Category: News

Pashinyan says he aims to sign peace agreement with Azerbaijan by end of his t

Emil Karabekian
OC Media
Oct 16, 2026
by Ani Ghulinyan

16 October 2026

During Thursday’s government session, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that he intends to sign a peace agreement with Azerbaijan by 2031, which also marks the end of his current term and when the next parliamentary elections are set to take place in Armenia.

The Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process entered a new stage after the 2025 US-mediated Washington summit, which brought together Pashinyan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and US President Donald Trump, and resulted in the initialling — but not the signing — of a peace treaty. Pashinyan has been talking about the importance of signing the peace agreement every day this week and noted during the government session that signing and ratification of a peace agreement was his ‘most important task’.

‘But I have also set myself the goal of achieving a resolution of this issue by 2031. Naturally, this is also a task for the government and the political team, but as Armenia’s prime minister, I consider it very important in terms of my personal agenda as well that we resolve this issue by 2031. I see that this possibility exists; otherwise, I would not have spoken about it, and in the near future we must be focused on this agenda’, said Pashinyan.

During the press briefing, Pashinyan was asked whether the 2031 deadline had been chosen so that he could complete it before the next elections and demonstrate results.

‘I have just been elected prime minister and have to plan my future actions. My term ends in 2031. What other dates can I give you? The term of this government and parliament is five years, isn’t it? 2026 plus five equals 2031. What other number do you expect from me?’, he said.

Although Armenian-Azerbaijani talks continue at various levels and in different formats, there are still unresolved issues between the two countries that prevent a peace agreement from being signed. One of the most important of these is border delimitation, and the issue of enclaves and exclaves. Armenia and Azerbaijan have four enclave and exclave clusters that have become the subject of political controversy in the process of demarcation and delimitation between the two countries.

Karki, Barkhudarlyu, and Yukhari Askipara — Yukhari and Askipara are two separate villages that form a single cluster — are located in Armenia but are part of Azerbaijan according to the Almaty Declaration of 1991. Artsvashen, which is currently under Azerbaijani control, is considered to be part of Armenia.

On Wednesday, explaining how he imagines the peace agreement with Azerbaijan, Pashinyan said that he believes there should be ‘no enclaves or exclaves on either side of the border’ as part of the peace agreement and that the two countries should exchange territories of corresponding sizes.

Although Azerbaijan did not yet respond to Pashinyan’s recent announcements, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has previously demanded the return of Armenian exclaves that were Azerbaijani territory during the Soviet Union.

In answer to a question about the importance of the enclave and exclave issue in the signing of the peace agreement, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said on Thursday that, in contrast to the Armenian Constitution, the issue of enclaves and exclaves does not pose an obstacle to the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani officials, including Aliyev, have repeatedly stated that Armenia’s constitution contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan and demanded that it be changed, making it one of the biggest roadblocks to the signing of the peace treaty initialled in Washington in August 2025.

The  UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who is in Yerevan for the UN Leaders’ Summit, urged Armenia and Azerbaijan to implement the provisions of the peace agreement during the press conference in Yerevan. He added that this naturally included the issue of detained persons. He was asked by reporters why the UN is not putting more pressure on Azerbaijan to release Armenian prisoners of war.

‘I am a strong supporter of the peace agreement. I hope all the provisions set out in it will be implemented. I regret the problems concerning the captives and the other issues. I hope all these matters will be resolved quickly’, said Guterres.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said he believes that the next meeting of foreign ministers within the ‘3+3’ regional format — Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, Turkey, and Iran — could be held in Azerbaijan, followed by a meeting in Yerevan.

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Azerbaijan opens criminal case over calls for coup, declares Turkish columnist

Christine Harutyunian
OC Media
Oct 16, 2026
by Rafig Shahbazov

16 October 2026 

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include a public apology from Turkish columnist Celal Çiftçi.

Azerbaijan has launched a criminal case over alleged calls to seize power by force and incite religious hatred, declaring Turkish columnist Celal Çiftçi internationally wanted.

The video comes amid rising tensions between Azerbaijan and Turkey, following a public exchange of criticism between officials and political figures in both countries. The dispute has also spilled onto social media, with comments on Azerbaijan’s domestic policies, including restrictions on hijab-wearing in schools, becoming part of the broader debate.

The Prosecutor General’s Office said on 16 October that the case followed the circulation of social media posts allegedly promoting religious radicalism, a coup, and the forcible alteration of Azerbaijan’s constitutional order. Çiftçi, a columnist for the Turkish newspaper Şanlıurfa Olay, has been charged in the case, according to the office.

According to a statement issued by the office’s press service, the investigation followed reports concerning material shared on social media by various individuals, including Çiftçi, a Turkish citizen born in 1975 who writes for the Şanlıurfa Olay newspaper. The material allegedly called for the forcible seizure of power in Azerbaijan and incited religious hatred and enmity through violence.

While it was not specified what he said, it apparently is in response to an AI-generated video of soldiers knocking down a photo of President Ilham Aliyev.

OC Media could not find any posts matching this description still live on his X or Facebook posts.

Çiftçi has previously criticised Aliyev over the ban on hijabs in schools.

The Prosecutor General’s Office said its investigation had identified the repeated dissemination of content promoting religious radicalism following a 21 September 2026 decision by Azerbaijan’s Cabinet of Ministers, including material generated using artificial intelligence. It also reported repeated calls published under various headings that allegedly encouraged a coup, the forcible seizure of power, changes to the constitutional order, and the incitement of religious hatred and enmity through violence.

Explainer | What’s behind the Turkey–Azerbaijan spat?

Based on the collected evidence, the Prosecutor General opened a criminal case on 16 October under provisions of Azerbaijan’s criminal code relating to repeated public calls for the forcible seizure of power or the violent alteration of the constitutional order, as well as the preparation, possession, and dissemination of material calling for, justifying, or advocating religious extremist activity and the incitement of religious hatred and enmity through violence on the grounds of religious hostility, radicalism, and fanaticism.

The investigation has been assigned to the Investigative Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office.

The office said Çiftçi had been charged as a suspect in the case and declared internationally wanted. Requests for international legal assistance have been sent to the competent authorities in Turkey to facilitate investigative procedures concerning Çiftçi and other individuals. Further measures are also being taken through international cooperation mechanisms, the statement added.

The Prosecutor General’s Office said investigative measures were continuing to establish the content of the material, the circumstances in which it was produced and distributed, and other relevant facts before determining the legal implications and making decisions in accordance with the law.

The office also called on the public to refrain from sharing content that promotes religious hatred and enmity, use social media responsibly, and comply with the law, citing the need to protect religious tolerance, mutual respect, and social solidarity.

On Friday evening, Çiftçi issued a public apology, saying he had ‘no intention of creating religious hatred, hostility, or discrimination’, and did not mean for his post to be construed as calling for a coup.

‘I do not accept the accusations leveled against me in this regard’, he said, adding, ‘Azerbaijan is a brotherly state; the Azerbaijani people are our brothers. I have full respect for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional order of the Republic of Azerbaijan’.

Çiftçi nonetheless reiterated his belief that ‘people should not be excluded because of their beliefs or clothing choices’, referring to the hijab ban.

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Russia seeks to retain Armenian railway concession as Yerevan avoids confronta

Khoyetsian Rose
JAM News
Oct 16, 2026
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

“Armenia is not fixated on taking the concession away from Russia. The issue is ensuring that the railway operates to an adequate standard,” Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in response to a question about whether the authorities might strip South Caucasus Railway of its rights to operate Armenia’s railway network.

Since 2008, South Caucasus Railway has operated Armenia’s railways under a concession agreement. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Russian Railways. The concession runs for 30 years. Since the Russian company took over, freight traffic has halved, some routes have ceased operating, and the company has yet to deliver on its mandatory investment commitments.

Pashinyan said Western companies were ready to invest, but they saw the existing Russian concession as an obstacle. Russia, meanwhile, considers further investment “economically unviable”.

“We say: fine, if it is economically unviable, then sell or transfer the concession rights to those who consider it viable. Alternatively, we will find ways to solve our problems ourselves,” the prime minister told journalists.

Pashinyan also said he had agreed with Russian Railways CEO Oleg Belozerov to set up a joint working group. The group will have three months to answer all the Armenian government’s questions, including whether the Russian side is willing to invest in developing Armenia’s railway network. Yerevan will decide on its next steps only after that.

The prime minister believes the scale of any potential Russian investment could put an end to all “political debate”. In particular, he was referring to concerns that Western countries might refuse to use a railway network under Russian control.

“If Russia, for example, says, ‘I will invest $3 billion’, that means it has no concerns that the countries we mentioned might choose alternative routes. It would mean Russia is confident that these countries will use these railway lines and that its investment will pay off,” he stressed.

Political analyst Samvel Meliksetyan told JAMnews that Yerevan’s concerns had political rather than economic or investment-related roots from the outset.

For some time, people have been saying that international partners are unwilling to use a railway network under a Russian concession. This, in turn, prevents Armenia from becoming a transit country. Meliksetyan believes Armenia has “made concessions” compared with its original position.

“By deciding to set up a working group, Armenia is trying to postpone the serious and painful consequences that could follow if Russia decides to use its leverage,” he said.

The political analyst recalled that Moscow had hinted at a possible increase in gas prices and was already applying economic pressure by banning Armenian exports.

In the expert’s view, the creation of an Armenian-Russian working group effectively turns the concession dispute into a “negotiation process”.

“Three months from now, another issue could emerge and take a further three months to discuss. The problem would remain unresolved, but this approach would help avoid further deterioration in relations with Russia,” he said.

  • Turkey takes practical steps to restore rail link with Armenia
  • ‘TRIPP project will move forward slowly’: US discusses regional connectivity agenda
  • Armenia launches independent restoration of railway to Turkish and Azerbaijani borders

Pashinyan: “We have no problem with the Russian concession”

The prime minister recalled discussions with the Russian side in April 2026. At the time, Russian partners said investment in Armenia’s railways was economically unviable and that investment from other countries would be unacceptable.

“During the blockade, we might have said, ‘Fine, we’ll manage somehow.’ But now, as the region opens up, we cannot accept leaving our railway in its current condition. It needs investment, and we are talking about substantial sums,” he said.

Pashinyan stressed that investment was essential if Armenia’s railway network was to compete with the Kars–Dilucu line that Turkey is building. At the same time, he noted that competition might not even become an issue, given the expected growth in freight traffic across the region.

Speaking about his talks with Belozerov, Pashinyan said he had made it clear to his Russian counterpart that Armenia did not object to Russian management under the concession agreement. However, Yerevan expected the railway to become competitive.

“Our analysis of how to achieve this goal shows that a change in the concession management model would be a rational approach, particularly by involving third countries in the process,” the prime minister said.

He added that Russian partners could put forward their own proposals if they knew how to resolve the issue.

Moscow has yet to offer any concrete solutions. However, Russian partners assured Armenia that sanctions would not obstruct railway operations.

Nikol Pashinyan outlined the strategic priorities that the Armenian government expects to address now that the region anticipates the reopening of all borders:

  • Reopening the Ijevan–Hrazdan railway section;
  • Building a facility in Akhurik to change wheelsets, as Turkish railways use a different track gauge;
  • Connecting the Ijevan–Hrazdan railway line to the Vanadzor–Gyumri line.

“We understand that this is an extremely difficult task, both in terms of investment and from a technical and organisational perspective. But we cannot simply say, ‘You know, there are difficulties, so we will not pursue this.’ We will approach our friends in the most friendly manner possible, but these issues must be resolved,” he stressed.

Armenia to restore tracks near Turkish and Azerbaijani borders on its own despite Russian control of its railways

Analysts urged against escalating tensions with Moscow, and the Armenian authorities decided to increase subsidies to the railway operator while postponing the issue of ending Russia’s concession

What Armenia’s prime minister and the head of Russian Railways discussed

The previous day, Pashinyan received a delegation led by Russian Railways CEO Oleg Belozerov.

According to the Armenian prime minister’s office, Pashinyan stressed that his government aims to integrate Armenia’s railway network with those of neighbouring countries. The meeting covered:

  • Opportunities arising from regional developments;
  • Measures to improve the competitiveness of Armenia’s railways and integrate them into international transport routes;
  • Railway reconstruction projects, particularly the Gyumri–Akhurik–Turkish border line and the Yeraskh–Nakhchivan line, as well as the opportunities these projects would create;
  • Infrastructure development carried out by South Caucasus Railway under the concession agreement;
  • Management efficiency, existing problems and possible solutions.

Comment

Political analyst Samvel Meliksetyan believes Russia proposed setting up an Armenian-Russian working group on the railway issue to delay the process and buy time.

In his view, Russia intends to maintain its presence in Armenia’s railway network. He explains that Moscow wants to take advantage of the expected reopening of regional transport links and secure a political role in the process.

“This matters to Russia economically, in terms of its image and in terms of its geopolitical presence in Armenia. Moscow does not want to lose a very important lever of influence as the region’s transport links reopen.”

Meliksetyan believes the Armenian authorities are trying to act constructively and avoid escalating tensions with Russia. In this context, he recalled the “instruments of blackmail” that Russia openly uses.

At the same time, the political analyst does not rule out the possibility of Russian investment in Armenia’s railways.

“The scale of this investment would not pose a significant problem for Russia. We are talking about just tens of millions of dollars. Even amid Russia’s current crisis, that is a very small sum. Its daily military spending runs into billions of dollars.”

According to Meliksetyan, three months of work by the Armenian working group are unlikely to persuade Russia to relinquish the concession.

“Formal decisions or partial amendments to the concession agreement in Armenia’s favour are possible. However, this is a political issue. In the near future, I do not see a political solution that would not lead to a further deterioration in Armenian-Russian relations.”

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Pezeshkian arrives in Armenia to attend international biodiversity summit

Chalian Meline
Press TV, Iran
Oct 16, 2026

President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in Yerevan to attend the 17th biodiversity summit, as Tehran vows to document environmental damage caused by US-Israeli military aggression against Iran.

President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, to attend the 17th Summit of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Pezeshkian arrived on Friday for the summit, which brings together participating heads of state and government.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Thursday that the president’s visit would be brief. He added that Pezeshkian was also scheduled to hold talks and exchange views with some of the participating leaders on the sidelines of the summit.

Explaining the convention’s significance, Baghaei said the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity was established in 1992 and currently has 196 parties. He noted that all countries except the United States are parties to the convention.

Baghaei said that Iran was among the convention’s original signatories and officially became a party to it in 1996. Over the past three decades, he said, Iran has played an important role in developing mechanisms and rules for protecting biodiversity and the environment.

The spokesman also highlighted the environmental damage inflicted on Iran and the wider region during the US and Israeli regime’s military aggression against Iran.

He specifically referred to damage affecting the environment of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

Baghaei emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran would use every opportunity to document and explain the crimes committed against the environment.


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Armenia-Türkiye process has matured to the point where final normalization co

Tambiyan Samvel
Politics13:12, 15 October 2026
Read the article in: العربيةEspañolفارسیՀայերենРусскийTürkçe

The Armenia-Türkiye normalization process has matured to such an extent that a final and complete normalization could be achieved any day, Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan has said.

Mirzoyan made the remarks during a joint press conference with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, responding to a question about the appointment of a new Armenian envoy to the normalization process.

Mirzoyan said it remained unclear whether a new envoy would be needed at all, adding that the Armenia-Türkiye border could open before the issue of appointing a new envoy was even discussed.

“The Armenia-Türkiye normalization process has matured to such an extent that a final and complete settlement could be achieved any day. Armenia and Türkiye are in contact almost daily, and negotiations are ongoing. To be honest, the question is whether a new envoy will be needed at all. It could happen that the opening of the Armenia-Türkiye border takes place before the issue of discussing a candidate for the new envoy,” Mirzoyan said.

The foreign minister also said that the next Armenian-Turkish business forum scheduled to take place in Armenia might be held with broader participation.

Armenia and Türkiye launched the normalization process in 2022. Armenia’s envoy was then Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ruben Rubinyan, while Türkiye’s representative was diplomat Serdar Kılıç. Rubinyan was elected Speaker of Parliament on August 3, 2026, after which he announced that he would no longer serve as Armenia’s envoy to the normalization process. Armenia has not appointed a new envoy so far.

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Armenia seeks to develop new areas of cooperation with OSCE, says FM

Mary Lazarian
Politics14:05, 15 October 2026
Read the article in: EspañolՀայերենРусский

Armenia is seeking to develop new areas of cooperation with the OSCE, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan said at a joint press conference with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland.

“Given the peace established in the South Caucasus, Armenia’s previous perceptions of and expectations from the OSCE have changed. We are considering how to develop new areas of cooperation with the OSCE,” Mirzoyan said following a meeting with Cassis.

“I briefed Mr. Cassis on the latest developments regarding the peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the emerging cooperation between the two countries. We also exchanged views on expanding cooperation within the OSCE’s economic and environmental dimension. It is noteworthy that this meeting is taking place on the eve of the official opening of COP17,” Mirzoyan added.

As for the bilateral cooperation agenda, Mirzoyan highlighted Switzerland’s continued support for forest restoration and climate change initiatives in Armenia, as well as for the reform of democratic institutions.

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Armenian FM says various possibilities exist for resolving enclave-exclave iss

Kajoyan Gevork
Politics14:23, 15 October 2026
Read the article in: فارسیՀայերենРусский

Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan has addressed possible solutions to the issue of enclaves and exclaves between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Mirzoyan addressed the issue during a joint press conference with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis, when asked by a reporter about Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s October 14 statement on the matter.

Addressing the issue, Mirzoyan noted that there are various possible solutions to the problem, which are being discussed and will be discussed in depth with Azerbaijan.

He emphasized that he did not want to predetermine any agreement, but noted that if a decision is made to transfer something from the territory of the Republic of Armenia, which covers 29,743 square kilometers, and receive something in return, the question of a nationwide vote may arise.

Mirzoyan emphasized that the exchange of enclaves and exclaves is one of the possible solutions, and theoretically, other options may also exist.

“I can say that the Azerbaijani side also has a constructive approach to this issue,” the Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade concluded.

Pashinyan most recently said on October 15 that the exchange of the existing enclaves and exclaves between Armenia and Azerbaijan is one of the options being discussed in the negotiation process.

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Armenia to have military attaché in Canada

Aram Torosian
Politics11:16, 15 October 2026
Read the article in: العربيةEspañolفارسیՀայերենРусскийTürkçe中文

The Armenian government has approved the establishment of a military attaché position at Armenia’s embassy in Canada. The position will be combined with that of Armenia’s military attaché to the United States to develop defense cooperation with both countries.

The decision was adopted at the Cabinet meeting on Thursday, October 15.

According to the justification for the draft decision prepared by the Ministry of Defense, the military attaché is expected to assume duties on January 1, 2027, once the Canadian side has been notified of the appointment, the accreditation procedure has been completed, and the relevant approval has been obtained.

The attaché will establish official contacts between the defense ministries of the two countries and deepen their ties, monitor the implementation of cooperation programs, and assist in organizing visits by delegations from the Ministry of Defense and the armed forces.

The attaché will also ensure Armenia’s official representation at military parades, exercises, maneuvers, and exhibitions of weapons and military equipment held at the invitation of the Canadian defense authorities. The attaché will also visit military educational institutions and defense industry enterprises.

“At the current stage, cooperation in the defense sector may cover instructor training, joint participation in international peacekeeping missions, the protection of the rights of female servicemembers, and civilian oversight of the armed forces, as well as the exchange of experience in introducing internal audit and anti-corruption mechanisms,” the Ministry of Defense said.

At a later stage, cooperation may also include bilateral military-political consultations, military education, combat training for professional non-commissioned officers and personnel, military medicine, and the exchange of experience in other specialized areas.

The Ministry of Defense also considers the development of ties with Canada important in the context of Armenia-NATO cooperation.

The military attaché will support the consistent implementation of activities in Canada under the Individual Partnership Action Plan and submit proposals for developing bilateral cooperation.

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Armenia declares 100% of ENA shares to be of overriding public interest

Antonian Lara
Armenia11:48, 15 October 2026
Read the article in: Հայերեն

The government on October 15 declared the 100% shareholding in Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA) CJSC to be of overriding public interest.

In 2025, the Armenian government enacted emergency legislation to take over the management of ENA, which is owned by Samvel Karapetyan’s Tashir Group, citing alleged mismanagement by the power distributor. It later announced plans to nationalize the company. ENA has denied the allegations of mismanagement.

The draft decision was presented by Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Davit Khudatyan at the Cabinet meeting.

The minister recalled that the Public Services Regulatory Commission had suspended ENA’s electricity distribution license. Following this, the shareholders were offered the opportunity to sell the company’s shares to the Republic of Armenia, but no response was received within the established deadline.

Khudatyan said the procedure for declaring the shares to be of overriding public interest was subsequently initiated. Public hearings were held, and the actions prescribed by law were carried out.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the valuation of the shares and the amount to be paid to the owners.

“How will it be determined how much we will pay? And can we already say approximately how much we will pay?” the prime minister asked.

Khudatyan explained that the valuation would be conducted by an appropriate organization. The assessment would take into account investments, dividends paid, and the company’s liabilities. The shareholders would be notified of the proposed price and could either accept it or commission their own valuation through another appraiser meeting the established requirements.

Pashinyan stressed that the company’s liabilities must also be taken into account during the valuation. By way of a hypothetical numerical example, he explained that a high turnover does not in itself imply a correspondingly high value if it is accompanied by significant liabilities.

The prime minister also expressed the expectation that the competent authorities would examine how ENA had been privatized and verify the legality of the privatization.

“We expect the relevant Armenian authorities to also examine, in parallel, the privatization of Electric Networks of Armenia and its legality. However, we are not linking the two processes, because neither impedes nor precludes the other,” Pashinyan said.

The Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure will coordinate the takeover and be responsible for its implementation. Within two months of the decision entering into force, the ministry must draw up a record describing the property. This deadline may be extended once, by no more than two months.

The valuation of the shares at market value is to be organized within three months of the record being drawn up and approved.

The valuation will take into account the company’s actual, contingent, and off-balance-sheet liabilities and risks, regardless of whether they are reflected in its financial statements or audit reports. The review will also cover loans, guarantees, court and arbitration proceedings, potential claims, and the history of ownership since the privatization.

The shareholders may submit a report prepared by an independent appraiser. They will also be given the opportunity to participate in discussions of the property description record and to appeal it to the ministry or a court within one month of receiving it.

The deadline for initiating the share transfer process is May 1, 2027. The deadline for commencing implementation of the purpose of the process is July 1, while the process must be completed by October 1.

According to the government, approximately 70% of Electric Networks of Armenia’s shares are owned by Tashir Capital CJSC, while approximately 30% belong to Liormand Holdings Limited.

According to the explanatory note attached to the draft decision, the purpose of the takeover is to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to the population, energy security, the normal operation of social and strategic facilities, and the protection of consumer rights. The ministry has stated that interim management in itself cannot serve as a final solution for the system’s long-term and sustainable management.

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Armenia plans to hand ENA management to leading global company

Parkev Tvankchian
Armenia12:07, 15 October 2026
Read the article in: EspañolՀայերեն

The government plans to hand over the management of Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA) to a leading global company or group of companies after the company becomes state property following its designation as being of overriding public interest.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced at a Cabinet meeting that reprivatizing ENA is not part of the government’s plan.

“In other words, we have no intention of reprivatizing it. At least, that is not our plan,” the prime minister said.

Pashinyan explained that alternative options would be considered if the planned course of action could not be implemented for objective reasons.

The future management of ENA, he said, will be one of the government’s key issues in the near future.

The prime minister also clarified that the decision under consideration regarding ENA constitutes a separate legal procedure and is distinct from processes involving the return of illegally acquired property and the protection of state or community interests. At the same time, he said that, politically, he considers it part of the asset recovery agenda.

“Politically, however, this is an integral part of the process of returning illegally acquired assets, and I consider this very important,” Pashinyan said.

Speaking about this agenda, the prime minister also addressed efforts to clear sidewalks and public areas in the Ajapnyak district of illegally built structures, welcoming the actions of Yerevan City Hall.

According to him, the results of these efforts will not be included in calculating progress toward the government program’s goal of recovering $2 billion worth of property, although this, too, represents tangible value being returned to citizens.

Pashinyan noted that some issues concerning the return of public spaces in Yerevan and the regions are also being resolved through negotiations, without adding to the burden on the courts.

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