Parliament speaker Alen Simonian has accused Russia of using Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections to try to topple Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s government.
Simonian, who is a leading member of Pashinian’s Civil Contract party, first made the accusation in a weekend interview with Armenian state television.
“While in Ukraine they are trying to advance their interests through military means, in Armenia there is an attempt at a political operation, an attempt to seize power,” he claimed. “Now they are trying to use our democracy against us. They say, ‘The Internet is free in your country, we will buy so much advertising on that Internet with our rubles that it will be ours.’”
“We will not allow the Republic of Armenia to be turned into a ‘gubernia’ (a Russian province), we will not be governed like Belarus,” he said.
Moscow has still not reacted to the accusations, unlike the Belarusian Foreign Ministry that summoned the Armenian charge d’affaires in Minsk on Tuesday to hand him a protest note against Yerevan’s “latest unfriendly actions.” Also, a ministry spokesman described Simonian’s jibe as “pre-election populism.”
The Armenian speaker stood by his claims on Wednesday, telling reporters that “the example of Belarus’s governance is unacceptable to my country.”
“An attempt to seize power is underway,” he said in another attack on Moscow.
Simonian’s statements came right before and after two European summits in Yerevan seen by the Armenian opposition as a pre-election show of support for Pashinian and his party. Opposition leaders also claim that Pashinian keeps dragging Armenia into the West’s geopolitical standoff with Russia and thus adding to the country’s grave security challenges.
Meeting with Pashinian in Moscow on April 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin implied that Armenia would pay a heavy economic price for its government’s continued drift to the European Union. Putin also warned Yerevan against barring what he called pro-Russian opposition groups from running in the June 7 parliamentary elections.
The three main opposition election contenders are led by Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetian, former President Robert Kocharian and another wealthy businessman, Gagik Tsarukian. Pashinian’s political allies have branded them as Russian agents.
Pashinian sought to downplay Russian-Armenian tensions following his most recent talks with Putin. Simonian’s remarks could reignite them.
—
Prime Minister highlights shift in perception of Armenia’s geographical positi
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that in recent years the perception of Armenia’s geographical position has significantly changed, reshaping the country’s strategic role in the region.
Speaking at the Yerevan Dialogue 2026 forum, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset, and other dignitaries, the Prime Minister noted that although Armenia remains in the same geographical location, the perception and significance of its position have become completely different.
“While staying in the same place, we now have a completely different geographical position than we had before,” Pashinyan said.
He recalled that, according to the widely held perception in the past, Armenia was viewed as a country in a difficult region, surrounded by challenging neighbors and security risks, which for a long time shaped its political and strategic thinking.
“Today, a truly historic change has taken place. The description of Armenia’s geographical position is no longer that we are in a problematic environment, but that the shortest route connecting the East and the West passes through the Republic of Armenia,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
According to Prime Minister Pashinyan, this new perception is shaping a new vision and strategy for Armenia’s development. He noted that the government’s policy is built on this logic, aiming to realize the country’s potential for connectivity.
The Prime Minister presented two key initiatives of this strategy: the “Crossroads of Peace” and “TRIPP” projects.
He said that the “TRIPP” project primarily envisages the restoration of railway connectivity between the East and the West, adding that one of its main routes would pass through southern Armenia.
At the same time, the Prime Minister noted that the project is not limited to railways alone.
“These projects also include power transmission lines, oil and gas pipelines, which could pass through Armenia depending on technical and engineering solutions,” Pashinyan stressed.
He said the government is currently focused on realizing this potential and turning Armenia into an important hub of regional connectivity.
The Prime Minister also addressed the investment environment, noting that recent developments have significantly improved Armenia’s position.
“Today, Armenia is in a geographical position where the investment environment is changing substantially,” he said, emphasizing that this has become possible in the context of emerging peace in the region.
Pashinyan added that international partners, including U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, have also played an important role in this process.
Published by Armenpress, original at
—
“Armenia-EU joint declaration is not about development. it is the infrastructure of Armenia
May 5, 2026
Doctor of political sciences, professor, energy security specialist Vahe Davtyan he writes on his Facebook page.
“The infrastructural dimension of the Armenia-EU joint declaration
In the joint declaration adopted as a result of the Armenia-EU summit, the sections related to critical infrastructures are at first glance presented as an agenda of development, modernization and “connectivity”. However, a more serious problem is hidden in the depths of these formulations: the gradual restructuring of infrastructural control.
Energy
The sections on energy emphasize diversification, energy transition, strengthening networks and integration with European markets. But the key issue here is not the development of energy, but which, or rather, by whose logic this development will be carried out. Diversification is presented as a reduction of dependence, but in reality it may turn into a direct shift of dependence towards European regulatory and technological systems.
The most sensitive point is nuclear energy. EU support for the road map for the decommissioning of the Armenian NPP is formulated as technical and security cooperation, but in fact it records a process whose end result is obvious: the closure of the operating nuclear unit. The question arises: what will it be replaced with? There is no clear answer about it in the declaration. This means that the basic, stable power of Armenia’s energy system is put into question, without an adequate alternative. Remember the Ignalin NPP, which was preserved after Lithuania’s accession to the EU without the creation of new capacity. As a result, Lithuania still has to import expensive electricity from Scandinavia.
And most importantly, the declaration talks about the prospect of Armenia joining the Black Sea electric cable. The latter is a joint EU-Azerbaijan initiative, which is designed to export Azerbaijani “green” energy to the European market. It is obvious that without stable generators, Armenia simply has nothing to do in that communication. It is also obvious that under the existing conditions, Baku will prevent Armenia’s connection to that cable, which is the result of Azerbaijani lobbying, in every possible way.
Transport:
The same logic applies to the transport sector of the declaration. There is talk of integration into the Trans-European networks, opening of communications, “Crossroads of Peace”. However, here it is also important to understand that Armenia is considered not so much as an entity forming an independent transport policy, but as a corridor.
In this context, the EU’s “Global Gateways” strategy is of particular importance, within the framework of which the planned investments in Armenia are estimated at up to 2.5 billion euros. This is presented as a stimulus for connectivity and infrastructural development, but in reality it is directly related to the formation of the Middle Corridor and the restructuring of Europe-Caucasus-Asia logistics chains.
The TRIPP program mentioned in the same logic, which is presented as an initiative promoting regional connectivity, actually reveals another layer. It actually strengthens the role of the US in the Middle Corridor, controlling Europe’s connections with Asia.
An obvious contradiction arises here. on the one hand, there is talk of European integration, on the other hand, the same corridor architecture is also being formed under US strategic interests, the purpose of which in this case is to actually take control of the Europe-Asia logistics connection and its possible configurations.
Under these conditions, Armenia acts not as a co-author of these processes, but as an area of their application, as a tool in the logistics system designed by external centers.
No, the Armenia-EU joint declaration is not about development. It is the political map of the phased dismantling of Armenia’s infrastructural sovereignty.”
—
Armenia, France Deepen Ties Across Key Sectors
By PanARMENIAN
Armenia and France have published the full text of their joint declaration on establishing a strategic partnership, outlining a broad framework for deepening bilateral relations across multiple sectors.
The document emphasizes the intention to significantly expand cooperation in political, economic, justice, defense, security, cultural, educational, scientific, social, environmental, and technological fields.
It reaffirms that strengthening bilateral ties aligns with the national interests and shared values of both countries, based on longstanding historical friendship, democratic principles, and cultural connections.
The declaration confirms both sides’ commitment to international law, including the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Helsinki Final Act, and highlights their intention to contribute to regional and global peace and stability.
Armenia and France also reaffirm support for lasting peace in the South Caucasus, based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as internationally recognized principles.
The agreement elevates bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership, grounded in mutual respect, equality, human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.
The partnership foresees comprehensive cooperation in several key areas:
- Political dialogue and multilateral cooperation: Regular high-level consultations and coordination on international platforms, including the UN, Council of Europe, OSCE, and the European Political Community.
- Security and defense: Expanded cooperation in military education, technology, and defense industry, including joint projects and high-level strategic dialogue.
- Technology and digital fields: Collaboration in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and digital transformation, including combating cybercrime and information manipulation.
- Economic cooperation and connectivity: Development of trade, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and innovation, as well as support for regional connectivity initiatives such as the “Crossroads of Peace” and EU-backed programs.
- Migration and internal security: Joint efforts to address irregular migration, strengthen law enforcement cooperation, and enhance institutional capacities.
- Disaster risk management: Cooperation in emergency response, civil protection, and early warning systems.
The declaration also highlights support for Armenia’s closer ties with the European Union, including ongoing visa liberalization dialogue and reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and economic resilience.
Overall, the document sets a long-term framework for expanding Armenian-French cooperation and positioning both countries as strategic partners in regional stability, development, and innovation.
—
EPC Summit: Canadian PM, European leaders discuss Ukraine
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joined other leaders today in Yerevan during the EPC Summit, including President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for a meeting convened by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine.
According to a readout issued by Carney’s office, the leaders discussed “the latest developments in Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s aggression, including the battlefield situation and President Zelenskyy’s ongoing efforts to secure a just and lasting peace.”
They agreed that the security, sovereignty, and prosperity of Ukraine is integral for wider transatlantic security.
The leaders committed to working together to provide ongoing multifaceted support for Ukraine, as well as robust security guarantees, economic recovery measures, and defence production.
“Prime Minister Carney reaffirmed Canada’s steadfast support for Ukraine and its willingness to contribute to the success of the peace process. The leaders underscored that Ukraine and its people deserve a prosperous, independent, and sovereign future, free from fear of future Russian aggression.”
Carney then met with the President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on the margins of the European Political Community Summit.
Prime Minister Carney thanked President Costa for the invitation to attend the Summit. He noted that Canada’s participation at the Summit as the first non-European country is a reflection of the strong and growing relationship between Canada and Europe.
The leaders discussed deepening collaboration in priority areas such as secure supply chains, critical minerals, energy, and digital technologies. Prime Minister Carney emphasised Canada’s competitive advantages in these sectors.
Published by Armenpress, original at
—
UK PM stresses expanded cooperation with Armenia
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held talks on Monday with his British counterpart Keir Starmer on the margins of the 8th European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Yerevan.
Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized the importance of Prime Minister Starmer’s visit to Armenia, describing it as historic, as this is the first visit by a UK Prime Minister to the Republic of Armenia, according to a readout from Pashinyan’s office.
Pashinyan expressed confidence that, as a result of this visit and the meeting, bilateral ties will be strengthened and cooperation in various areas will develop and expand.
The UK Prime Minister thanked Pashinyan for the warm hospitality and for the high-level organization of the EPC Summit. He stressed the importance of expanding multifaceted cooperation with Armenia.
The prime ministers exchanged views on both the bilateral agenda and issues of regional significance.
As a result of the meeting, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Prime Minister Keir Starmer exchanged a Joint Declaration on the Strategic Partnership between Armenia and the UK.
Published by Armenpress, original at
—
Turkish Press: Turkish vice president makes highest-level visit to Armenia sin
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan on Monday, marking the highest-level visit by a Turkish official to Armenia since 2008, as the two countries continue cautious efforts to normalize relations.
Yılmaz is representing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the eighth European Political Community (EPC) summit in the Armenian capital, where leaders are gathering under the theme “Building the Future: Unity and Stability in Europe.”
In a statement on X, Yılmaz said he had a “comprehensive and productive” meeting with Pashinyan on behalf of Erdoğan, discussing bilateral ties and cooperation on transportation, customs, energy, digital infrastructure and connectivity.
He also welcomed “concrete progress” in the process of normalization, pointing to a memorandum of understanding signed for the joint restoration of the Ani Bridge, a medieval bridge over the Arpaçay/Akhurian River near the ruins of Ani that once connected Anatolia and the South Caucasus and today stands as a symbolic link on the closed Turkey-Armenia border.
The memorandum was signed under the auspices of Yılmaz and Pashinyan by Serdar Kılıç, Turkey’s special representative for the normalization process, and Ruben Rubinyan, Armenia’s special envoy.
Yılmaz’s visit is the highest-level trip by a Turkish official to Yerevan since then-president Abdullah Gül traveled to Armenia in 2008 during a period of so-called “football diplomacy.”
Gül attended a Turkey-Armenia World Cup qualifying match with his Armenian counterpart, Serzh Sargsyan, in a visit that briefly raised hopes for reconciliation.
The latest diplomatic contact comes as Ankara and Yerevan have taken a series of steps to advance normalization, although their land border remains closed and Turkey continues to link further progress to a final peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Foreign Ministry has denied reports that Turkey’s land border with Armenia will reopen on June 4, saying there is not yet a timetable for opening the border, T24 reported.
Ministry sources told T24 that the process between Ankara and Yerevan has continued uninterrupted for four years with the goal of “full normalization” and that confidence-building steps have been taken in areas ranging from transportation and trade to culture and education.
They said preparatory work at the border was intended to allow any future decision to be implemented quickly but stressed that no date had been set.
“With the signing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the process our country is conducting with Armenia will gain momentum. Therefore, there is currently no timetable for the opening of the border gates,” the sources said.
The statement came after Turkish media reports claimed on Monday that the Turkey-Armenia land border could be opened on June 4, just days before Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary elections and while Yerevan hosts the EPC summit.
Turkey and Armenia have no formal diplomatic relations. Their border, including the Alican-Margara crossing linking Turkey’s Iğdır province with Armenia’s Armavir region, has been closed since 1993, when Ankara shut it in support of Azerbaijan during the first Nagorno-Karabakh war.
The crossing briefly reopened in 2023 to allow Armenian aid into Turkey following two powerful earthquakes on Feb. 6 and later hosted a round of normalization talks between the two countries’ special envoys.
A renewed normalization process was launched after the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, which ended with Azerbaijan regaining control of territory it had lost in the 1990s. Ankara and Yerevan appointed special envoys, who held their first meeting in Moscow in January 2022.
The fifth round of talks between the special representatives was held at the Alican crossing on July 30, 2024.
As part of the process, the sides agreed on several confidence-building measures, including the start of direct flights, air cargo transport and the opening of the land border to third-country nationals and diplomatic passport holders, although the border remains closed.
The normalization process has also included recent talks on reopening the Kars-Gyumri railway, the only rail link between Turkey and Armenia. Turkish and Armenian officials met in Kars in late April to form a joint working group and said the line should be put back into operation as soon as possible.
The railway, once an important trade and transit route, has been idle since 1993, when the last train crossed the border during tensions over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Recent momentum in Turkey-Armenia contacts has coincided with progress, but not a final agreement, between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The two countries initialed a peace deal at a summit in Washington in August 2025, but the agreement has not yet been formally signed.
Azerbaijan has demanded changes to Armenia’s constitution before signing the final agreement, claiming that it contains claims against Azerbaijani territory. Pashinyan has pledged constitutional changes, but a possible referendum is expected to come after the June 7 elections.
The EPC summit is being chaired by European Council President António Costa and Pashinyan.
—
French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Armenia for state visit, EPC Summi
French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Armenia on a state visit and to participate in the 8th European Political Community Summit.
Macron was welcomed at Zvartnots Airport by President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan.
The 8th Summit of the European Political Community will take place on May 4, 2026, under the motto “Building the Future: Unity and Stability in Europe.”
The French leader’s state visit will begin the following day.
A meeting will be held between Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and the French President, followed by an expanded meeting of the two countries’ delegations. After the document-signing ceremony, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Emmanuel Macron will make statements to the media.
President Macron will pay tribute to the victims of the Armenian Genocide at the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial and will also visit the Matenadaran, the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts.
President Khachaturyan will also host Macron for a meeting.
As part of the state visit, the French President, accompanied by the Prime Minister of Armenia, will visit Gyumri, where he will pay tribute to the victims of the 1988 earthquake.
Pashinyan and Macron will then attend the concert titled “Musical Bridge: Armenia–France” in Gyumri.
Published by Armenpress, original at
—
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrives in Yerevan
Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni arrived in Yerevan on Sunday evening ahead of the 8th European Political Community (EPC) Summit.
Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan welcomed the Italian Prime Minister at Zvartnots Airport.
The 8th Summit of the European Political Community will take place on May 4, 2026, in Yerevan under the motto “Building the Future: Unity and Stability in Europe.”
Published by Armenpress, original at
—
President of Cyprus arrives in Armenia
The President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, has arrived in Armenia to participate in the 8th European Political Community (EPC) Summit.
Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan welcomed President Christodoulides at Zvartnots International Airport, the government said in a press release.
Published by Armenpress, original at
—