Author: Tambiyan Samvel

Protesters in Yerevan demand release of 2020 war report

Tambiyan Samvel
Panorama, Armenia
Mar 24 2026

Families of soldiers killed or missing in the 2020 Artsakh war and civic activists on Tuesday rallied outside the Armenian National Assembly in central Yerevan, demanding the release of a long-awaited investigative report on the 44-day conflict.

Protesters accused the authorities of concealing the findings of a parliamentary commission that studied the circumstances of the war and decision-making. “For years they promised arrests and accountability, but now they claim the report is classified,” said public and political activist Gevorg Gevorgyan. “We lost thousands of lives and an entire country. The people deserve to know who is responsible.”

Relatives of missing servicemen said they had hoped the commission would clarify search efforts and provide answers about the fate of their loved ones. Families of fallen soldiers also pressed for transparency on battlefield orders and conditions surrounding the deaths.

Organizers said they had formally petitioned the parliament speaker to release the report but were rejected on grounds of secrecy. They now plan to appeal to the leaders of Armenian parliament factions to raise the issue during ongoing sessions.

Commission chair Andranik Kocharyan previously stated the findings could lead to thousands of criminal cases, fueling expectations among families that accountability would follow. Protesters insisted that the report be debated publicly and that responsibility for the war outcome be clearly established.

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Mirzoyan: Armenia, Turkey discuss educational programs

Tambiyan Samvel
Panorama, Armenia
Mar 23 2026

Armenia and Turkey are considering introducing reciprocal scholarships for students as part of what Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan described as a “dynamic, positive and promising” dialogue between the two countries.

Speaking in the parliament on Monday, Mirzoyan said practical cooperation is already under way, including efforts to reopen the Gyumri-Kars railway. A joint working group has held two meetings and conducted on-site inspections on both sides of the border.

He added that discussions have also expanded to cultural cooperation, including the possible joint restoration of historic sites such as Ani.

“Even the possibility of establishing scholarships for students in each other’s universities is being discussed,” Mirzoyan said.

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AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School Raises $4 Million at 50th Anniversary Gala

Tambiyan Samvel
by Contributor

 

 March 20, 2026

 

in Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

LOS ANGELES — A night of celebration, legacy, and community spirit marked a historic milestone for AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School as nearly 900 guests gathered for its 50th Anniversary Gala, raising over an extraordinary $4 million in support of the school’s future.

Held in the elegant Los Angeles Ballroom at the Fairmont Century Plaza, the gala brought together an esteemed audience of supporters, families, alumni, AGBU Central Board members from across the globe, dignitaries, and community leaders, all united in celebration of five decades of educational excellence and impact.

The evening featured a thoughtfully curated program, with eloquent Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Edrick Dorian, a former student from the early days of St. Peter AGBU Day School.  Under the direction of Arick Gevorkian, the middle school students, accompanied by Emmy Bejanyan, set the tone with their beautiful performances of the National Anthems, while Alec Van Khajadourian and Sarkis Demirjian delivered masterful piano performances.

Dr Edrick Dorian (l) and Kevork Zoryan

The evening’s invocation was delivered by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and Father Shnork Demirjian.

During the program, AGBU MDS honored distinguished members of our community whose dedication and service to our school span decades: Bedros and Anna Oruncakciel (Lifetime Legacy Award), Principal of Demirdjian Middle & High School, Anahid Nalbandian Pezeshkian (Lifetime Service Award), Director of Artemis Nazarian Preschool, Tagoush Khodabakhshian (Lifetime Service Award), and Dr. Raffi Svadjian, Class of  1993 (Distinguished Alumni Award). Certificates of recognition were presented to all our honorees by Congressman Brad Sherman and Councilmember Adrin Nazarian. 

Additionally, President of AGBU, Sam Simonian, and Honorary President, Berge Setrakian, honored long-time supporter and Central Board Member, Sinan Sinanian, with a heartfelt surprise tribute, bestowing upon him the AGBU Boghos Nubar Award, the highest honor AGBU bestows upon community members who elevate others and work tirelessly in service of society.

(l to r) Sam Simonian, Sinan Sinanian, Berge Setrakian, Kevork Zoryan

Longtime benefactor Christine Simone was recognized for her enduring generosity and unwavering support, highlighted by the naming of the Manoogian Simone Collaborative Learning Center Complex in her honor. The school also proudly announced that, through Alex Demirdjian’s generous contribution, the DHS Expansion will continue to carry the Demirdjian family name.

“This milestone celebration was not only a reflection of our past achievements, but a powerful testament to the strength and unity of our community,” said Chairman of the Board, Kevork Zoryan. “Together, we are building the foundation for the next 50 years of impact at AGBU MDS.”

Guests were immersed in the rich history of MDS through a beautifully presented Heritage Library exhibit showcasing memorabilia spanning the decades, including vintage uniforms, photographs, and treasured artifacts. The display sparked a deep sense of nostalgia and pride, highlighting the school’s enduring legacy.

Head of School David Ghoogasian, on behalf of a grateful school community, expressed his profound gratitude to all who have contributed and continue to contribute to the success of AGBU MDS, past and present, emphasizing the dedication of the faculty and staff, pride in the students, and enthusiasm toward what is yet to come.

AGBU MDS Board of Trustees AGBU Central Board

A heartfelt thank you to the incredible Gala Committee and 50th Anniversary Chair, Ailine Vakian, Class of 1992, and Gala Chair, Zanni Kalaydjian, for their tireless efforts and leadership.  Their passion, fundraising efforts, and dedication to the event ensured we had an impeccable program. We are equally grateful to our Class of 2005 alumna event planner, Lusine Vartanian of Event Du Jour, for elevating the evening with exceptional creativity.

Gala Committee

Adding to the evening’s energy, a vibrant silent auction and Student Council-led raffle engaged attendees and raised over $70,000 in additional support of the school’s mission.

Student Council Heritage Library

Proceeds from the evening will support the school’s strategic expansion initiatives, as well as the establishment of an academic endowment to invest in innovation of curriculum and instruction. 

Centered around the theme “Imagine the Possibilities,” the gala cast a bold vision for what lies ahead, while honoring the Changemakers, the early visionaries whose belief in the school laid the foundation for its success. Their foresight and dedication transformed possibility into reality, paving the way for the next generation to dream even bigger.

As AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School looks ahead to a new chapter of expansion and growth, the 50th Anniversary Gala stands as a defining moment, honoring its legacy while advancing its vision for the future.

https://asbarez.com/agbu-manoogian-demirdjian-school-raises-4-million-at-50th-anniversary-gala/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQrHc1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeI9l24QsxqwmJ-lW4m8Y0GNg6nSwfqmxcvwAmJ37In90Ed0Q1LNM1EZ452Uo_aem_i1benxOMz6AhKtLY5n_I0w


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Trump lashes out at NATO over refusal to help reopen Strait of Hormuz

Tambiyan Samvel

Read the article in: ArabicՀայերենRussian

US President Donald Trump criticized NATO member states over their lack of support for the United States’ war with Iran.

“They didn’t want to join the fight to stop a Nuclear Powered Iran,” he said in a post on his Truth Social platform, referring to Washington’s NATO allies.

“Now that fight is Militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to pay, but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices,” he said.

“So easy for them to do, with so little risk,” he said.

Read the article in: ArabicՀայերենRussian

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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Trump says Israel attacked Iran gas field without U.S. and Qatari involvement,

Tambiyan Samvel

Read the article in: ArmenianRussian:

U.S. President Donald Trump said the attack on Iran’s South Pars gas field was carried out by Israel, and the U.S. and Qatar were not involved in it.

Trump also said Israel would not make any ‌more attacks on Iranian facilities in South Pars unless Iran attacked Qatar, warning that the U.S. would attack those facilities if Iran acted against Doha.

“Israel, out of anger for what has taken place in the Middle East, has violently lashed out at a major facility known as South Pars Gas Field in Iran. A relatively small section of the whole has been hit. The United States knew nothing about this particular attack, and the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen. Unfortunately, Iran did not know this, or any of the pertinent facts pertaining to the South Pars attack, and unjustifiably and unfairly attacked a portion of Qatar’s LNG Gas facility. NO MORE ATTACKS WILL BE MADE BY ISRAEL pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field unless Iran unwisely decides to attack a very innocent, in this case, Qatar – In which instance the United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before. I do not want to authorize this level of violence and destruction because of the long term implications that it will have on the future of Iran, but if Qatar’s LNG is again attacked, I will not hesitate to do so,” Trump said on Truth Social.

Iran condemned the strike on South Pars, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warning of “uncontrollable consequences” that “could engulf the entire world,” according to Associated Press. Meanwhile, Iranian missile attacks damaged more liquefied natural gas sites in Qatar.

Read the article in: ArmenianRussian:

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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Armenia and Oman discuss expanding trade

Tambiyan Samvel

Economy14:28, 18 March 2026
Read the article in: العربيةEspañolFarsiHayerenKartulushiRusskyTürkçe中文

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, during his visit to Oman, met with Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al-Habsi.

The ministers discussed the development of sectoral cooperation and opportunities to promote trade in both imports and exports, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said in a readout.

Both sides presented their mutual interests and identified areas with the greatest potential for expanding trade turnover.

Addressing economic development and investment-friendly conditions, Minister Mirzoyan emphasized that the peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan opens up new opportunities for the development of regional ties.

Foreign Minister Mirzoyan and Oman’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources agreed to promote direct contacts between sectoral ministries and agencies, as well as business communities, to ensure the implementation of joint initiatives and mutually beneficial cooperation in specific areas.

Read the article in: العربيةEspañolFarsiHayerenKartulushiRusskyTürkçe中文

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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The President of the RA CEC received the Ambassador of Latvia. the upcoming elections were discussed

Tambiyan Samvel

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to Armenia (residence: Tbilisi) Edite Medne was hosted by the RA CEC on March 18. This is reported by the CEC.


“CEC President Vahagn Hovakimyan received the ambassador. Ambassador Medne was interested in the preparatory work for the upcoming national elections and offered the support of EU member Latvia.


The President of the Central Election Commission presented the legislative regulations and the schedule for the preparation of the main activities of the elections,” the announcement from the Central Election Commission said.

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Our security program was developed by leading experts from Armenia and abroad

Tambiyan Samvel

March: 19, 2026

Samvel Karapetyan’s “Strong Armenia” party has presented a part of its political program, which is related to the security sector. As the party council member Narek Karapetyan noted during the presentation, the program was developed with the participation of prominent specialists and recognized military experts, including foreign ones.

The legendary Artur Avanesyan (“Kandaz”) joined Karapetyan’s team. Avanesyan’s name is well known to the military, the outstanding detective of the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army has 30 years of combat experience, he was sent to the most dangerous areas many times during clashes with the enemy.

In his speech, Avanesyan stated that Armenia needs an army that knows its opponent well and can act accordingly. The combat officer noted that the complex system of “smart borders” is proposed to be implemented within the framework of Karapetyan’s plan. We are talking about the use of sensor networks working with artificial intelligence, as well as the deployment of autonomous strike systems along the entire border.

It is also proposed to establish a military intelligence and forecasting system to identify threats at an early stage. Another proposed point is the introduction of a unified management system that will include air and information components.

Among the priority directions, he mentioned the creation of the military-industrial complex, which will make it possible to reduce Armenia’s dependence on other countries in crisis situations.

The program pays special attention to anti-aircraft defense. it is not only the acquisition of air defense systems, but also the mass use of interceptor drones, REP systems and many other solutions.

The well-known Greek military figure Eftimis Turtidis also took part in the development of the security plan. A veteran of special forces in Iraq, Lebanon, Kuwait and other conflicts, Turtidis proposes to create highly mobile and well-armed border guard units that can solve problems in the most difficult conditions, a unique border special-purpose unit.

If Samvel Karapetyan wins the elections, Turtidis will deal with the training of the Armenian military. According to him, Armenia is located in a region that has never been distinguished by its security. In such harsh geopolitical conditions, his army is required to be thoroughly and continuously prepared.

The presentation ended with Samvel Karapetyan’s video message generated by artificial intelligence. He is convinced that a weak army provokes the enemy, while a strong one maintains peace. They do not ask for peace, but force it.

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Khojalu is a political manipulation, Azerbaijan’s crime against Moscow

Tambiyan Samvel

March: 19, 2026

168TVof “Trigger” the guest of the program Larisa Alaverdyan is the former human rights defender of Armenia, executive director of “Against Legal Arbitrariness” NGO.:

During the interview, issues related to the politics of memory and approaches to coverage of historical events were discussed. In particular, reference was made to the contrast between the attitude towards the anniversary of the Sumgait pogroms in Armenia and the state-level events dedicated to the so-called Khojaly events in Azerbaijan.

Special attention was paid to the international legal agenda, including the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Ramil Safarov, within which violations of the right to life and the ban on ethnic discrimination were recorded, as well as the further calls of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to Azerbaijan to introduce changes in the national legislation.

Read also

  • If we are going for “peace”, why is the issue of prisoners not raised on those platforms? Larisa Alaverdyan
  • THERE WAS MURDERING IN SUMGAYIT FOR 3 DAYS AND NIGHTS, THE MILITIA WAS STANDING UP AND BURNING THE MELKUMIAN BROTHERS. LET’S FORGET THE INNOCENT VICTIMS, WE WILL FALL UNDER THE CURSE. LARISA ALAVERDIAN
  • “Show something that the head of the country has built in recent years, but is extremely consistent in destroying it.” Larisa Alaverdyan

During the conversation, the situation related to the Armenian prisoners held in Baku was also considered, including the issues of access to legal protection, communication with the outside world and the involvement of international mechanisms.

In addition, the discussion touched on the current statements of the Armenian authorities, including the reaction to the book about Artsakh and the situation around the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, in the context of state policy and public discussions.

Hayk Derzyan




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SYRIA: Armenian educator killed in Holeb (Aleppo) home invasion, shocking loca

Tambiyan Samvel
Mar 16 2026
 16/03/2026

HOLEB, Syria — The funeral of Armenian educator Maral Kheshfejian took place on Sunday after she was killed in her home in the city of Holeb (Aleppo), Syria, on Saturday night.

According to local reports, intruders suspected to be thieves forced their way into her residence, stabbed her multiple times, looted her property, and fled the scene.

Residents stated that Kheshfejian’s home, located in the city center, appeared to have been targeted during a burglary attempt. Investigators believe the attackers broke into the residence with the intention of stealing valuables.

The crime has sparked widespread shock among residents of Holeb, as the victim was well known in the area for her good reputation. She worked in the education sector and had previously served as the principal of a local school, earning respect for her role in teaching and guiding generations of students.

The incident comes amid broader concerns over security affecting Christian communities across various Syrian provinces, where many cases of violence and theft remain unresolved. Christians in Syria have endured numerous violations during the years of conflict, including killings, abductions, robberies, displacement, church bombings, and the desecration of religious sites.

Read Also: Middle Eastern Christians ‘fading away in silence,’ SOS Chrétiens d’Orient warns

In a separate incident, Dr. Salwa Saloum was recently the victim of an armed robbery when a Range Rover carrying two men stopped in front of her clinic. One of the assailants reportedly pointed a gun at her head and threatened her while the other stole approximately 17 million Syrian Pounds from inside the clinic before fleeing the scene.

The Wadi al-Masihiyeen (Valley of Christians) was also shaken last October when masked gunmen attacked a group of Christian youths, resulting in the deaths of Wissam George Mansour and his cousin Shafiq Rafiq Mansour, while several others were injured.

These incidents have heightened tensions within the Christian community, whose sense of security has been increasingly unsettled due to the lack of safety, stability, and basic living conditions in many parts of the country, including areas with significant Christian populations.

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