Category: News

The U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency, an agency of the Department of Defense, has expressed readiness to support Armenia’s National Security Service (NSS) in improving border guard training programs and training instructors, the NSS said in a statement.

On September 24, the head and personnel of the NSS Scientific-Educational Center met with a delegation led by Antje Fritz, Deputy Head of the Europe and Asia Division at the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) and head of DCAF’s support program in Armenia. On September 30, a meeting was held with a delegation led by Stephanie Pennington, Caucasus Regional Programs Manager at the Directorate of Global Threat Reduction of the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

Issues related to state border protection and the professional training of border guards were discussed.

Modern training methods, international cooperation, and the establishment of an educational system for the NSS Border Guard Troops in line with international standards were emphasized.

“During the meeting with the American side, particular emphasis was placed on the importance of further support for implementing training and retraining programs for the NSS Border Guard Troops of Armenia within the framework of cooperation with the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The American side expressed readiness to support the National Security Service in revising and improving border guard training programs, as well as retraining instructors,” the NSS statement said.

During the meeting with representatives of the DCAF, the importance of DCAF’s expertise and cooperation in organizing training for border guard troops and personnel engaged in operational intelligence activities was emphasized.

The NSS also reported that in September, a delegation comprising staff from the Border Guard Troops and the Scientific-Educational Center visited Finland on a study trip. The visit was organized with the support of the International Organization for Migration’s Mission in Armenia as part of the “Strengthening the Capacities of the Armenian Authorities in the Field of Border Security and Crime Prevention” program.

The delegation visited Finland’s Border and Coast Guard Academy and familiarized itself with its structure and training process. The staff also visited sections of the state border and Helsinki International Airport, where they studied operational procedures for border control.

An Armenian servicemember has been found shot dead, the Defense Ministry has said.

The body of the servicemember, identified only by the initials A. Gh., was found with a gunshot wound at a military unit on October 10, the ministry said.

Aram Torosyan, spokesperson for the Armenian defense ministry, said in a Facebook post that the servicemember’s family had been notified in accordance with next-of-kin notification procedures.

An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of the incident, he said.

Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has instructed his deputy, Karen Brutyan, to visit a military unit to inspect work carried out within his area of responsibility.

During the visit, Deputy Defense Minister Karen Brutyan familiarized himself with the organization of service and observed the implementation of activities scheduled under the daily routine, the defense ministry said in a press release.

Clear weather is expected in Armenia over the weekend and early next week, with rain and possible thunderstorms forecast in some regions from Tuesday afternoon.

No precipitation is expected across Armenia during the daytime on October 10, on October 11-12, and overnight on October 13, the Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center reports.

Winds will be northwesterly at 2-5 m/s. No significant change in air temperature is expected.

In Yerevan, no precipitation is expected during the daytime on October 10, on October 11-12, and overnight on October 13-14. Brief rain is forecast in the evenings of October 13 and 14, and overnight and during the daytime on October 15, with thunderstorms also possible.

Traffic restrictions will be in effect on several streets in Yerevan on Sunday, October 11,  from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in connection with preparations for the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Traffic will be fully or partially restricted temporarily, police said.

The restrictions will apply to Tsitsernakaberd Highway, Brazil Square, Athens Street, Isakov Avenue, Victory Bridge, Mashtots Avenue, Paronyan Street, Proshyan Street, Uruguay Square, Argishti Street, Grigor Lusavorich Street, Beirut Street, Italy Street, Vazgen Sargsyan Street, Republic Square, Nalbandyan Street, Tumanyan Street, Abovyan Street and Aram Street.

Authorities urged motorists to plan their routes in advance, use alternative roads where possible, comply with traffic rules and follow the instructions of patrol officers.

Armenia is represented by a dedicated stand at the From Seeds to Foods global exhibition in Rome, showcasing the country’s agricultural and food products, rich cultural heritage, and national traditions.

The stand was established within the regional pavilion for Europe and Central Asia at the initiative and through the efforts of Armenia’s representation to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Embassy of Armenia in Italy said in a press release.

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol, and FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia Viorel Gutu visited the Armenian stand, accompanied by Armenia’s Permanent Representative to FAO and Ambassador to Italy Vladimir Karapetyan. Other regional representatives and senior FAO officials also visited the stand.

The From Seeds to Foods global exhibition, organized by FAO at Rome’s historic Circo Massimo from October 8 to 12, brings together the diversity and uniqueness of agrifood systems from around the world, showcasing products, stories, innovations, and traditions. During the exhibition, chefs from various countries are holding culinary demonstrations dedicated to ingredients, flavors, and culinary traditions.

The exhibition precedes the World Food Forum, taking place in Rome from October 12 to 16, and World Food Day, observed on October 16.

The Armenian stand features the country’s agricultural and food products, Armenian wines and brandy, tableware decorated with national ornaments, as well as materials showcasing Armenia’s rich historical and cultural heritage and national identity.

Each exhibit tells a story about Armenia, from its spiritual heritage, calligraphy, and traditions to its contemporary products.

The Armenian stand has attracted considerable interest and received high praise from numerous visitors. Tastings of Armenian brandy and other products have been warmly received, highlighting Armenia’s distinctiveness and potential to showcase its heritage and products to the international community.

Lavash, a symbol of Armenian culinary tradition included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, has also attracted particular interest.

“Armenia’s participation in the exhibition is an important opportunity to present our country’s achievements, agricultural potential, and prospects for competitiveness in the international market to the international community. It also provides a platform for promoting Armenian products, sharing the story of Armenia’s rich cultural heritage and national identity, strengthening cultural ties, and creating opportunities for new cooperation,” the embassy said.