Author: Maghakian Mike

Street closures planned in Yerevan for European Political Community Summit

Maghakian Mike
Armenia12:43, 1 May 2026
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Several streets in Yerevan will be temporarily closed between May 2 and 5 due to protocol events related to the 8th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, Armenia’s police said.

May 2 (07:30-13:00)

Traffic will be closed on:

  • The section from Victory Bridge to Athens Street
  • The route from Kirk Kerkorian Street toward Tsitsernakaberd Highway
  • Republic Square
  • Abovyan Street (from Sayat-Nova Avenue to Republic Square)
  • Sections leading to Victory Bridge from Mashtots Avenue and Grigor Lusavorich Street
  • Grigor Lusavorich Street from the Agatangeghos-Grigor Lusavorich-Arshakunyats Avenue junction
  • The section from Shahumyan Square to Beirut Street
  • Azatutyan Avenue (from Babayan Street to the Saralanj bypass)

Traffic will be periodically restricted on Isakov Avenue.

May 3

From 09:30 to 19:30 – traffic will be periodically restricted on Isakov Avenue toward the city center from Zvartnots International Airport

From 18:00 to 20:00 – the Leo-Dzorap section will be closed

From 18:00 to 19:30 – closures will apply to: 

  • Republic Square and access roads from Amiryan-Zaqyan and Sayat-Nova-Abovyan intersections
  • Grigor Lusavorich Street (from Mashtots Avenue, Zaqyan Street, and the Agatangeghos-Lusavorich-Arshakunyats junction)
  • The section from Shahumyan Square to Beirut Street
  • Azatutyan Avenue (Babayan Street to Saralanj bypass)

From 18:00 to 23:00 – traffic restrictions on:

  • Sections from Baghramyan Avenue toward Proshyan and Demirchyan Streets
  • The section from the Paronyan-Dzorap junction to Proshyan Street

May 4

From 07:00 to 19:00 – closures on:

  • The section from Victory Bridge to Athens Street
  • The route from Kirk Kerkorian Street to Tsitsernakaberd Highway

From 07:00 to 10:30 – additional closures on: 

  • Republic Square
  • Abovyan Street (Sayat-Nova Avenue to Republic Square)
  • Sections from Mashtots Avenue and Grigor Lusavorich Street toward Victory Bridge
  • Grigor Lusavorich Street from the Agatangeghos-Lusavorich–Arshakunyats junction
  • The section from Shahumyan Square to Beirut Street
  • Azatutyan Avenue (Babayan Street to Saralanj bypass)

May 5

From 08:00 to 12:00 – closures on:

  • All streets leading into Republic Square
  • The section from Shahumyan Square to Victory Bridge
  • Athens Street, Tsitsernakaberd Highway, Mashtots Avenue, Sayat-Nova Avenue, Abovyan Street, Baghramyan Avenue

From 16:30 to 17:30 – traffic restrictions on: 

  • Baghramyan Avenue, Orbeli Street, Kievyan Street, Halabyan Street

Traffic will also be periodically restricted on Isakov Avenue toward Zvartnots Airport.

Police urge the public to follow official instructions and apologize for any inconvenience caused.

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Syriac MP in Turkey George Aryo in response to Sayfo denial in National Assemb

Maghakian Mike
April 30 2026
 30/04/2026

ANKARA — During a speech before the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Syriac MP George Aryo of the Peoples’ Equality and Democratic Party (DEM Party), whose state-imposed surname is Aslan, challenged remarks made by Turhan Çömez of the Good Party (İYİ Parti), who had described the victims of the 1915 Sayfo Genocide and Armenian Genocide as terrorists.

Speaking during the parliament’s 87th session, Çömez stated, “The Ottoman Empire was forced to take this decision against armed terrorist organizations backed by imperialists, and this decision was not a genocide.” He added that efforts to commemorate the events of 24 April as genocide — both domestically and internationally — misrepresent what he described as a historical process.

In response, Aryo posed a pointed question: “Under Ottoman rule, the population stood at 13 million, including 3 million Armenians, Syriacs, and other Christian peoples. What happened for only a small number of them to remain today?”

Çömez replied that some people died during relocation but insisted that the Ottoman authorities had taken necessary precautions, describing the events as decisions made within the empire’s own territory. He further accused Armenian groups of forming armed organizations allegedly backed by foreign powers, claiming these groups contributed to unrest and violence during World War I.

He argued that the Ottoman government’s actions in 1915 — such as dissolving Armenian political organizations and relocating populations — were driven by wartime conditions, as the empire was fighting on multiple fronts, including Gallipoli, the Caucasus, and Syria.

Aryo repeated his question, noting that while the population of Armenians, Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldeans), and other Christian communities should have grown into the millions over the past century, their numbers have instead dwindled to a fraction of that. “What happened to these people?” he asked. “Why did their numbers not increase? Where did they go?”

Çömez reiterated his earlier claims, again attributing deaths to wartime conditions and relocation, without directly addressing the demographic collapse raised by Aryo.

Aryo then shifted focus, asking, “Let us leave the Armenians aside. What did the Syriacs do? What was their crime?”

In response, Çömez argued that Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldeans) had emigrated from the region for various reasons and suggested that raising the issue in parliament could be linked to political agendas. He also accused certain groups of supporting what he described as terrorist organizations, reiterating his position that the historical narrative is being distorted.

Following the exchange, Sezai Temelli, also of the DEM Party, intervened, criticizing Çömez’s interpretation of history. He argued that Ottoman-era archives have not been fully opened and challenged claims about Armenian political groups, noting that some had legal status within the empire at the time. Temelli emphasized that preserving history requires acknowledging the experiences of all peoples who lived in Anatolia and warned against reducing complex historical events to accusations of terrorism.

Despite the passage of 111 years since those tragic events, the same rhetoric still persists from the perpetrator who has turned the victim into the accused. By insisting on denying his crime, he adds a new wound to the memory of peoples who continue to seek recognition and justice.

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Armenian ambassador meets Central Macedonia governor and Thessaloniki mayor

Maghakian Mike
Armenia20:15, 30 April 2026
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Armenia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Greece, Tigran Mkrtchyan, held meetings with Central Macedonia Governor Athina Athenasiadou and Thessaloniki Mayor Stelios Angeloudis during a working visit to Thessaloniki.

This was reported by the Armenian Embassy in Greece.

During the meetings, Ambassador Mkrtchyan discussed prospects for interregional and decentralised cooperation with Armenia. In talks with Governor Athenasiadou, the sides focused in particular on opportunities to establish cooperation in three main areas: innovative technologies, tourism and culture. In this context, the potential for joint participation in various programmes within the European Union framework was highlighted.

In discussions with Mayor Angeloudis, the sides addressed events organised and planned during the year through joint efforts of the Armenian Embassy in Greece and the Honorary Consulate of Armenia in Thessaloniki, including events marking the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s independence. They also discussed the possibility of celebrating bilateral city days.

The importance of introducing a new methodology for presenting the rich Armenian presence in Thessaloniki was emphasised, taking into account the significant increase in tourism to Greece’s second city and surrounding areas during the summer period, including from Armenia.

The ambassador also briefed his interlocutors on regional developments, Armenia’s process of unblocking and normalising relations with its neighbours, and recent achievements in Armenia–Greece bilateral relations.

Ambassador Mkrtchyan thanked the mayor for hosting an exhibition in February 2026 at the city hall as part of the “Universe Art” international competition-festival, titled “Greek and Armenian mythology through the eyes of children”, featuring around 100 works by children aged 5 to 18 from Armenian art schools.

Honorary Consul of Armenia in Thessaloniki Akis Dagazian also attended the meetings.

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All-ASA Launches Inaugural Scholarship Program for College Students

Maghakian Mike
by Contributor

 

 April 29, 2026

 

in Latest, News, Top Stories


The All-Armenian Students Association announced the launch of its inaugural All-ASA Scholarship Program, a landmark $150,000 initiative made possible through partnership with the International Armenian Network.

The program will award six one-time $25,000 scholarships to exceptional undergraduate students for the 2026–2027 academic year. Designed to recognize academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a strong commitment to community impact, the scholarship reflects All-ASA’s mission to invest in students who will shape the future across diverse fields.

Applicants will be evaluated through a rigorous, faculty-led review process to ensure integrity at every stage. Scholarships to be distributed at the start of the 2026–2027 academic year.

Eligible applicants must be:

  • Current ASA members enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (freshmen, sophomores, and juniors only)
  • GPA of 3.5 or higher
  • Enrolled at an accredited college or university for the 2026–2027 academic year
  • Demonstrated academic excellence and intellectual curiosity
  • Proven commitment to the Armenian community and broader civic engagement

Applicants must submit:

  • Resume
  • Transcript (Unofficial or Official)
  • Three Essays
  • One Required Letter of Recommendation (3 Maximum)

Applications are due Sunday, May 31 at 11:59 p.m. PST. To apply, visit the website.

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‘Really moving’: Fowler hosts 1st Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day event

Maghakian Mike
Your Central Valley
April 26 2026
‘Really moving’: Fowler hosts 1st Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day event
Jason Takhtadjian

FOWLER, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The city of Fowler marked a significant milestone this weekend, hosting its first-ever commemorative event honoring the 1.5 million lives lost during the Armenian Genocide.

Community members gathered to walk through educational displays and exhibits highlighting the genocide’s 111th anniversary, while also showcasing elements of Armenian culture. The event aimed to both remember those lost and inform those who may not fully understand the history.

A ceremony followed, featuring speeches, musical performances, and moments of reflection. Among the speakers was Fresno State President Raul Jimenez-Sandoval, who joined community leaders in honoring the victims and their legacy.

Organizers said education remains a central goal of the event.

“I think what it’s doing is allowing us to educate. There’s a lot of people that have heard of it, but don’t know about it. So that was the message we wanted to get with the different panels,” Committee Member Connie Khasigian said.

The remembrance also drew leaders from across the region, including the director of Fresno’s Armenian Heritage Museum, who emphasized the importance of broader community involvement.

“It’s really moving to hear. The community itself is doing it rather than driven by the Armenians and rather driven by the mayor himself. He realized that in 1918, there were thousands of Armenians here, making up about 65% of the Armenian community in the city of Fowler. That was news to me,” Armenian Heritage Museum Director Varoujan Der Simonian said.

Organizers credited Fowler Mayor Juan Mejia and his wife with helping spearhead the effort, including funding and planning for the event.

City officials also announced plans to continue honoring Armenian history locally, saying they are working with international designer Michael Aram to build an Armenian Genocide monument in the near future.

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The “Armenia” bloc submitted the documents to the CEC

Maghakian Mike

The representatives of the “Armenia” bloc present their package of documents to the Central Electoral Commission. Earlier today, the “Wings of Unity” party, “Lusavore Armenia”, “National Democratic Pole” presented their package of documents to the CEC.


It should be noted that today at 18:00 the deadline for submitting documents to the CEC for the registration of political forces wishing to participate in the June 7 elections to the National Assembly expires.


As of yesterday, only 6 political forces submitted their documents to GEC. They are: “Strong Armenia” alliance of parties (comprising: “Strong Armenia” party, “New Era” party and “United Armenians” party), “Prosperous Armenia” party, “Civil Contract” party, Gratitude Party of Armenia, “I’m against everyone” party, “Democratic Cohesion” party.


We remind you that the registration of electoral lists will be done until May 3, that is, on May 4, it will be finally clear how many political forces have received the right to participate in the elections. Officially, all lists will be published on the CEC website by May 6.


Pre-election campaigning will begin on May 8 and will continue until June 5 at midnight.

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Turkish Press: Türkiye–Armenia Border Reopening Signals Potential Turning Poi

Maghakian Mike
P.A. Turkey
April 18 2026
Atilla Yeşilada

After more than three decades of closure, the Türkiye–Armenia border is moving closer to reopening, with recent steps suggesting a shift from symbolic diplomacy to practical implementation. While the move could reshape trade, geopolitics, and regional connectivity, its success will depend on careful political coordination and progress in Armenia-Azerbaijan relations.

From Frozen Border to Active Diplomacy

The land border between Türkiye and Armenia has remained closed since 1993, when Ankara shut crossings in support of Azerbaijan during the first Nagorno-Karabakh war.

For decades, the closure symbolized one of the most persistent geopolitical divisions in the South Caucasus, limiting economic interaction and regional integration.

Momentum began to shift following the 2020 Armenia-Azerbaijan war, which altered the regional balance and opened space for renewed diplomatic engagement. In 2021, Ankara and Yerevan appointed special envoys to explore normalization.

Recent Steps Signal Acceleration

Negotiations have progressed gradually, but developments in early 2026 suggest a clear acceleration:

  • Launch of direct flights between Istanbul and Yerevan by Turkish Airlines
  • Agreements to simplify visa procedures
  • Plans to initiate direct land trade
  • Preparations for reopening key border crossings

Infrastructure upgrades on both sides—including Armenia’s Margara checkpoint and Türkiye’s Alican crossing—indicate technical readiness for reopening.

Political Conditions Still Critical

Despite progress, reopening remains closely tied to broader regional dynamics.

Türkiye has traditionally aligned its Armenia policy with Azerbaijan, meaning normalization depends in part on a comprehensive peace agreement between Yerevan and Baku.

Recent developments—such as transit arrangements and US-backed regional initiatives—have improved the outlook. However, a final Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal has yet to be concluded.

This creates a dual-track process:

  • A breakthrough in peace talks could accelerate border reopening
  • Renewed tensions could delay or halt progress

Domestic Politics Add Complexity

Internal political dynamics also play a role.

In Armenia, normalization with Türkiye remains controversial among segments of the population, particularly ahead of upcoming elections.

In Türkiye, policymakers must balance engagement with Armenia against their strategic partnership with Azerbaijan.

Economic and Strategic Implications

Reopening the border would have far-reaching economic effects.

For Armenia, it would:

  • Reduce reliance on transit routes through Georgia and Iran
  • Provide direct access to European and Middle Eastern markets

For Türkiye, it would:

  • Strengthen its role as a regional trade hub
  • Reinforce connectivity initiatives such as the Middle Corridor

The move comes at a time when Russia’s influence in the South Caucasus has weakened, creating space for new regional alignments.

Potential to Support Long-Term Stability

Expanded trade and connectivity could also support peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Economic interdependence often raises the cost of conflict, creating incentives for cooperation.

However, uneven economic gains or local disruptions could generate new tensions if not managed carefully.

Local Impact: Opportunity and Adjustment

Communities along the border stand to benefit from renewed economic activity, including trade, tourism, and transport links.

At the same time, decades of isolation mean that local economies may struggle to adapt quickly to new competition and cross-border dynamics.

Administrative coordination between customs, border authorities, and regulatory bodies—many of which have never worked together—will be a key challenge.

Outlook: Progress with Uncertainty

The Türkiye–Armenia border reopening represents more than a bilateral milestone—it reflects a broader transformation in the South Caucasus.

While recent steps indicate that the process has moved beyond symbolic diplomacy, its outcome remains uncertain.

Much will depend on:

  • Progress in Armenia-Azerbaijan peace negotiations
  • Domestic political developments in both countries
  • The broader geopolitical environment

Whether the border becomes a bridge for cooperation or remains a point of friction will depend on how these challenges are managed in the months ahead.

Eurasianet, Alpaslan Özerdem, excerpt

PA Turkey intends to inform Turkey watchers with diverse views and opinions. Articles in our website may not necessarily represent the view of our editorial board or count as endorsement.

https://www.paturkey.com/news/2026/turkiye-armenia-border-reopening-signals-potential-turning-point-in-south-caucasus-29936/

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TRIPP to bring ‘huge profits’ and boost regional development, says Armenian to

Maghakian Mike
Regions10:08, 17 April 2026
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The mayor of a town in southern Armenia, where the TRIPP regional connectivity project is expected to pass, has hailed it for the huge profits it is expected to generate.

Meghri Mayor Khachatur Andreasyan told Armenpress that TRIPP will be beneficial not only for the Meghri municipality in Syunik Province, but for the entire country.

“TRIPP will be beneficial both for our community and for Armenia as a whole, because our country will become a transit state. Taking this into account, a new and large customs checkpoint is being built, which will handle up to 2,000 vehicles per day. The current checkpoint now serves 300–400 vehicles daily. TRIPP will bring us huge profits and will contribute to the economic development of the region,” Mayor Andreasyan said.

The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) is a connectivity project in Armenia, envisaged under the U.S.-brokered Armenian-Azerbaijani joint declaration signed in Washington, D.C. The project is expected to unlock strategic economic opportunities, create long-term benefits by promoting infrastructure investment, and enhance regional connectivity. An Armenian-American joint enterprise is expected to develop the route.

Meghri has been named the 2026 Cultural Capital of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), a regional intergovernmental organization of states in Eurasia. The interview with Mayor Andreasyan was conducted as part of the celebrations marking this occasion.

Andreasyan said the designation has elevated the status of the municipality across the region. The mayor said that Meghri, which he described as “Armenia’s southern gate,” is now a crossroads of peace and trade. Tourism is also developing in Meghri. In this regard, there has been notable growth, with the number of guesthouses increasing.

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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Armenian Social Affairs and Labor Minister, Iranian Ambassador discuss deepeni

Maghakian Mike
Iran20:33, 14 April 2026
Read the article in: EspañolفارسیՀայերենRussian

Armenian Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Arsen Torosyan received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia Khalil Shirgholami on Tuesday, the ministry said.

Torosyan stated that the development of friendly and trust-based relations with Iran remains one of the Armenian government’s foreign policy priorities.

He also expressed condolences over the deaths in Iran as a result of recent military operations and noted that Armenia is deeply concerned about the regional situation, stressing that peace and stability are of vital importance.

Ambassador Shirgholami thanked the government and people of Armenia for their support during the current situation.

The sides discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in labor and social protection, including labor migration, human capital and skills development.

The ambassador also noted that the growth of registered jobs in Armenia in recent years is impressive.

Both parties emphasized the importance of interdepartmental cooperation and expressed readiness to make efforts toward the effective implementation of jointly planned programs.

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