Opposition lawmakers made a point of visiting Catholicos Garegin and receiving his blessings late on Sunday after he was effectively barred from addressing the inaugural session of Armenia’s new parliament contrary to an established tradition.
The parliament’s statutes entitle the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church to delivering such an address along with the president of the republic. Garegin did not exercise that right due to a lack of formal invitation from the pro-government majority in the National Assembly. The snub reflected Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s yearlong campaign to depose him denounced by the Armenian opposition as illegal.
Lawmakers representing the opposition Strong Armenia and Hayastan alliances decried Garegin’s absence when the parliament elected on June 7 began its opening session on Sunday morning.
“Where is the Catholicos?” shouted some of them, prompting stern warnings from a pro-government colleague chairing the session.
The entire parliamentary groups of both alliances visited Garegin at his Echmiadzin headquarters late in the evening to show solidarity with him.
“In the context of this government’s anti-national campaign, when for the first time in the history of our state, His Holiness’ message, prayer, and wishes were not heard at the inaugural session of the National Assembly, we were obliged to correct what happened,” Hayastan’s parliamentary leader, Anna Grigorian, said at the meeting.
According to a statement released by the church’s Mother See, Garegin “conveyed his greetings and blessings to the deputies” and regretted the fact he was not unable to address them and the other lawmakers on the parliament floor “for known reasons.” He also deplored the “concerning situation” in Armenia and “illegal, unconstitutional steps taken against the Armenian Church.”
“Such unacceptable phenomena undermine the foundations of national unity, Diaspora-Armenia relations, disrupt the atmosphere of mutual respect and trust in society, the strengthening of democracy and legality, and the supremacy of justice and truth,” the statement quoted him as saying.
Garegin as well as six archbishops and bishops will go on trial on Friday on charges rejected by them, opposition leaders and other critics of Pashinian as politically motivated. The charges stem from his January 27 decision to defrock a pro-government bishop involved in Pashinian’s controversial campaign. Lawyers representing the Mother See maintain that Armenian courts law-enforcement agencies have no jurisdiction over internal church affairs.
Garegin is the first Catholicos prosecuted in Armenia’s post-Soviet history. Even Soviet authorities had never formally prosecuted his predecessors.
Pashinian began pressuring Garegin to resign in June 2025 shortly after the Catholicos accused Azerbaijan of committing ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh and illegally occupying Armenian border areas during an international conference in Switzerland. Three Armenian archbishops and one bishop were arrested in the following months on different charges strongly denied by them. They all were moved to house arrest this year.
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Armed Israeli settlers attack Armenian Church in occupied Jerusalem
Armed Israeli settlers attacked the Armenian Church in Jerusalem’s Old City on Sunday evening, according to the Jerusalem Governorate.
In a statement, the governorate said a group of settlers threw stones at the church and collectively spat at its entrance.
According to Palestinian figures, around 750,000 Israeli settlers live in 156 settlements and 360 settlement outposts across the occupied West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. The figures say settlers have carried out repeated attacks aimed at forcibly displacing Palestinians.
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Israeli Extremists Attack Armenian Church in Occupied Jerusalem – Video
By Palestine Chronicle Staff
Israeli settlers attacked an Armenian church in Jerusalem’s Old City, spitting at its entrance and hurling stones, as Palestinian officials warned of a continued rise in attacks targeting Christian holy sites.
Key Developments
- Israeli extremists spat at and threw stones toward an Armenian church in occupied East Jerusalem.
- The Jerusalem Governorate published footage of the attack.
- Palestinian officials say at least 45 attacks have targeted Christians and Christian holy sites this year.
Israeli settlers attacked an Armenian church in Jerusalem’s Old City on Sunday, spitting at its entrance and throwing stones at the building, according to the Jerusalem Governorate.
In a statement, the governorate said a group of Israeli settlers carried out the assault, describing it as part of an ongoing pattern of attacks targeting Christian holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem.
The governorate also released video footage showing at least five Israeli extremists gathering outside the church, spitting toward its entrance before hurling stones at the building.
Pattern of Attacks
The latest incident follows repeated attacks by Israeli settlers and extremists against churches in Jerusalem’s Old City over recent months, including multiple incidents in which Christian clergy and worshippers have been subjected to harassment and spitting.
According to the Palestinian Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs, at least 45 attacks have targeted Christians and Christian holy sites since the beginning of the year.
The committee has previously warned of escalating assaults against churches, clergy, and Christian communities in occupied Jerusalem.
In a separate statement, the Jerusalem Governorate said an Arab bus driver was violently assaulted by a group of Israeli settlers in occupied East Jerusalem.
The driver sustained injuries and was transferred to hospital for treatment. No further details were immediately released.
Escalating Violence
The incidents come amid escalating attacks by the Israeli army and illegal Israeli settlers across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem since the start of Israel’s genocide in Gaza in October 2023.
According to official Palestinian figures, Israeli military operations and settler attacks have killed at least 1,182 Palestinians, injured around 13,000, and resulted in approximately 24,000 arrests across the occupied West Bank during the same period.
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Armed ‘Israeli’ settlers attack Armenian Church in occupied Jerusalem
- Armed ‘Israeli’ settlers attacked the Armenian Quarter in occupied East Jerusalem, targeting the entrance to St. James Monastery and an Armenian resident.
- ‘Israeli’ police later arrested six suspects following the incident.
Armed ‘Israeli’ settlers attacked the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem’s Old City on Sunday, targeting the entrance to St. James Monastery and an Armenian resident, according to the Jerusalem Governorate.
In a statement, the governorate said a group of settlers threw stones at the Armenian Church and repeatedly spat at its entrance.
Video from the scene showed six Jewish ‘Israeli’ settlers spitting at the entrance to St. James Monastery and throwing rocks at an Armenian woman who was filming the incident.
The attack took place in the Armenian Quarter of occupied East Jerusalem, an area that has witnessed repeated tensions involving settlers and local residents.
‘Israeli’ police later arrested the six suspects accused of carrying out the attack.
According to Palestinian figures, about 750,000 ‘Israeli’ settlers live in 156 settlements and 360 settlement outposts across the occupied West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Palestinian officials say settlers have carried out repeated attacks against Palestinian communities aimed at forcibly displacing residents.
https://en.royanews.tv/news/72099/Palestinian-fetus-dies-after-‘Israeli’-forces-detain-ambulance
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Palestinian committee condemns settler attack on Armenian monastery in East Je
- Palestinian committee condemns settler attack on Armenian Monastery in East Jerusalem.
The Palestinian Presidential Committee for Church Affairs on Monday condemned what it said was an attack by ‘Israeli’ settlers on the Armenian Monastery in occupied East Jerusalem, calling for international protection of religious sites.
In a statement, the committee said a group of settlers spat at the entrance to the monastery and threw stones, describing the incident as a new provocation targeting the Christian presence and its holy sites in the city.
Read more: Armed ‘Israeli’ settlers attack Armenian Church in occupied Jerusalem
The committee said the incident was part of what it described as a continuing series of settler attacks targeting churches, mosques, clergy and religious sites. It argued that the attacks reflect escalating settlement policies aimed at imposing new realities in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, while citing the ongoing Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip as a violation of international law and freedom of worship.
The committee added that the incident coincided with what it described as continuing crimes against Palestinians, noting that 18 Palestinians were killed in Gaza. It said the developments underscore an ongoing pattern of violations affecting both the Palestinian people and their religious sites, warning of escalating tensions across the occupied Palestinian territories.
The committee urged the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities by pressuring Israeli authorities to halt settler attacks and ongoing violations against Palestinians and their religious sites.
It also called for those responsible to be held accountable and for international protection to be provided for Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, describing them as an integral part of the world’s religious and cultural heritage.
https://en.royanews.tv/news/71845/%E2%80%98Israeli%E2%80%99-ministers-lead-march-calling-for-Gaza-settlements
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Palestinian Presidential Committee strongly condemns colonist attack on Armeni
Palestinian Presidential Committee strongly condemns colonist attack on Armenian Monastery in east Jerusalem
RAMALLAH, August 3, 2026 (WAFA) — The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine condemned the attack carried out by a group of colonists on the Armenian Monastery in East Jerusalem. The attack, which included spitting at the monastery’s entrance and throwing stones, constitutes a new provocation targeting the Christian presence and its holy sites in the Holy City.
In a statement, the Committee affirmed that this attack is part of a continuous series of colonist attacks targeting churches, mosques, clergy, and holy sites. It added that the incident reflects escalating settlement policies aimed at imposing new realities across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, while Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip continues, in what it described as a violation of international law and freedom of worship.
The Committee added that the attack coincided with the continued crimes committed against the Palestinian people, which resulted in the killing of 18 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. This reflects a persistent pattern of violations targeting Palestinians and their holy sites, and underscores the dangerous escalation taking place throughout the occupied Palestinian territory.
The committee called on the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities, to pressure the occupying authorities to halt colonist attacks and ongoing violations against the Palestinian people and their holy sites, to hold those responsible accountable, and to provide international protection for Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, as they are an integral part of human and religious heritage.
Y.S
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Armenian PM Pashinyan keeps cabinet line-up almost unchanged for new term
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has retained almost all members of his cabinet after beginning a new term in office following his ruling Civil Contract party’s victory in parliamentary elections, signalling policy continuity as the country faces a challenging regional environment.
Presidential decrees published on August 3 confirmed the appointment of all 12 ministers, with only one change to the cabinet. David Tadevosyan replaced Mkhitar Hayrapetyan as minister of high-tech industry, while the remaining ministers kept their portfolios. Deputy prime ministers Mher Grigoryan and Tigran Khachatryan were also reappointed.
The appointments came after President Vahagn Khachaturyan formally appointed Pashinyan as prime minister on August 2, following the inauguration of Armenia’s newly elected parliament.
The new government was formed after parliamentary elections held on June 7 and the first sitting of the ninth convocation of the National Assembly on August 2.
In a ceremony at the Presidential Palace, Khachaturyan congratulated Pashinyan and acknowledged the difficult circumstances facing the country.
“I sincerely congratulate you, I wish you great patience, endurance, and determination to lead us in these difficult times, to lead the country to the future, a prosperous future,” the president said.
Pashinyan, who first came to power during Armenia’s 2018 Velvet Revolution, said the country’s recent history had presented challenges few could have anticipated.
“I must say honestly that in 2018, when I assumed the post of prime minister of the Republic of Armenia as a result of the people’s, non-violent, velvet revolution, it would have been difficult to predict that we would go down such a path and I think it would have been difficult to predict that we would be able to overcome this path,” he said.
“But we are where we are, and I think that the key role and significance in all this is unequivocally and undoubtedly the people of the Republic of Armenia.”
Pashinyan also called for a less confrontational political climate in parliament, saying he hoped the new legislature would focus on policy rather than personal disputes.
The new parliament on August 3 elected senior Civil Contract lawmaker Ruben Rubinyan as speaker with 63 votes in favour and 28 against. Rubinyan had previously served as deputy speaker and is Armenia’s special envoy for negotiations with Turkey aimed at normalising bilateral relations.
Ahead of the vote, the opposition Armenia alliance declined to participate in the election of the speaker, while the Strong Armenia faction voted against the ruling party’s nominee.
The largely unchanged cabinet suggests Pashinyan intends to maintain continuity in government after securing another parliamentary majority.
Among those retaining their posts are Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Defence Minister Suren Papikyan, Finance Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan and Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan.
Later on Monday, Pashinyan also introduced former ambassador to the United States Lilit Makunts as the new head of the Prime Minister’s Office, replacing Arayik Harutyunyan.
Pashinyan said Makunts, who has previously served as culture minister, parliamentary faction leader, ambassador to Washington and chief adviser to the prime minister, would make “a very significant and visible contribution to the further development of the Republic of Armenia”.
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Turkish Press: In the Armenian parliament, it was not politics but Turkish cui
03.08.2026 18:29
Not politics, but Turkish cuisine was the talk on the podium of the Armenian Parliament. Armenian Deputy Parliament Speaker Ruben Rubinyan made a confession about ‘Adana kebab’. Lawmakers could not hide their astonishment at the deputy speaker’s words.
Turkish cuisine, which attracts interest worldwide, is this time on the agenda of the Armenian Parliament. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ruben Rubinyan touched upon the Turkish flavors he tasted during his visit to Turkey from the Parliament podium.
Speaking from the podium, Rubinyan spoke with praise about the dishes he tasted during his visit to Turkey, stating that he was particularly impressed by the taste of Adana kebab.
ADMIRED ADANA KEBAB
Rubinyan, noting that he had the opportunity to experience Turkish cuisine during his visit to Turkey, said, “I ate kebab in Turkey, Adana kebab. I liked it very much. It had a delicious taste.”
Rubinyan, stating that Adana kebab, one of the world-famous flavors of Turkish cuisine, left an impression on him, also mentioned another classic flavor in his speech. During Rubinyan’s speech, other deputies were seen listening in astonishment.
“IT BECOMES COMPLETELY DIFFERENT”
Rubinyan, stating that he also liked İskender kebab, said, “As for İskender, if sauce comes with it, it becomes completely different. I would go there often for delicious things.”
In his speech, Rubinyan also touched upon his visits to Turkey, stating that he frequently visited the patriarchate, saying, “I would go to the patriarchate often because it interested me.”
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rubinyan’s _expression_ of admiration for Turkish cuisine from the Parliament podium also became the country’s agenda. The deputies present at the session could not make sense of what happened.
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Saudi Crown Prince congratulates Armenian PM Pashinyan on his reappointment
JEDDAH — Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman has sent a cable of congratulations to Nikol Pashinyan on the occasion of his reappointment as prime minister of Armenia.
The Crown Prince expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes to Pashinyan for his success and prosperity as well as to the friendly people of Armenia for their further progress and welfare.
Armenia President Vahagn Khachaturyan has re-appointed Pashinyan as Armenian prime minister, after the decisive victory of his Civil Contract party in parliamentary elections held in June. During a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Yerevan, President Khachaturyan signed a decree on the appointment of Pashinyan as prime minister of the country.
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Italy Reportedly Eyes Armenia as Possible Host for EU-Funded Migrant Detention
Armenia has been named among a group of countries that could host European Union-funded detention centers for migrants awaiting deportation under a proposal Italy is expected to present to EU leaders on Monday, according to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
The plan, which will reportedly be introduced by Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi during an EU Council meeting on Aug. 4, calls for the creation of migrant repatriation centers outside the European Union. The facilities would follow the model of Italy’s agreement with Albania but would be financed through EU funds.
Most of the proposed centers would be located in Africa. However, Corriere della Sera reported that a preliminary list of potential host countries also includes Armenia, Uzbekistan and Montenegro, alongside Rwanda, Ghana, Senegal, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Egypt, Uganda and Ethiopia.
The newspaper stressed that the list is preliminary. There has been no confirmation that any of the countries have agreed to host such facilities, and the European Union has not announced a formal decision.
The proposal comes as European governments push for tougher migration policies following renewed pressure at the bloc’s external borders. Earlier, 22 EU member states sent a joint letter to EU leaders urging stronger border security measures and a more aggressive response to illegal migration.
The issue gained new urgency after a large-scale migrant surge at Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta. Spanish authorities said tens of thousands of migrants attempted to cross into the territory within 24 hours, forcing Madrid to deploy additional police and military personnel to reinforce the border.
Spanish and Moroccan authorities said the mass movement was fueled by coordinated social media campaigns that circulated instructions and videos encouraging migrants to head to Ceuta.
The crisis has prompted calls for a tougher European response. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy is considering suspending Schengen travel arrangements with Spain because of the situation in Ceuta, a position that has reportedly received support from Finland and Denmark.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Morocco to accept the return of migrants who entered Ceuta and urged Spain to regain control of the border. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also called for stronger action to prevent illegal border crossings.
If advanced, Italy’s proposal would be another step in the EU’s effort to process and return migrants outside its borders. Armenia’s inclusion on the reported list is likely to draw attention given the country’s growing ties with the European Union. As of publication, Armenian authorities had not publicly commented on the report.
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