Category: News

Armenian Minister of Justice Srbuhi Galyan received a delegation led by Giorgi Murvanidze, head of Georgia’s Levan Samkharauli National Forensic Bureau.

The meeting addressed opportunities for exchanging methodological manuals on forensic methods, specialized literature and scientific materials to improve the quality and effectiveness of forensic examinations, the Justice Ministry said in a press release.

Women’s participation in the armed forces has increased, but their representation at the decision-making level remains limited. Speaking at a roundtable discussion organized in cooperation between the Human Rights Defender’s Office and the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), Human Rights Defender of Armenia Anahit Manasyan said that persistent stereotypes in society, including the misconception that the armed forces and security systems are not for women, remain a major obstacle to expanding women’s participation.

The event was dedicated to the topic “Promoting Women’s Participation in the Armed Forces of Armenia and the Role of Military Education in Advancing Gender Equality.”

Anahit Manasyan emphasized that gender stereotypes convey distorted perceptions of the social roles of women and men and hinder the full realization of equality before the law.

“The rigid division of the social roles of women and men continues to pose a serious challenge to equality before the law and the elimination of discrimination. Speaking about the specific features of stereotypes, I consider it important to mention the widespread misconception that the armed forces and security systems are supposedly not for women. Unfortunately, this stereotype continues to persist in our society as well,” the Human Rights Defender said.

According to her, these perceptions also provide grounds for targeting women when aspects of their personal lives and other circumstances are used against women serving in the armed forces and security systems. As a result, the effectiveness of their participation is called into question and jeopardized, which requires a consistent response.

Manasyan also addressed cases of sexual harassment against women, which are widespread throughout the world. She emphasized the importance of applying prevention mechanisms, clearly addressing the problems and involving all stakeholders in resolving them.

“Despite the steps taken by the state and the positive developments, we cannot turn a blind eye to existing negative phenomena or pretend that they do not exist. Some problems persist, and if we do not take serious and consistent steps today to overcome these stereotypes, they will continue to persist in our environment,” Anahit Manasyan said.

The Human Rights Defender also emphasized the importance of continuously improving service conditions, noting that genuine equality entails not only equal treatment but also the creation of conditions that take women’s specific needs into account.

She said that joint and consistent efforts by state bodies, civil society organizations and international partners are necessary to ensure the effective protection of women’s rights.

The opening of the event also featured remarks by MP Vilen Gabrielyan, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Security; Deputy Minister of Defense Arman Sargsyan; and Antje Fritz, DCAF Deputy Head for Europe and Asia and Head of DCAF’s Support Program in Armenia.

The discussion addressed opportunities and challenges related to expanding women’s participation in the armed forces, overcoming discrimination, creating an inclusive environment and the role of military education in promoting gender equality.

Participants included representatives of the Human Rights Defender’s Office, state bodies and civil society, as well as Armenian and international experts. The Armenian-language version of DCAF’s handbook “Teaching Gender in the Military” was also presented.

The Amulsar gold mine, the first gold mine to be commissioned in Armenia since independence, launched its operations over the weekend, marking a new phase in one of Armenia’s largest investment projects.

A ceremony marking the occasion was held near the mine on October 10, attended by Cabinet members led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

During the visit, Lydian Armenia mine operators showcased the gold-casting process to Pashinyan and other visiting officials.

The project is being implemented within the framework of the strategic partnership between Lydian Armenia and the Government of Armenia.

Hayk Aloyan, founder and CEO of Lydian Armenia, told reporters that the company holds a license to operate the Amulsar mine for 12 years.

“We believe this is a project that will last approximately 40 years. I want to clarify that the product will be exported for refining, since what we produce today is an alloy of gold and silver. We have exported it to Switzerland,” he said.

According to Aloyan, the company currently employs 1,500 people, approximately 30% of whom are local residents. Around 4,000 people are involved in the process overall. He also noted, without disclosing figures, that average salaries are higher than those typically offered in the mining sector.

In response to a question from an Armenpress correspondent, Aloyan elaborated that the company plans to produce approximately $100 million worth of output in 2026, provided that regular production is maintained during the final three months of the year. In subsequent years, production is expected to reach approximately $860–900 million, depending on the global price of gold.

Asked who had cast the first gold bar, Aloyan appeared surprised and, seemingly immersed in pleasant memories, admitted that he had cast it himself. The process had gone smoothly.

“There was no risk. Our partners carried out the entire process. I took part, too, and cast the first gold with my own hands. That was on September 16. I was very emotional. I am a geologist. I have been working in this profession for around 30 years, but I had never cast gold in my life. It was extremely interesting. It is truly moving—it is like the moment your own child is born,” Aloyan said.

Gnel Sanosyan, the government’s representative on the board of directors of Lydian Armenia, drew particular attention to the project’s social and environmental aspects.

“Very recently, Lydian Armenia, the government and the three communities near the mine clarified the entire scope of work and the program in accordance with the agreement reached. It was established that $7–9 million would be allocated to the communities annually. The program’s methodology, areas of focus and working arrangements were also clarified,” Sanosyan said.

According to him, Lydian Armenia will also implement a project to establish a national park, allocating $5 million for that purpose.

Speaking to reporters, Sanosyan also said that, in terms of the technologies and a number of innovations being introduced, the project represents an entirely new approach to mining in Armenia and could have a substantial social and economic impact.

The former Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure also said that no discussions had been held about increasing the Armenian government’s stake in Lydian Armenia.

Addressing environmental risks, Sanosyan said:

“During the construction phase, it was important to ensure that the project was implemented fully in accordance with the plan. Compliance with the established standards was monitored by numerous companies, as well as highly qualified international experts. The way the work has been carried out shows that we will not face such problems,” he said.

Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan said that the project’s implementation marked Armenia’s entry into a new phase of economic development, as Amulsar is bringing nearly the entire production chain into operation. Lydian Armenia has invested approximately $750 million in the Amulsar project overall, of which $150 million was provided by Ameriabank on the basis of a government budget guarantee.

“This is a very important example of cooperation between the state and the private sector. Once the mine reaches the operational phase, annual gold production of more than 210,000 ounces is planned. According to our calculations, $130 million will be paid into the state budget in taxes, duties and royalties. In addition, the government holds a 12.5% stake in the project, which, in our assessment, could increase Armenia’s gross domestic product by at least 1.5% annually. Lydian Armenia will provide substantial support to our communities so that their residents can directly benefit from this process. As a result, not only will thousands of jobs be created, but a new path of economic development will open up for this region, particularly for Vayk, Jermuk and Sisian,” Papoyan said.

Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Davit Khudatyan also believes that the operation of the Amulsar deposit will significantly transform communities in the neighboring areas of Vayots Dzor and Syunik provinces.

“I want to emphasize that this is an excellent opportunity for our partners at Amulsar, those responsible for the subsoil use sector and each of us to show and prove that mining and tourism can operate side by side without interfering with one another or damaging nature. I am confident that this is exactly what we will achieve through joint efforts,” he said.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he considers the operation of the Amulsar deposit a success story and believes that environmental concerns surrounding it have been dispelled.

“You all know that the Amulsar project has manifested itself in various ways, and I believe we should also analyze the path we have taken in order to develop procedures for future investment projects. One of the most important tasks, I believe, is to improve public understanding and awareness of all these issues.

“I believe the decisive decision and agreement that enabled us to break through the impasse was, first of all, providing answers to all the questions related to the environmental sector. On the other hand, it was very important to go through that process and become convinced, because I want to remind you that concerns and warnings were voiced, including about the contamination of Lake Sevan and other issues. And we are here today because we are convinced that all those risks simply do not exist. We should also acknowledge that, for any developed country, this kind of mining—one that is environmentally and socially responsible—is a key engine of development,” he said.

Addressing the project’s social responsibility component, the prime minister highlighted the substantial support that Lydian Armenia would provide to local communities. Pashinyan considers the government’s 12.5% stake in the project a way of ensuring additional public participation in it.

“I want to remind you that, in the preceding period, we also made amendments to the Tax Code and changed certain royalty mechanisms, linking them to some extent to international prices for gold, copper and other metals. This also generates additional revenue for the state budget. Our economy has grown by an average of 7.9% annually over the past five years, and, based on the results for 2025, Armenia’s gross domestic product has increased by 53% since 2018. We will summarize the 2026 figures and report them later. And now we have a huge new investment project that will drive further growth in the country’s GDP,” the prime minister said.

Economist Suren Parsyan, speaking to Armenpress, assessed the expected economic impact of the mine’s operation, describing Amulsar as the largest investment project in Armenia’s recent history.

“This will have a significant economic impact not only locally but also at the national level. The fact alone that turnover or exports will amount to around $930 million indicates that we will have an industrial giant comparable to the Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine. In other words, we can say that our economy will have its second-largest mining company, with a direct impact of around 2% on the economy and a further indirect impact of 1.5–2%. Given that this will become a systemically important company, it will serve as a client for more than 200 small and medium-sized businesses, acting as a driving force for the entire sector and regional business,” Parsyan said.

The economist believes the project will also have a significant social impact, noting that approximately 1,000 well-paid jobs are expected to be created, while the number of indirect jobs could reach 4,000–6,000.

“Salaries here are quite high, averaging AMD 900,000 or more. This is a very high figure, even exceeding the average salary at other mining companies in Armenia. Vayots Dzor is one of Armenia’s poorer provinces. The poverty rate here is around 25%, higher than the national average. With the operation of Amulsar and the implementation of its social programs, approximately $8–9 million will be allocated to the affected communities. The poverty rate could decrease significantly, by around two to three times. In Vayots Dzor, where the population is small and there are serious employment challenges, this could help address a major problem over the long term.”

Parsyan believes that by implementing a project of this scale, Armenia can send investors a signal that it continues to operate according to international rules and remains ready to undertake new projects.

A total of 170 communities in Armenia have joined the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports said.

“October 17 is the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Armenia also celebrates this day, as the preservation of intangible cultural heritage is one of the priority areas of the state cultural policy of the Republic of Armenia. In 2026, 170 communities in Armenia, 250 schools and kindergartens, 110 art schools and cultural centers, and 40 museums and libraries joined the initiative, organizing exhibitions, master classes, meetings, concerts and educational programs,” the ministry said.

The initiative is also featured on the official website of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. 

“The events held as part of the day not only provide an opportunity to appreciate the diversity of Armenian intangible cultural heritage, but also demonstrate that traditions are alive, passed down through generations, and can receive contemporary and innovative interpretations,” the ministry said in a statement.

The International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage was proclaimed in 2023 by a decision of UNESCO’s General Conference, with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of intangible cultural heritage and the need to preserve it.

More than 53,000 people displaced from Karabakh have applied for Armenian citizenship, and more than 45,000 have already obtained it.

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Armen Ghazaryan reported the figures during a briefing with journalists, commenting on a discussion held in the National Assembly on issues concerning people displaced from Karabakh.

“The discussion concerned the problems faced by our compatriots displaced from Karabakh. Representatives of various agencies had been invited, and within the scope of their authority, they addressed the issues raised by our displaced compatriots,” he said.

According to the deputy minister, the issues related to the authority of the Ministry of Internal Affairs concerned the process of acquiring citizenship.

“We already have more than 53,000 applications for citizenship, and more than 45,000 of our compatriots displaced from Karabakh have already obtained Armenian citizenship,” Ghazaryan said.

He noted that efforts are underway to simplify administrative procedures. The discussion also addressed the issue of missing required documents, particularly birth certificates.

“A citizenship case cannot be initiated without a birth certificate, and this is a logical mechanism provided for by our citizenship legislation. Therefore, we are discussing the issue and looking for solutions,” the deputy minister said.

According to Ghazaryan, a notarial procedure for certifying the fact of birth is already being applied, offering a simpler alternative to court proceedings.

The Ministry of Justice has also initiated a legislative amendment concerning exemption from fees.

“We have cases where people go and have the fact of their birth established by a notary,” he said, emphasizing the importance of informing citizens about this option.

Addressing the time limits for granting citizenship, Ghazaryan stressed that, from the initiation of the administrative proceedings, the period cannot exceed 90 working days.

“If we have cases where this deadline is exceeded, I can assure you that such violations are rare,” he added.

The deputy minister explained that the stage of collecting documents is not considered the commencement of administrative proceedings. According to him, the 90-working-day period begins when the application is submitted and the relevant proceedings are initiated. The proposed solutions are also intended to facilitate the stages preceding the application process, namely, the collection of documents and the establishment of facts.

Discussions on the social and housing needs of people displaced from Karabakh should focus on finding solutions rather than viewing the issue through a political lens, Armenian Parliament’s Committee on Labor and Welfare Chair MP Nazeli Baghdasaryan (Civil Contract) said when asked why opposition MPs were not in attendance at a meeting organized by the Civil Contract faction.

Speaking to journalists, Baghdasaryan stressed that she did not want to view the issue through a political lens.

“I do not want to view this issue through any political lens, because the social problems and housing needs of displaced people should be above any political speculation,” she said.

Baghdasaryan explained that the meeting had been organized at the initiative of the ruling Civil Contract faction. According to her, a letter concerning the organization of a discussion had been sent to all three parliamentary factions, and each had the opportunity to organize such a meeting.

She added that the list of participants had been discussed in advance with the meeting’s organizers. The meeting was organized based on the list they submitted, while the Civil Contract faction arranged for government representatives to attend.

According to Baghdasaryan, some of the issues raised were discussed during the meeting. Regarding other issues related to the social sector, Minister of Labor and Welfare Arsen Torosyan proposed holding an additional substantive discussion to examine the proposals submitted.

Addressing the absence of opposition MPs, Baghdasaryan said they could also initiate discussions, invite government representatives and ask questions. She also pointed to the opportunities provided by question-and-answer sessions with the government and written inquiries.

“The more substantive and constructive proposals are put forward, the more I think we will help the executive,” she said.

The main goal of state support programs for people displaced from Karabakh is to help them settle and integrate in Armenia, Minister of Labor and Welfare Arsen Torosyan said at a meeting organized by the Civil Contract faction in parliament, addressing difficulties related to housing, citizenship and access to the programs.

The minister stressed that the government is ready to discuss proposals to accelerate integration processes.

“As for the integration processes, yes, let’s discuss how we can speed them up. We are ready to do that and are doing everything in that direction, from the housing program to the other programs,” Torosyan said.

According to the minister, the process of obtaining citizenship has been simplified, while the number of beneficiaries of the housing program is growing. He said the number of housing certificates redeemed had reached 4,991.

“Dozens of citizens are purchasing homes, while dozens of others are receiving certificates to purchase homes,” he noted.

Addressing the amount of assistance provided for purchasing housing, Torosyan recalled that the value of the certificate for communities near Yerevan had been increased by one million drams. According to him, the change also applies to beneficiaries who had received certificates previously.

At the same time, the minister stressed that housing difficulties are also linked to the balance between supply and demand in the real estate market. In his assessment, communities near Yerevan face not only a price problem but also a shortage of housing available for sale.

“It is not only a price problem; there is also a problem with housing availability,” Torosyan said.

The minister noted that the program provides for assistance of five million drams per person in some settlements located farther from Yerevan. In this context, he also referred to the construction of schools, kindergartens and roads, emphasizing the importance of preventing the population from concentrating only in Yerevan and its neighboring communities.

According to Torosyan, families are choosing different solutions: some beneficiaries who have jobs take out additional loans on top of the assistance, while others purchase homes in more distant settlements in line with their financial means.

Addressing the housing needs of small families, the minister presented a separate program intended mainly for elderly people and persons with disabilities. According to him, beneficiaries’ interest in this program remains low.

Torosyan also said that certain problems arising from a lack of documents are being discussed by an interagency commission. Applicants’ education, employment and other factual circumstances are being examined to determine whether they qualify for a housing certificate.

At the same time, the minister said some applicants do not meet the requirements established by a government decision. In this context, he also mentioned cases in which applicants previously owned property or a share of property in Armenia.

Addressing the exercise of the rights of displaced people in international forums, Torosyan said that Armenia’s integration-oriented policy does not mean they cannot exercise their rights through other means, including under international conventions.

Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Alen Simonyan received representatives of the US-based Save Armenia organization on October 13.

According to the Office of the Security Council, Simonyan welcomed their visit to Armenia and emphasized the importance of active cooperation and dialogue with the organization.

The meeting addressed the Armenia-US strategic partnership, as well as other topics of regional interest.

The Security Council Secretary also answered various questions of interest to the organization’s members.

Security Council Secretary Alen Simonyan held a meeting with Belgian Ambassador to Armenia Eric De Muynck on October 13.

According to the Armenian Security Council Office, the sides discussed a number of issues related to the development of Armenia–Belgium relations and the intensification of economic cooperation.

They also addressed issues concerning Armenia–EU relations and exchanged views on regional developments.

The Yerevan City Council designated Hrazdan Gorge as a specially protected natural area of local significance under the “protected landscape” category at a session on October 13.

The relevant motion was presented at the session by Sirarpi Haykazyan, head of the Environmental Protection Department of Yerevan City Hall.

“Hrazdan Gorge, as a ‘protected landscape,’ must have a management plan. It will take a considerable amount of time to develop this plan. An organization has been selected through a tender announced by the Asian Development Bank to develop the management plan. Until the plan is developed, special measures will be implemented to preserve the gorge’s current condition and develop environmentally accessible recreational opportunities, allowing visitors to connect with nature while minimizing the impact on biodiversity and ecosystem processes,” Sirarpi Haykazyan said.