Category: News

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan did not attend an Eurasian Economic Union summit in Astana in May

The prime ministers of Russia and four other members of the Eurasian Economic Union published a report on Tuesday, effectively clearing the way to suspend Armenia’s membership. The report claimed that without the backing of the EEU Armenia’s economy would be devastated.

Armenia’s decision last year to pave the way for Yerevan to explore membership in the European Union has prompted the backlash from Russia, which was joined by Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, in publishing the report. The more than 70-page document also calls on Yerevan to hold a referendum on its aspirations to join the EU.

The report also claims that while Armenia would suffer massive economic losses in the event of its suspension from the EEU, the effect on the other member states would be almost insignificant.

The report said that in the event of Armenia’s suspension from the EEU, Armenian goods would be treated like those of any other third country, with customs declarations, controls, and duties. Armenian product certificates would no longer be recognized, and suppliers would have to be re-approved. Armenian workers would lose their free access to the labor market, as well as their medical and social coverage. Transport permits would be needed, rail tariffs would rise, and Armenian companies would lose equal treatment in public procurement.

The most significant effects could be in the energy sector, and would impact Russia’s delivery of gas to Armenia, thus forcing a significant price hike.

“If the Republic of Armenia diligently fulfills its EEU obligations, it will be unable to meet the obligations associated with accession to the EU,” the report said. “Conversely, fulfilling the obligations undertaken for the purpose of joining the EU would entail a violation of its EEU commitments.”

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government or political allies did not immediately react to the report. Pashinyan has repeatedly rejected the Russian demands for the referendum followed by a Russian ban on imports of Armenian agricultural products. Russian officials have warned of further sanctions against Yerevan, notably a sharp rise in the price of Russian natural gas supplied to Armenia.

Slate of 61 candidates spans Congress, Governor and California statewide offices, the State Legislature and local offices in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES—The Armenian National Committee of America, Western Region on Tuesday announced its slate of endorsed candidates for the November 3, General Elections. The 61-candidate slate spans the U.S. House of Representatives, Governor and California’s statewide constitutional offices, the California State Legislature and local offices in Los Angeles. It reflects a careful review of each candidate’s record, public statements, and engagement with the Armenian-American community.

The endorsed candidates are best positioned to advance the Armenian-American community’s most pressing priorities: the right of return for the Armenians of Artsakh who were forcibly displaced by Azerbaijan, accountability for Azerbaijan’s aggression against the Armenian people, the unconditional release of the Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held illegally in Baku, the security and sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia, recognition of and education about the Armenian Genocide, and the safety and prosperity of Armenian Americans in their own communities. The Armenian National Committee of America endorsed the U.S. House and backed its merit-based 2026 Congressional Report Cards, available at anca.org/report-card.

“Our sole measure in deciding whether to support a candidate is his or her commitment to the Armenian Cause, shown not only in words but in real-world actions,” said ANCA-WR Chair Oshin Harootoonian.

“The candidates on this slate have demonstrated that commitment on the issues that matter most to our community, from confronting denial of the Armenian Genocide, building bridges with their Armenian-American constituents, to holding Azerbaijan accountable for its crimes against the Armenian people. We encourage every Armenian-American across the country to make their voice heard and continue their civic duty at the ballot box on November 3,” added Harootoonian.

Community members are encouraged to visit ancawr.org/elect26 for more information about the endorsed candidates. Members are also encouraged to visit hyevotes.org for nonpartisan voter information, including key dates and deadlines, how to confirm or update voter registration, find the nearest vote center, and return a mail ballot on time. All community members across the region are encouraged to take part in the November 3 general election.

Congressional Endorsements

U.S. House of Representatives: California
Tom McClintock, CA-5 (2026 Report Card: B+)
Lateefah Simon, CA-12 (2026 Report Card: A)
Kevin Mullin, CA-15 (2026 Report Card: A)
Zoe Lofgren, CA-18 (2026 Report Card: A-)
Vince Fong, CA-20 (2026 Report Card: A-)
Jim Costa, CA-21 (2026 Report Card: A+)
David Valadao, CA-22 (2026 Report Card: A+)
George Whitesides, CA-27 (2026 Report Card: B+)
Judy Chu, CA-28 (2026 Report Card: A+)
Luz Rivas, CA-29 (2026 Report Card: A)
Laura Friedman, CA-30 (2026 Report Card: A+)
Gil Cisneros, CA-31 (2026 Report Card: A-)
Brad Sherman, CA-32 (2026 Report Card: A+)
Jimmy Gomez, CA-34 (2026 Report Card: B+)
Ted Lieu, CA-36 (2026 Report Card: A)
Sydney Kamlager-Dove, CA-37 (2026 Report Card: B+)
Hilda Solis, CA-38
Young Kim, CA-40 (2026 Report Card: A-)
Linda Sánchez, CA-41 (2026 Report Card: B+)
Dave Min, CA-47 (2026 Report Card: A)
Mike Levin, CA-49 (2026 Report Card: A)

U.S. House of Representatives: Nevada
Dina Titus, NV-1 (2026 Report Card: A+)
Susie Lee, NV-3 (2026 Report Card: A-)
Steven Horsford, NV-4 (2026 Report Card: A-)

U.S. House of Representatives: Texas
Joaquín Castro, TX-20 (2026 Report Card: A)
Tano Tijerina, TX-28

California Statewide Endorsements
Xavier Becerra, Governor
Fiona Ma, Lieutenant Governor
Rob Bonta, Attorney General
Shirley Weber, Secretary of State
Eleni Kounalakis, Treasurer
Malia Cohen, Controller

California State Senate Endorsements
Scott Sakakihara, SD-10
Nathan Magsig, SD-12
Caroline Menjivar, SD-20
Susan Rubio, SD-22
Brian Goldsmith, SD-24
Sara Hernandez, SD-26
Bob Archuleta, SD-30

California State Assembly Endorsements
David Tangipa, AD-8
Eric Lucan, AD-12
Matt Haney, AD-17
Catherine Stefani, AD-19
Diane Papan, AD-21
Juan Alanis, AD-22
Patrick Ahrens, AD-26
Pilar Schiavo, AD-40
John Harabedian, AD-41
Celeste Rodriguez, AD-43
Nick Schultz, AD-44
Jesse Gabriel, AD-46
Blanca Rubio, AD-48
Mike Fong, AD-49
Rick Chavez Zbur, AD-51
Jessica Caloza, AD-52
Mark González, AD-54
Lisa Calderon, AD-56
Phillip Chen, AD-59
Blanca Pacheco, AD-64
Ayanna Davis, AD-65
Mark Pulido, AD-67
Tri Ta, AD-70
Cottie Petrie-Norris, AD-73
Laurie Davies, AD-74

Local Endorsements
Jose Ugarte, Los Angeles City Council District 9
Robert Luna, Los Angeles County Sheriff

LOS ANGELES – The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region held its 2026 annual Gala Banquet on Sunday, October 11, at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood. Community leaders, elected officials and advocates from across the Western United States came together for the region’s signature event honoring service to the Armenian Cause, at a time when the Armenian Diaspora is under constant attack.

The ANCA-WR presented its 2026 Legislator of the Year Award to Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-41), the Advocacy in Cinema Award to filmmaker Jivan Avetisyan, and the Steve Artinian Visionary Activist Award to Dallas-based advocate Shevan Basmadjian. The evening also recognized the inaugural Gabriel Injejikian Educational Excellence Award, honoring California’s Armenian Schools.

The program opened with the acknowledgement of elected officials in attendance to the exclusive banquet, followed by the national anthems of the United States of America, the Republic of Armenia, and Artsakh, performed by Berj Kirazian. Western Prelate Archbishop Kegham Kacherian delivered the invocation.

ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian delivered the national message, describing the Armenian National Committees as a “second Army” and a “diplomatic corps for the Armenian Diaspora.” He recounted how the ANCA has imposed real consequences on officials who cross the community’s red lines, and urged attendees to remember their place in American civic life.

“We are not guests in this house,” said Hamparian. “We are owners, not tenants of this great nation. We are citizens exercising our rights, not subjects seeking favors.”

Turning to the upcoming Midterm Elections, he highlighted the race in Texas’s 28th Congressional District, where the ANCA is supporting Judge Tano Tijerina against Rep. Henry Cuellar, co-chair of the Azerbaijan Caucus, who was indicted for allegedly accepting bribes from Azerbaijan and later pardoned. “We hope that he will not be pardoned by his voters,” Hamparian powerfully articulated.

Speaking on behalf of the ANCA-WR Board of Directors, member Dr. Kevork Hagopjian, Esq. answered the criticism facing the Armenian Cause from Baku, Ankara and Yerevan. “A peace that leaves 20 men in cells and 150,000 refugees outside their homes is not a peace,” he said. “It is only a pause that rewards whoever used force first.”

Hagopjian framed his remarks around two satellite photographs of the Holy Mother of God Church in Stepanakert, one showing the church standing and one showing it gone. The empty lot is evidence. “It is not an instruction to give up,” he said. “Our work is to make that third photograph possible: the same lot, the church doors open, families walking in safely.”

Assemblymember John Harabedian represents California’s 41st Assembly District and is the only Armenian-American currently serving in the State Assembly. He chairs the California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation and the Assembly Select Committee on California and Armenia Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange. His record includes AB 91, the MENA Inclusion Act, which created a distinct Armenian-American designation in state data, and a bipartisan letter calling for the release of Armenian prisoners held in Baku.

ANCA-WR Board Member Astine Suleimanyan opened the presentation. “John reminds us that our history is not just something we remember,” she said. “It is something we carry into the halls of power. John understands that representation is more than having a seat at the table. It’s about using that seat to build political power and deliver results for our community.” She added: “What I admire most about John is that he doesn’t just talk about standing with our community, he actually delivers. Through his partnership with the ANCA-WR, he’s helped turn Armenian advocacy into meaningful action.”

Joining Suleimanyan on the stage, Glendale Mayor Ardashes Kassakhian praised Harabedian’s leadership during the Eaton Fire, noting that “being proud of where you come from should never limit whom you’re willing to serve.” Recalling the legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian, Kassakhian drove the point home: “Some may be asking, is the ANCA awarding John this award because he’s Armenian? No, we’re giving him this award because we’re Armenian.”

Jivan Avetisyan – born in Gyumri, raised in Artsakh – is an internationally award-winning director whose features include Tevanik, The Last Inhabitant and Gate to Heaven. His films have screened in AMC theaters across the U.S. and at European festivals. His next feature, Revival, is soon to be released.

Presenting the Award with Board Member Sarkis Simonian, Dr. Kevork Hagopjian, Esq. recalled visiting Avetisyan in a small Yerevan apartment after the family was displaced from Artsakh in 2020. “A satellite can show what disappeared. It cannot show who lived there. Jivan can,” Hagopjian said. “A people that wants its story told has to back the people who tell it.”

Accepting the award, Avetisyan described his cinema as “a testimony” to those who fell for the Armenian Cause. “I firmly believe that no dictator can draw the borders of my homeland if those borders are not drawn in our hearts and minds,” he said. “I deeply believe that one day I will return to the Republic of Artsakh, to my ancestral village of Khachmach.”

He closed by linking his work to the ANCA mission: “I believe that political lobbying for the Armenian Cause and my art, working together, can change the world.”

The program continued with ANCA-WR Executive Director Ruben Karapetian, himself a former ANCA-WR intern, presenting certificates to the 2026 cohort, whose members came from Armenia, Syria and Southern California. “Tey leave knowing how to make an argument, organize their community, and turn conviction into results,” said Karapetian. Our cause has always moved forward, one generation at a time.”

Delivering remarks during the evening was Representative of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western United States Central Committee Levon Baronian. Born a mile from the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood, Baronian argues that Los Angeles has become the new capital of the Armenian Diaspora. “A capital is not simply where the greatest number of Armenians live,” he said. “A capital is where a nation organizes its future.”

Baronian invited attendees to the United For Artsakh Rally on November 8, at 5:30 p.m. on Artsakh Street in Glendale, organized by the Armenian Youth Federation. “Let us be judged not merely by what we preserve,” he said, “but also by what we accomplish.”

Shevan Basmadjian, a descendant of Armenian Genocide survivors, has led grassroots advocacy in Texas for nearly a decade. She testified at the Texas State Capitol in 2017 for genocide recognition resolution that passed unanimously, and led genocide education grants that have reached more than 5,000 students.

ANCA-WR Board Member Lara Yeretsian presented the award, named for the late ANCA-WR Board Member Steve Artinian. “Tonight, we shine a light on a different kind of warrior,” she said, “the grassroots activist who fights on a different battlefield: the political battlefield.” She continued: “It is through our Gamavor Panag of Hye Tahd activists like Shevan that we will control the narrative and right the wrong done to Artsakh and to our nation.”

Basmadjian shared the honor with Armenian activists across Texas, quoting her mother Annie Graham: “You cannot clap with one hand.” She continued: “For us Armenians, complacency is not an option. Our Century-old genocide is not over. Our adversaries still pursue our erasure every day. And we must continue to educate, and learn from the past to protect our homeland Armenia and prevent future genocide anywhere in the world.”

The evening continued with the ANCA-WR Board Chairman Oshin Harootoonian introducing the inaugural Gabriel Injejikian Educational Excellence Award, named for the founder of Ferrahian, the first Armenian day school in the United States. He described Injejikian as a “man of conviction and an excellent educator” for whom “teaching of the Armenian Cause came first.”

Harootoonian presented a commemorative plaque to Injejikian’s sons, Avo and Ara Injejikian, honoring “his vision in founding Ferrahian.” Accepting on behalf of the family, Avo said: “We like to think our father is looking down and smiling.” Following a tribute video, Harootoonian presented the Gabriel Injejikian Educational Excellence Award to the following Armenian schools across California. Accepting on behalf of the schools were:

Sossi Shanlian, Principal, Holy Martyrs Ferrahian School
Jean Kossakian, Principal, Holy Martyrs Marie Cabayan School
Lena Garabedian, Principal, Armenian Mesrobian School
Dr. Souzi Ohanian, Principal, Rose & Alex Pilibos Armenian School
Dr. Taline Kargodorian, Principal, Vahan & Anoush Chamlian Armenian School
Grace Andonian, Principal, Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan Armenian School
Sister Louisa Kassardjian, Principal, Armenian Sisters Academy
Gassia Kiledjian, Representative, Ari Guiragos Minasian Armenian School
Arpie Avanessian, Principal, Charlotte & Elise Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School,
David Ghoogasian, Principal, AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School
Anna Babaian, Interim Principal, Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School

The ANCA-WR extends its gratitude to everyone whose support made the 2026 Gala Banquet a success, from the guests, to the sponsors, volunteers, and the elected officials standing with the Armenian Cause.

LOS ANGELES — Dr. Hrayr Karagueuzian and Dr. Levon Demirdjian have announced the release of their book, “Am I at Risk? Your Evidence-Based Guide to a Healthier Future.” This 334-page, science-based health guide equips readers with tools to understand, measure, and reduce their personal risk for chronic diseases, providing a practical and empowering resource designed for individuals seeking clarity in a sea of confusing health advice.

Chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity continue to affect millions, often driven by preventable risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, physical inactivity, and diet-related issues. “Am I at Risk?” tackles these challenges head-on, offering authoritative, evidence-backed insights to help readers take charge of their health trajectories. Using accessible language free of overwhelming medical jargon, Dr. Karagueuzian and Dr. Demirdjian translate decades of medical research into actionable guidance, enabling readers to cut through misinformation and avoid unnecessary anxiety about unsubstantiated health claims.

“Health is not a prophecy; it’s a trajectory, one that can be shifted with informed choices and purposeful action,” says Dr. Karagueuzian, an acclaimed cardiology researcher whose work has shaped the scientific understanding of hidden cardiac risk factors. Dr. Demirdjian adds, “This book is a call to action for health literacy. It empowers readers by decoding the complexity of medical data into insights that genuinely matter.”

Key highlights of “Am I at Risk?” include:

• Identifying potential health risks such as obesity, diabetes, and lifestyle factors — and addressing them through sustainable, evidence-based interventions.
• Dispelling myths and fear around health claims, with tools to differentiate between fact, fiction, and marketing spin.
• Guided steps to reduce risk factors early, long before they culminate into more serious conditions.
• A practical approach for the modern reader, ensuring medical data and recommendations are easy to grasp and immediately applicable.

Dr. Hrayr Karagueuzian, Adjunct Professor Emeritus of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and Dr. Levon Demirdjian, a bioinformatics and medical research expert, bring unparalleled authority and passion to the topic. Their combined expertise represents nearly five decades of research and advocacy at the intersection of prevention, science, and public health.

Whether you’re navigating health information, managing daily health risks, or simply striving for a healthier future, “Am I at Risk?” is an essential addition to your library. For people overwhelmed by contradictory health advice and dubious claims, this book provides clarity, confidence, and an evidence-based path to wellness.

Read more about “Am I at Risk?” on the book’s website.

“Am I at Risk? Your Evidence-Based Guide to a Healthier Future” (ISBN: 9781968485535) is available through major retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The paperback retails for $19.99, and the ebook retails for $4.99. Review copies and interviews with the author are available upon request.

Purchase the book on Amazon. 

Praising the book, James N. Weiss, MD Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Medicine & Physiology David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, said, “A great start to educate yourself in navigating the complexities of medical information to help make informed decisions about your health. I highly recommend it!”

Dr. Hrayr S. Karagueuzian is Adjunct Professor Emeritus of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He earned his master’s degree from the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Columbia University and his PhD in pharmacology from Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. A leading authority in cardiac electrophysiology, Dr. Karagueuzian has authored or coauthored more than 200 peer-reviewed scientific articles, book chapters, review articles, editorials, and a book. He is also the hf five U.S. patents. His groundbreaking research has advanced our understanding of the hidden risk factors behind sudden cardiac death, particularly those associated with coronary artery disease, and lethal cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation.

Dr. Levon Demirdjian is a leading expert at the intersection of bioinformatics and medicine, with more than a decade of experience in medical research, including a postdoctoral fellowship in cancer research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He earned his PhD in statistics from UCLA. A passionate advocate for health literacy, he is dedicated to making sense of the complexity of medical data to empower individuals to make evidence-based choices for their own well-being.

MindStir Media LLC is an award-winning book publisher. To learn more about publishing a book with MindStir Media, visit their website or call 800-767-0531.