Author: Khondkarian Raffi

Asbarez: Armen Agop to Represent the Egypt Pavilion at 61st Venice Biennale

Khondkarian Raffi
by Contributor

 

 March 13, 2026

 

in Arts & Culture, Latest, News, Top Stories

Armen Agop by Karim Kaddal lowres


The The Ministry of Culture of Egypt has announced that artist Armen Agop has been selected to represent Egypt at the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. An artist whose work traverses the boundaries of the spiritual and physical realms, Armen Agop is known for his distinct visual language rooted in silence, introspection, and permanence. The exhibition opens to the public on May 9 and continues through November 22.

Agop’s practice distills form to its most meditative essence, as his focus is on the invisible and the internal energy that an artwork transmits, embodying a spirituality within a physical form. Soberness, slowness, and renouncement of demonstrative abilities are features that characterize his ascetic approach, a conviction that has defined his work for over three decades “Egypt represents one of the most important civilizations and La Biennale di Venezia is one of the most important art exhibitions in the world, being part of that is one of the greatest honors and responsibilities an artist can have.” Agop said regarding his selection. 

Agop, who is both artist and curator, says that “the Egypt Pavilion will be a space for contemplation.” He has entitled the exhibition, “Silence Pavilion: Between the Tangible and the Intangible,” inviting the viewer to listen to the silence, observe the invisible, and discern the scents and sounds of the intangible.

Rooted in both ancient Egyptian sensibilities and a cross-cultural worldview, his work offers a contemplative counter-melody—one that speaks in “minor keys” through depth rather than volume. The artist’s presentation for the Egyptian Pavilion aligns with the Biennale Arte 2026 conceptual frame, reflecting on how nuance, inwardness, and delicate shifts of perception can reveal an alternative mode of awareness.

This appointment carries a unique historical resonance: “My grandfather survived the Armenian genocide by Turkey and arrived in Egypt, where the Armenians were welcomed. Representing Egypt therefore has symbolic meaning and a successful demonstration of cultural coexistence that transcends geographical boundaries. An example for our contemporary situation: our humanity can transcend the limits of reason. I believe we are more human in unity than in separation. And now, having lived in Italy since 2000, the cultural interaction is enriching, and the horizon continually expands like a boundless desert, sustaining consistent growth.

In 2026, Agop brings to the Egypt Pavilion a renewed perspective on silence, not as absence but as presence — a conscious act of grounding in a time of global acceleration. His participation symbolizes both personal continuity and Egypt’s broader cultural evolution.

Born in Cairo in 1969, Armen Agop creates sculptures and paintings that explore the relationship between the physical and spiritual. Rooted in his Egyptian-Armenian heritage, his work connects ancient traditions with contemporary practice, blurring the line between art-making and meditation.

Inspired by the desert, Agop distills his work into essential forms free of narrative or representation. His pieces become meditations—recordings of time and consciousness, echoes of a spiritual process rather than representations of form.

Agop graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Helwan University, Cairo in 1992. Major awards include the Prix de Rome (2000), the Umberto Mastroianni Award (2010), and the Premio Sulmona, Presidential Medal of the Italian Republic (2013). His works are held in collections including the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art, Mathaf (Doha), Barjeel Art Foundation (Sharjah), and the Egyptian Modern Art Museum (Cairo). He lives and works in Pietrasanta, Italy.

Commissioned by the Egyptian ministry of culture – Accademia d’Egitto a Roma, the National Pavilion of Egypt has participated in the International Art Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia since 1938, making it one of the longest-standing participants. Located in the Giardini, the pavilion was designed by architect Brenno Del Giudice in 1932 and has served as Egypt’s permanent home at the Biennale since 1952. In 1995, Egypt was awarded the Golden Lion for Best National Participation. The pavilion serves as a platform for Egypt’s most innovative artistic voices, providing a space for dialogue, cultural exchange, and creative collaboration. It represents Egypt’s rich artistic heritage while showcasing contemporary innovation on the international stage.

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RFE/RL – Supporters Rally To Demand Release Of Armenian Tycoon

Khondkarian Raffi
  • Shoghik Galstian
March 13, 2026
Armenia – Supporters of billionaire Samvel Karapetian rally outside a court in Yerevan, March 13, 2026.

Riot police made several arrests on Friday as hundreds of supporters of billionaire and emerging opposition leader Samvel Karapetian demonstrated outside a court in Yerevan to demand his release from house arrest ahead of Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections.

The demonstration organized by Karapetian’s Strong Armenia party took place during a court hearing on investigators’ demand to extend the house arrest by another month. Some demonstrators jostled with security forces at one point.

According to the Armenian Interior Ministry, three of them were detained on the spot for ignoring police orders. One of Karapetian’s lawyers, Armen Feroyan, put the number of detainees at around 20.

The court announced no decision as of 10 p.m. local time. Another Karapetian lawyer, Aram Vartevanian, said the Russian-Armenian tycoon should be set free not only because the charges brought against him are baseless but also to ensure the integrity of unfolding “political processes” in the country.

Vartevanian seemed to allude to the June 7 elections. Strong Armenia is expected to be one of the ruling Civil Contract party’s main election challengers.

Armenia – Businessman Samvel Karapetian is greeted by supporters as he is moved back to house arrest, Yerevan, January 19, 2026.

Karapetian was arrested last June hours after condemning Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s attempts to depose the top clergy of the Armenian Apostolic Church and vowing to defend it “in our way.” The statement provoked a series of furious social media posts by Pashinian. The latter pledged to “deactivate” the tycoon believed to be the world’s richest Armenian.

Law-enforcement authorities claim that Karapetian called for a violent overthrow of the government. They also charged him with tax evasion, fraud and money laundering in July after he decided to challenge Pashinian’s party in the 2026 elections.

The 60-year-old rejects all accusations politically motivated. He was moved to house arrest in late December.

Under the Armenian constitution, Karapetian cannot become prime minister because of his dual Russian citizenship. His party has made clear that it will try to remove this constitutional hurdle if it wins the elections.

Karapetian’s brother Karen was among the protesters rallying outside the court building. He said that any decision by the judge “will not change our behavior.”

“Whether we are in jail or stand in a bread line, we will keep fighting,” Karen Karapetian told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service.

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The Surprises in “Armenia, My Home”

Khondkarian Raffi
Cynopsis Media
Feb 27 2024
  • By: Lynn Leahey
  • |

“Armenia, My Home” celebrates the modern-day Armenian Republic and its people, and explores the nearly 3,000-year-old  past of the world’s first Christian nation. The documentary from filmmaker Andrew Goldberg, narrated by Andrea Martin (“Only Murders in the Building”), is airing on PBS Stations this week (check local listings) and here, Goldberg explains what makes to project special.

What will viewers of  “Armenia, My Home” be surprised to learn about the Armenian culture?

I think anyone who has never been to Armenia will be most surprised by just how beautiful the country is. It’s got a striking landscape — very ancient monasteries surrounded by totally untouched hills and valleys and cliffs. It’s a hiker’s paradise.

But in terms of the culture, I think one of the most interesting things is the Armenian language. It’s not really related to any other language unless you go back thousands of years, and it has a very distinct and beautiful written alphabet that dates back to the fifth century. You’ll see this script throughout the film — the legend has it that it came to its creator in a dream.

How was Andrea Martin chosen to participate?

I first worked with Andrea in 1999 on another PBS project and she was just an incredible person and a huge talent. When we approached her for this film, we wanted someone who could bring a certain warmth and humor to the script, and she just exudes that naturally. She came to the table with an understanding of the country because she herself is Armenian and has traveled there, and I really do think her love for the place comes through in every line.

What is cutting edge about the documentary’s cinematography?

We were lucky enough to have almost unlimited access to fly drones wherever we wanted in Armenia, and we had some of the best aerial cinematographers in the world to capture it. The drones themselves are the most technologically sophisticated available and they were actually released for purchase just two days before we began filming. We used Guy Alexander and Nathan Richards to film. They are based in Australia. They usually shoot major features like Thor and Mad Max, but can truly do almost anything. Somehow with their footage they managed to capture the soul of Armenia. There’s an expansiveness to their aerials — you can really get the sense of hope and aspiration that Armenians have for the young and growing independent country they now have.

https://www.cynopsis.com/cyncity/the-surprises-in-armenia-my-home/

Russian border guards obstructed EU mission in Armenia

Khondkarian Raffi
Feb 22 2024
 

ByArshaluys Barseghyan

The head of the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) announced on Wednesday that Russian border guards had blocked European observers from entering Nerkin Hand, in Armenia’s southern Syunik Province. 

The mission’s head, Markus Ritter’s announcement came on the one-year anniversary of the mission’s deployment in Armenia. 

Recent clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan took place around Nerkin Hand, where four Armenians were killed on 13 February. 

Ritter added that the EU had anticipated that they would face issues accessing the village, and that it was the only location along the border blocked by Russian troops.

The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council, Armen Grigoryan, had earlier stated that the EUMA did not have access to the area. While avoiding responding to questions as to why this was the case, he added that Armenia would attempt to address issues regarding the EU mission’s access to the region. 

Griogryan also confirmed that Russian forces were present in the area and had been ‘unable to prevent’ the February escalation. 

Russian border guards man a number of road, air, and rail checkpoints on Armenia’s border with Turkey and Iran. 

Grigoryan went on to praise the EU mission’s contributions to the stability of the region, as well as ensuring ‘transparency regarding current events’, while declaring criticism from ‘various countries’ to be ‘unjustified’ and ‘unacceptable’. 

The mission was deployed in February 2023 at Armenia’s request, with a two-year mandate to ‘contribute to stability in border areas’. Both Russia and Azerbaijan have criticised the mission since its deployment. 

While Baku agreed to cooperate with the mission, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed the EU mission as ‘counterproductive’, arguing that it could create additional tension, as well as claiming that Armenia was showing preference to the EU mission over peacekeepers from the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO). 

Armenia has expressed increasing dissatisfaction with Russia and the CSTO over their failure to honour security guarantees when Azerbaijani forces entered Armenian territory in September 2022. 

In 2023, Armenia pulled out of hosting or taking part in CSTO drills and other events, stating that it was ‘diversifying’ its security alliances. 

The EUMA operates exclusively on the Armenian side of the border, with its unarmed civilian observers conducting patrols along the entire border with Azerbaijan, including its exclave of Nakhchivan, and sending classified reports to the EU.

While 138 observers were initially deployed, the mission announced in late 2023 that those numbers would increase to 209. 

In August 2023, Armenia said the mission had come under fire from Azerbaijan. While the EUMA initially denied Armenia’s claim, they later confirmed that there had been a ‘shooting incident in our area of responsibility’ where their patrol was present, after a video of the incident was leaked. 

The video showed monitors hiding in an Armenian bunker, and pointing out the Azerbaijani military position from where their car had been targeted. 

https://oc-media.org/russian-border-guards-obstructed-eu-mission-in-armenia/

Azerbaijan submits peace treaty proposals to Armenia

Khondkarian Raffi
 Hoory Minoyan News 0

Tripartite meeting between Nikol Pashinyan, Olaf Scholz and Ilham Aliyev in Munich on Feb. 17, 2024 (Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia)

YEREVAN—Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, confirmed today that Azerbaijan has submitted its version of a peace treaty to Armenia.

“Following our response on January 4, Azerbaijan has submitted its version, and we are currently working on it. I believe that if the foreign ministers meet soon, they will discuss the peace agreement,” Grigoryan said.

Grigoryan clarified that the EU civilian monitoring mission, which is deployed along the Armenian side of the border, does not have access to the Nerkin Hand region, where the recent border incident occurred. Four Armenian soldiers were killed in an Azerbaijani attack on Nerkin Hand, Syunik on February 13, the most intense escalation along the border in months. Grigoryan emphasized that Armenia remains committed to resolving the issue through diplomatic means and reiterated Armenia’s commitment to a mirror withdrawal of troops from the border.

Grigoryan also addressed the issue of armament acquired by Azerbaijan. He proposed the implementation of arms control mechanisms to establish stability and long-term peace in the region. He emphasized that Armenia is actively diversifying its security and foreign policy and is committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict through diplomatic channels.

This news follows a meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Munich on February 17 with the mediation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz within the framework of the Munich Security Conference. The meeting, which was the first between the two leaders since last July, was held to discuss the ongoing conflict between the two countries over Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh and the peace deal that continues to linger.

According to Azerbaijan’s APA news agency, Scholz left the room at some point, and the meeting continued in a bilateral format between Pashinyan and Aliyev. Afterwards, the sides expressed satisfaction with the meeting but offered few specifics on a way forward. 

One of the main reasons for their failure to meet has been disagreement over who should mediate, particularly since Azerbaijan’s seizure of Artsakh in September and the exodus of the region’s Armenian population. Armenia has favored mediation by the EU and U.S. Azerbaijan first expressed preference for authoritarian regional powers Russia and Turkey and then began rejecting all outside mediation.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have met in bilateral format several times, however, to discuss border delimitation in November and a prisoner exchange in December. Armenia has not explicitly rejected bilateral talks on a comprehensive peace deal, though its preference for Western mediation is evident, as it seeks closer ties with the EU and U.S. and attempts to move away from its traditional strategic partner Russia.

The Aliyev-Pashinyan-Scholz meeting took place just four days following the latest escalation on the border with Azerbaijan on February 13.

In the latest incident, Azerbaijan claimed that its troops had come under fire from an Armenian army position in the southern Syunik region on February 12, resulting in the wounding of one Azerbaijani soldier. The Armenian Defense Ministry promptly announced that it would conduct an investigation. The following day, Azerbaijan launched what it called a “revenge operation,” subjecting the Armenian post to intensive fire for four hours, killing four soldiers and wounding another.

During a government meeting on February 15, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed concerns about Azerbaijan’s intentions along the border. “Our analysis shows that Azerbaijan wants to launch military action in some parts of the border with the prospect of turning military escalation into a full-scale war against Armenia,” Pashinyan stated. “This intention can be read in all statements and actions of Azerbaijan.”

After his meeting with Aliyev, on February 18 Pashinyan said the two countries’ foreign ministers would meet soon for peace talks. It is not clear whether or not any mediators will be present. Aliyev, meanwhile, called his meeting with Pashinyan “constructive and useful.” He declared that there is “de facto peace in the region” and expressed readiness to sign a peace treaty.

At the same time, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reiterated Baku’s demand that Armenia revise its constitution and other laws to remove all references to Artsakh.

Following the Munich meeting, Scholz stated that the sides agreed to resolve their differences without violence. No details about any specific agreements were made public. 

On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also met with Pahinyan and Aliyev separately, expressing support for the peace process. During his meeting with Aliyev, Blinken “raised the importance of Azerbaijan adhering to its international commitments and obligations regarding human rights.”

While the two countries’ leaders maintain that they have agreed on the main principles of the peace treaty, the sides voice disagreement over almost all of the parts of the deal, including the opening of the transport links, border delimitation and demarcation, and Aliyev’s bold declaration that Armenia must amend its constitution if it wishes to achieve peace with Azerbaijan. Aliyev emphasized that Armenia’s current constitution contains provisions that supposedly challenge Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

The crux of the issue lies in Armenia’s Declaration of Independence, which calls for the unification of Artsakh with Armenia, as well as international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. These references have been a point of contention in the ongoing peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Regarding the principles for a peace treaty, Armenia and Azerbaijan have discussed recognizing each other’s territorial integrity, with the latest USSR and Almaty declaration maps used for the demarcation of the borders, and opening regional infrastructure based on the respective country’s legislation and jurisdiction. Azerbaijan, however, demands a corridor through Armenia connecting mainland Azerbaijan with its exclave Nakhchivan to be controlled by Russian border troops and without Armenian customs or border checks.

Amidst Azerbaijan’s outward display of peace on the international stage, the country’s Defense Ministry has announced the commencement of a training session for reservists, in line with the 2024 training plan approved by Minister of Defense Zakir Hasanov. The reservists, after undergoing registration and medical examination at the assembly point, have been equipped with military uniforms and other essential supplies.

The training session is designed to elevate combat proficiency, military acumen and practical experience of the reservists, according to the Defense Ministry. It also aims to acquaint reservists with the latest weaponry and military equipment in the army’s arsenal.

While Azerbaijan’s rhetoric on the international stage may suggest a commitment to peace, its actions at home raise questions about its true intentions. The timing of the reservist training session, coming on the heels of a recent escalation on the border with Armenia, suggests that Baku may be preparing for a new round of hostilities rather than seeking genuine peace. This dichotomy between words and actions underscores the complexity of the situation and the challenges facing the region in achieving a lasting peace.

  •  Bio
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Hoory Minoyan was an active member of the Armenian community in Los Angeles until she moved to Armenia prior to the 44-day war. She graduated with a master's in International Affairs from Boston University, where she was also the recipient of the William R. Keylor Travel Grant. The research and interviews she conducted while in Armenia later became the foundation of her Master’s thesis, “Shaping Identity Through Conflict: The Armenian Experience.” Hoory continues to follow her passion for research and writing by contributing to the Armenian Weekly.


Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 20-02-24

Khondkarian Raffi

 17:06,

YEREVAN, 20 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 20 February, USD exchange rate up by 0.10 drams to 404.47 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 1.16 drams to 436.87 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate stood at 4.38 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 0.11 drams to 510.00 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 255.45 drams to 26229.74 drams. Silver price up by 1.05 drams to 300.20 drams.

Armenia raises alarm, accuses Azerbaijan of planning full-scale war as tensions simmer

Khondkarian Raffi
Newsable
Feb 15 2024

As tensions escalate in the region, Armenia has sounded the alarm, alleging that Azerbaijan is plotting a full-scale war. The accusations add a layer of complexity to the diplomatic landscape, raising concerns about the potential ramifications for both nations.

The tensions in the Middle East have disrupted the global economy causing the oil prices to shoot up. A similar situation could be simmering in the oil-rich Azerbaijan region. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Thursday warned that the neighboring nation is planning a full-scale war to win more territories.

Nikol Pashinyan has accused Azerbaijan of plotting a full-scale war after skirmishes took place on the border that left 4 Armenian soldiers dead. The skirmishes have enforced war alarms over Armenia as the nightmares of last September seem to resurface.

Azerbaijan launched a swift military action to invade Armenia and take the highly populated Nagorno-Karabakh. The Armenian side suffered more casualties and also lost vital territories due to a weak military. The Asian nation has now stepped up its defense spending and has exported multiple defense equipment from India.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said, “Our analysis shows that Azerbaijan wants to launch military action in some parts of the border with the prospect of turning military escalation into a full-scale war against Armenia.”

Azerbaijan has also beefed up its defense purchases from Turkey to prepare for another assault on Armenia. Pakistan and Turkey have come out as major allies of the oil and gas-rich nation. Baku as of now has a multifold stronger military presence and any move on the borders will prove difficult to tackle for Yerevan.

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev recently won re-election to the office in Baku fighting on national security rhetoric that involved the win in Armenia. He said, “We have no territorial claims to Armenia. And they should give up their claims. Talking to us in the language of blackmail will cost them dearly.”

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan meets Kosovo counterpart

Khondkarian Raffi

 19:15,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 16, ARMENPRESS.  Within the framework of the Munich Security Conference, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a meeting with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
According to the readout issued by the Armenian Prime Minister Office, the parties exchanged ideas on the current situation and ongoing processes in the South Caucasus region and the Balkans, as well as ensuring security and stability.
According to the source, the Prime Minister of Kosovo expressed his support to the Armenian people in the context of the events of the recent years, noting that historically both nations are going through a difficult period.
It is noted that the meeting touched on multi-sectoral cooperation, as well as the prospects of cooperation on international platforms.

US highly values Armenia’s commitment to a dignified and stable peace – Blinken

Khondkarian Raffi

 13:05,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 17, ARMENPRESS.  The United States of America highly values Armenia's commitment to a dignified and sustainable peace.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said this during the meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
"Armenia is a highly valued partner in the United States and we appreciate its commitment to achieving  a dignified and lasting peace," said Blinken.
Bliken stated that in addition to discussing and working towards it, they are also  working on strengthening relations between the two countries across various fields.
U.S. Secretary of State  expressed his intention to discuss those matters with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.