a railway connection between the south and north of Armenia through the territory of Nakhchivan. This railway route has no alternative for Armenia, the mountainous terrain of Armenia does not allow for a railway connection between the south and north of the country in any other way. As you can see, the expectations of Armenia and Azerbaijan do not contradict each other.“

“Democracy must make peace irreversible”

Pashinyan said Armenia achieved peace thanks to its commitment to democratic values. He said he hopes the parliamentary elections scheduled for 7 June will make both democracy and peace irreversible.

“The next parliamentary elections will be held in the Republic of Armenia, and with these elections, our democracy must make peace irreversible, and then, with peace, democracy will become irreversible. We are going this way, and I say this as a legitimate representative of the people of the Republic of Armenia.“

‘Some clergy have taken leadership of the party of war’

The prime minister said Armenia stood on the brink of losing its statehood before the start of the border demarcation process with Azerbaijan on the Tavush–Gazakh section in spring 2024.

“If in April 2024 we had failed to make a decision to launch the process of demarcation with Azerbaijan, the Republic of Armenia would be a territory under foreign rcontrol at best today.”

He said an archbishop supported by the Catholicos of All Armenians launched a protest movement at that time. Pashinyan referred to Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, who led the opposition movement “Sacred Struggle”. According to the prime minister, the movement demanded the rejection of delimitation and sought to escalate the conflict.

Pashinyan said some senior clergy and opposition forces that support them carried out a “disinformation campaign”. He said they tried to convince people that the government planned to hand over sovereign Armenian territory and ancient churches located there to Azerbaijan.

“And how did we solve the problem? We talked to our employer, the people. And now, the village of Kirants in Tavush region, which the leaders of the church-opposition movement had made their symbol, convincing people that the village would be emptied and abandoned, has had about a 50 percent increase in houses with the support of the Government after the demarcation and today is an absolutely peaceful, safe and colorful settlement. And the ancient churches are being restored or renovated.” he said.

Pashinyan said clergy involved in what he described as a “process against peace”, together with their supporters, try to spread several claims in the European Parliament and other international organisations.

He said they claim that:

  • the Armenian government restricts freedom of conscience,
  • the country lives under a dictatorship,
  • and political prisoners exist.

“These clergy have taken leadership of the party of war. They have gathered around themselves former Armenian presidents, their allied forces, and several Russian and pro-Belarusian oligarchs. They are trying to sacrifice Armenia’s independence to serve the interests of third countries,” the prime minister said.

Speaking about the Russian oligarch, the prime minister refers to dollar billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, who remains under house arrest for calls to seize power. By the pro-Belarusian oligarch, he refers to one of Armenia’s richest businessmen, Gagik Tsarukyan. Both have announced that the political parties they lead will take part in the parliamentary elections scheduled for June.

Pashinyan said these clergy had “cynically violated all rules of spiritual morality and made themselves vulnerable to foreign intelligence services”. He also claimed that some of them had worked as agents of the Soviet KGB and that documents prove this. In this case, he referred to a document published by Armenia’s National Security Service stating that the brother of the Catholicos, Archbishop Yezras Nersisyan, had been recruited by the KGB.

‘We will not allow a new conflict, a new war, we will not allow the consciousness, peace and independence gained at the cost of thousands of victims to be sacrificed for anti-Christian purposes. In the text of our liturgy of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, the word peace is mentioned more than 40 times, and it is not only about the person, the soul, but also about world peace, about which there are dozens of supplications in the canonical text of our liturgy, to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and today some are using the altar of Christ to preach conflict, war and/or intra-Armenian violence, trespassing the boundaries of the legislation of the Republic of Armenia‘, — prime-minister said.

‘Diplomatic efforts continue to secure the return of compatriots held in Azerbaijani prisons’

Speaking about Armenian prisoners held in Baku, Pashinyan said the Armenian authorities continue diplomatic efforts for their release “quietly”.

“Recently, Azerbaijan released four more of our compatriots. The Armenian society, we all experienced happiness on that occasion. But the Government very quickly returned to continuing its silent diplomatic work, for the sake of the return of others”

He said that if the authorities had not pursued this diplomatic approach — without publicising negotiations — the four Armenian prisoners would not have returned home.

“One of our important tasks is also to ensure that the emotions of our Karabakh sisters and brothers who have become refugees are not exploited, giving them false hopes.”

According to Nikol Pashinyan, the government follows the following strategy:

“Our strategy in this regard is very clear: our Karabakh sisters and brothers must receive Armenian citizenship and be permanently settled in the Republic of Armenia. We have already launched their resettlement program, which has benefited 4,886 families so far. We need the greatest possible support from our international partners to solve this problem aimed at strengthening peace.”

The prime minister said it is also important that no one plays with the emotions of these “people who became refugees by giving them false hope”. Pashinyan appeared to refer to narratives about their return to their homeland, which the opposition has voiced recently.


—

Pashinyan expresses ‘sorrow’ over Middle East crisis, calls for diplomatic sol

Karakhanian Suren

Read the article in: فارسی Français Armenian Русский Türkçe:

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, during his address to the European Parliament on Wednesday in Strasbourg, spoke about the situation in Iran and across the Middle East.

Prime Minister Pashinyan said that Armenia feels deep sorrow witnessing what is happening in the region.

“Iran is our good friend and a neighbor for millennia. You have already seen the extent of our relations with the United States. The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Bahrain, and Syria are our valued partners. Recently, we have taken a historic step with Saudi Arabia by establishing diplomatic relations. We are deeply sorrowed by what is occurring in the Middle East. Amid such an international-scale crisis, we, as a small and modest state, can only pray for all those who lost their lives and for the wisdom of our partner leaders so that they may find diplomatic solutions as soon as possible,” Pashinyan said.

The U.S. and Israel launched what they described as a pre-emptive strike against Iran on February 28, claiming that Tehran was developing a nuclear weapon and posing a threat—an allegation Iran has denied. In response, Iran launched counterattacks, firing missiles and drones at Israel, as well as at U.S. assets and other targets across the Middle East. 

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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What was discussed in the Ministry of Defense and why is Suren Papikyan avoiding a specific answer?

Karakhanian Suren

March: 11, 2026

on March 7 “Suren Papikyan’s religio-political constraints. “uncomfortable” questions about the “transformation” of the spiritual service of the Armed Forces with the text in the article We wrote that our written request addressed to the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia on February 6 (the basis for which served as the basis for the request of the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia Suren Papikyan on January 30 the command) remained unanswered a month later.

It should be noted that the RA Law “On Freedom of Information” clearly states stated that: “if it is necessary to perform additional work to provide the information specified in the written request, then this information is given to the applicant after receiving the application; within 30 days”.

The Ministry of Defense asked us for more time to respond to the inquiry.

And the written request includes the following questions:

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  • Suren Papikyan’s religio-political constraints. “uncomfortable” questions about the “transformation” of the spiritual service of the Armed Forces

– Was a meeting with the participation of gunners called in the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, when did it take place, who were present from the spiritual service of the Armed Forces, and who were from the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff, why was it called, what was discussed? Or, if such a meeting was called, was the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia present at it? Suren Papikyan, Chief of the General Staff of the RA Armed Forces Edward Asryan, RA Deputy Minister of Defense Arman Sargsyan, Head of the Department of Morale and Psychological Support of the Armed Forces General Staff Seryozha Stepanyan, general Artak Budaghyan, and was there an attempt to check the attitude of the colonists regarding Nikol Pashinyan’s religio-political movement to “reform” the Church?

– During the tenure of RA Defense Minister Suren Papikyan and before that, did the dual subordination of gunners in the army cause problems and what exactly was the problem? And from now on, can we say that the code of the Armed Forces will be extended to the regimental soldiers?

– And since the colonels are offered military positions and officer ranks, will they also be certified, according to what standards?

– Is it already clear what the spiritual service of the soldiers will mean from now on, will their service duties undergo changes compared to before, and what changes?

3 days after the publication of our article, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia decides to send a response letter in violation of the deadline established by law, which states:

“In response to your request of February 6, 2026 addressed to the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, we inform you that until February 1 of this year, various service consultations were held with the participation of the regimental officers.

RA Defense Minister Suren Papikyan addressed your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th questions in a briefing with journalists at the National Assembly on February 6.

In other words, Suren Papikyan did not deny the information in our survey about the meetings convened in the Ministry of Defense and its content.

As for the other questions, we mentioned in the above-mentioned article that we sent a written request because there were still misreadings and doubts regarding the content of the meeting in the Ministry of Defense, the reasons for excluding dual subordination in the army, and the duties, salary, and certification-de-certification of the gunners in the new status.

In other words, no clear answers were given during the briefing, moreover, the questions that are present in our written survey were not asked there.

For example, during Suren Papikyan’s term of office and before that, did the dual subordination of colonels in the army cause problems and what exactly was the problem, and from now on, can we say that the code of the Armed Forces will be extended to colonels, what legislative, rulebook, statutory changes does the change in the nature of spiritual service in the army imply? The briefing also did not address whether the certification process would be extended to enlisted gunners, and what standards would be applied.

And in its response letter sent by the RA Ministry of Defense in violation of the deadline, it tried to save the fact that it does not have de jure and de facto answers to our questions by referring to Suren Papikyan’s briefing on February 6. It’s a failed attempt, to say the least.

And what about the briefing with journalists at the National Assembly? to say The Minister of Defense.

“The order of the Minister of Defense has been changed, and the nature of the service has changed. Speculations that spiritual service in the army has been stopped are not true. Spiritual service can be continued in the army, they just have to obey the morale-psychological department of the Armed ForcesSuren Papikyan noted, adding that there can be no dual subordination in the army.

And we tried to find out from which moment or period the dual subordination in the army caused problems, and what exactly, after all, only Suren Papikyan has been in this position since November 15, 2021.

Journalists were also interested in the fact that disorganized clerics were offered positions, that is, to go and work as a regiment with a salary of 700,000 drams, to which Suren Papikyan said in response.

“I can’t say the amount of salary now, but the Minister’s order that we have published reveals that yes, we can sign a contract with the ministers who received spiritual education of the AAP in RA, so that they serve and fulfill their mission. I can’t talk about salary now. You say the amount of salary is high, but it will be sufficient salary, which will be different from what they received before.”

Are there answers to our questions here? Maybe the RA Ministry of Defense will once again look at Minister Papikyan’s briefing…

—

Armenia’s Triumph at the European Weightlifting Championships: The Story of Dedication and Strength

Karakhanian Suren
Feb 22 2024
Salman Khan

When the Armenian weightlifting team touched down at Yerevan's Zvartnots Airport, a wave of pride and joy swept through the air. Fresh from their remarkable performance at the European Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, the athletes were not just carrying their luggage, but also an impressive haul of medals that testified to their strength, dedication, and the spirit of a nation. Leading the medal count with a total of 11 gold, 7 silver, and 8 bronze medals, Armenia had once again proven its mettle in the realm of weightlifting on the European stage.

Among the heroes welcomed home, Hripsime Khurshudyan, a 36-year-old mother of two, stood out for her extraordinary achievement. Competing in the women's 87kg category, Khurshudyan lifted a total of 227kg to secure the bronze medal. Her performance was not just a testament to her physical strength but also her unyielding spirit. Despite facing serious injuries and the looming thought of retirement, Khurshudyan's dedication to her sport and her country remained unwavering. "This medal is more than a piece of metal; it's the fulfillment of a promise I made to raise the Armenian flag," Khurshudyan reflected, her satisfaction with her performance shining through her words.

The European Championships were a rollercoaster of emotions for Khurshudyan. After her final attempt, she kissed the barbell, a gesture of farewell to the sport she loved, and removed her sneakers – a symbol in weightlifting that typically signifies retirement. Yet, in a twist of fate, she later discovered she had won a bronze medal. This unexpected victory has given Khurshudyan a new perspective, leaving her undecided about ending her illustrious career. "I'm focusing on my recovery now," she mentioned, hinting at her intention to compete in the upcoming World Championships in December.

The championships also highlighted the emergence of new talents and the consistent brilliance of veteran athletes. Samvel Gasparyan, with his silver medal in the men's 102kg category, and Varazdat Lalayan's gold in the super-heavyweights, underscored Armenia's depth in weightlifting talent. Gasparyan's achievement was particularly noteworthy, adding a silver to his collection of medals from previous years and signifying his role as a stalwart in the sport. Lalayan's victory was equally compelling, marking him as a strong contender for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

As the Armenian team reflects on their achievements and looks towards future challenges, their success at the European Championships serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It's a reminder of the power of dedication, the importance of resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of athletes who, against all odds, continue to strive for excellence. While the journey of Hripsime Khurshudyan and her teammates is far from over, their story of triumph in Sofia will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of weightlifters in Armenia and beyond.

https://bnnbreaking.com/sports/armenias-triumph-at-the-european-weightlifting-championships-the-story-of-dedication-and-strength

Armenpress: Armenia-France relations are at exceptional dynamic stage. Pashinyan, Macron meet at the Élysée Palace

Karakhanian Suren

 22:04,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and French President Emmanuel Macron made statements for media representatives before the meeting at the Élysée Palace.

According to the readout issued by the Prime Ministers office, the French President said in his speech.

"Mr. Prime Minister,
Ladies and Gentlemen Ministers,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I want to thank dear Nikol for being in Paris on this important day. February 21 is the day when Missak Manouchian and his comrades of the resistance movement were killed for the freedom of France, and the motherland fully recognized them and they will rest in the Pantheon. Missak Manouchian and his wife Mélinée will rest in the Pantheon, where France enshrines its great people. It is also the gratitude of France for the struggle for freedom.

Your presence today is very important to all of us. I once again want to tell you, to reiterate, that you can count on France's support for Armenia, its independence, territorial integrity, democratic process and peaceful aspirations.

I would also like to salute, dear Nikol, your personal courage and determination to move forward on this path. Armenia's membership in the International Criminal Court is also a shining example of this commitment. At this moment, as we commemorate Missak and Mélinée Manouchians, war crimes continue on the continent of Europe, and the fight for freedom, more than ever, requires a fight against impunity.

During our meeting we will be able to talk about the discussions aimed at the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The recent incidents in Syunik prove that the danger of escalation remains real. France regrets that an Azerbaijani was wounded as a result of the shooting on February 12, which was also accepted by the Armenian leadership with full transparency, but France expresses regret for the disproportionate retaliatory strike by Azerbaijan, as a result of which the Armenian side suffered four deaths and one wounded. France will continue to support efforts towards a just and lasting peace. We are convinced that this can only be achieved by respecting international law, sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders.

At the Prague meeting in 2022, you and Aliyev reaffirmed your commitment to the Alma-Ata Declaration, and it is necessary for Azerbaijan to dispel ambiguities. I think it is more than necessary for Azerbaijan to dispel any ambiguity regarding the territorial integrity of Armenia, as far as maps are concerned, then conscientious work should be done for border delimitation and demarcation, which will serve as a basis for the withdrawal of forces from both sides of the border.

We also call for the implementation of the decision of the International Court of Justice of November 17, 2023. According to this decision, Azerbaijan must ensure that persons who have left Nagorno-Karabakh since September 19, 2023 and who wish to return can do so safely, unhindered and quickly.

We want the South Caucasus to be a region of peace, integration and cooperation, and it is necessary for communication channels to be factors assisting integration and not division. I have visited Central Asia and I want communication links between Central Asia, the South Caucasus and the European Union to develop. And I welcome your "Crossroads of Peace" initiative in this shared ambition.

We will also discuss issues aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. France will continue to support infrastructure development in Armenia with the participation of our companies. We will also continue to develop cooperation in the field of defense. France has given its consent for the delivery of defense military equipment. And in this area France will continue in the spirit of responsibility, not wanting any escalation.

France also continues its humanitarian commitment to the refugees of Nagorno-Karabakh, providing 29 million euros in aid in 2023.

France will continue to resolutely support the development of relations between the European Union and Armenia. Here, too, we are making progress in favor of sovereignty and our common strategic interests. The observation mission of the European Union has been strengthened. It aims to contribute to stability, delivering unbiased information to the international community and the security of vulnerable populations in military contact zones. Armenia should also take advantage of the European instruments of peace. The European Union and Armenia want a timetable for a new partnership.

These are the few aspects I wished to remind. And you know that beyond words, France stands by Armenia because justice, freedom and international law are important to us.

Once again, I want to salute the courage and on the occasion of this special day, I reaffirm France's support to Armenia and all Armenians."

In turn, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted.
"Thank you, honorable Mr. President, dear Emmanuel. First of all, I want to thank you for today's invitation and for making me and the delegation of the Republic of Armenia a participant in this truly historic and emotional event.

Today we will be present at the ceremony of enshrining the remains of one of the heroes of the French Resistance, our compatriot Missak Manouchian, in the Pantheon of the greatest French citizens, and it is a great honor for us to be present at today's event and ceremony. I think today's event also shows the depth of existing relations between our countries and peoples, because they are not only political, economic, human, cultural ties, but I think we are connected by a deep, emotional connection. And I also want to thank you for the decision you made, because, indeed, this once again emphasizes not only our friendship and the depth of our relations, but is also a unique and special appreciation to the Armenians who contributed to the accomplishment of France, which is an honor and a great pride for us.

I want to express my gratitude for highlighting that contribution. With your permission, I should also emphasize that this year we have a similar event with a very deep context. This year is the 100th anniversary of Charles Aznavour, and I hope that in September in Yerevan we will participate together in the gala concert dedicated to Aznavour's 100th anniversary. And I want, Mr. President, to emphasize once again my invitation to you to visit the Republic of Armenia on a state visit.

I should also note that the relations between Armenia and France are at an exceptional dynamic stage. And here, of course, you have a special personal role, Mr. President, and I want to emphasize that, and thank you for your approach to the development and deepening of our relations. Our ties are deepening in the field of economy, our ties are deepening politically. And I must also emphasize your contribution to creating a favorable environment around Armenia.

You mentioned the quadrilateral meeting in Prague on October 6, 2022, where, in fact, cornerstone principles of regional peace and stability were highlighted. I am sure that if these principles are adhered to, peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan is indeed achievable and realistic. And once again I emphasize our committment to the agreements reached.

Mr. President, I specially want to thank you for your support in the resilience of Armenia. You emphasized that in the field of defense, in fact, we have established new relations, which is essential for ensuring security and stability in the region. In that regard, it is known that there are criticisms, and I want to emphasize that the Republic of Armenia, as I said, recognizes the territorial integrity of all its neighbors. And in this sense, the development of the defense capabilities of the Republic of Armenia cannot cause worries for anyone, because our only task is to form the right balance in the region and only to protect the legitimate, sovereign, internationally recognized territory, borders, territorial integrity, and independence of the Republic of Armenia and increasing the resilience of our country.

I also want to to express my special thanks to you for your support to the democratic reforms of Armenia. In this context, we are indeed entering a new dynamic phase in our relations with the European Union. And here I must emphasize the support of France and personally you, because the European Union is also of key importance for the implementation of democratic reforms and development of institutional capacities of our country.

Of course, today I will also have the opportunity to share with you thoughts about our region and the international situation. The last time we had a discussion was in Granada, and during this time some developments have taken place.

Also, I would like to share some information with you about the meeting and other discussions that took place in Munich a few days ago. And of course, there are many issues on our agenda and, fortunately, our agenda of bilateral relations and our cooperation on international platforms is very positive, very extensive. And it is important to have this opportunity here, although we do not forget that our main mission today is to honor the memory of all the heroes who sacrificed their lives and contributed to the independence and statehood of France.

Thank you".

Next, the meeting of the Prime Minister of Armenia and the French President took place, during which the consistent development and strengthening of multi-sectoral cooperation between Armenia and France, the processes taking place in the South Caucasus region, and other topics of mutual interest were discussed.


Armenia is not Russia’s ally in matter of Ukraine, reiterates Pashinyan

Karakhanian Suren

 11:28,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has reiterated that Armenia is not Russia’s ally in the Ukraine conflict.

“The situation is difficult, so is our stance,” Pashinyan said during his meeting with the Armenian community in Germany where he was on a visit for the Munich Security Conference, when asked on Yerevan’s position in the Ukraine issue.

He said that the Alma-Ata Declaration is the basis for recognition of the independence and territorial integrity of the republics that gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

“We recognize the Alma-Ata Declaration, but it’s not just for us. 13 Soviet republics have acknowledged the Alma-Ata Declaration, including Russia and Ukraine. By the way, they are the ones who initiated it, because Russia, Ukraine and Belarus decided with the Belovezha Accords that the Soviet Union no longer exists, and that they become independent states and recognize each other’s borders. Our perception in the matter of Ukraine is that the basis for recognizing the independence and territorial integrity of the republics is the Alma-Ata Declaration. In our logic, the same should apply in case of Ukraine, because that document pertains to us all. And if we tear it down, then we tear everything down. I’ve said this long ago, Armenia is not Russia’s ally in the matter of Ukraine, and this is our sincere stance. I said this for the first time two years ago, and we very much regret that we can’t have any impact on that situation. The Ukrainian people are a friendly people to us,” Pashinyan said.

Los Angeles Celebrates TUMO Center’s Groundbreaking

Karakhanian Suren
Feb 12 2024

Groundbreaking of First U.S. TUMO Center in North Hollywood: Los Angeles city officials celebrated the groundbreaking of the first TUMO Technology Learning Center in the United States.

TUMO's Mission and Program: TUMO is a free educational program from Armenia, focusing on maximizing teen learning in 14 areas, including music, filmmaking, robotics, and 3D modeling.

Support for Low-Income Youth: Council President Paul Krekorian emphasized the center's role in providing creative and educational resources to low-income youth, fostering future creative leaders.

Officials' Statements: Mayor Karen Bass and Paul Krekorian, joined by former Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian and TUMO founder Sam Simonian, expressed commitment to empowering Los Angeles' youth with technology skills.

Center's Location and Funding: TUMO LA will be housed in a remodeled three-floor office space at 4146 Lankershim Blvd., with funding from a $23.25 million state grant and $3 million in federal funds.

Additional Funding for Amphitheater: A motion for an additional $2.5 million to create an amphitheater on the building's roof was approved by the L.A. City Council.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD – Los Angeles city officials Monday celebrated the groundbreaking of the first TUMO Technology Learning Center in the United States.

TUMO, originally founded in Armenia, is a free-of-charge educational program that aims to maximize teens' learning by building skills and self- confidence. The program offers educational and training opportunities in 14 different subjects, including music, filmmaking, robotics and 3D modeling.

"The creation of TUMO in the east San Fernando Valley will bring much needed creative and educational resources to low-income youth and teenagers that would otherwise not be exposed to the fantastic learning opportunities that TUMO creates," L.A. City Council President Paul Krekorian said in a statement. "This center will shape the next generation of creative leaders that will keep our entertainment industry strong and thriving."

During a morning conference, Mayor Karen Bass joined Krekorian, as well as former Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian and Sam Simonian, founder of Tumo, at the future site of TUMO LA, located at 4146 Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood.

"We are committed to empowering Los Angeles' next generation of youth to gain skills that will prepare them for jobs in the technology industry," Bass said in a statement.

She added, "This center will allow Los Angeles youth to maximize their potential by discovering their passions for creative technologies and building the cutting-edge skills essential for navigating the ever-evolving digital world."

According to Krekorian's office, the center is expected to open in December 2024. It be located at an existing three-floor office space that requires remodeling.

The center was made possible through a $23.25 million dollar grant from the state, secured by Nazarian. Additionally, $3 million in federal funds also contributed to the project, thanks to efforts from Krekorian.

Last week, the L.A. City Council approved a motion seeking to allocate another $2.5 million to create an amphitheater on the building's roof.

Nazarian, who formerly represented parts of the east San Fernando Valley, said he was proud to support the TUMO center.

" The TUMO Technology Learning Center focuses on placing teenagers, aged 12 to 18 years, in control of their learning experiences and enabling them to unlock their full potential by identifying their passions and equipping them with the skills necessary to shape their future," Nazarian said in a statement. "This center will create life-changing experiences for our children and build the next generation of leaders for our communities."

  

Pashinyan-Scholz-Aliyev tripartite meeting results in agreement to continue working on peace treaty

Karakhanian Suren

 14:57,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. At the tripartite meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the process of regulating Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and steps aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region were discussed, the press service of the Government of the Republic of Armenia said.

 It was agreed to continue the work on the peace treaty.

The tripartite meeting took place within the framework of the Munich Security Conference.

Minister Suren Papikyan, Lithuanian counterpart discuss bilateral issues

Karakhanian Suren

 15:20,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. On February 17, in the framework of the working visit to the Federal Republic of Germany in the delegation led by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan held a meeting with Lithuania's Minister of National Defense Arvydas Anušauskas, the Armenian Defense Ministry reported.

According to the source, the discussion focused on the current state and future prospects of cooperation between both countries. Several agreements were reached to enhance collaboration, particularly within the European Union and NATO frameworks.

Additionally, the ministers addressed various bilateral matters, including regional security issues.