Who Does Azerbaijan Want to See Win Armenia’s Elections?
By fueling the arguments of both supporters and opponents of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijan wants to ensure he is re-elected with a weaker mandate.
Parliamentary elections in Armenia on June 7 are likely to be the most important vote in the South Caucasus country since the Velvet Revolution of 2018. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has effectively turned it into a referendum: Vote for his Civil Contract party and the painful decisions required for peace, or the pro-Russian opposition and risk a new war. Although the opposition tends to agree with Pashinyan that it’s a referendum, it would put the choice differently: capitulation versus preserving Armenia’s national dignity.
Azerbaijan and Armenia are currently normalizing relations following three decades of confrontation and several wars—and Azerbaijan has not hidden its interest in the twists and turns of its neighbor’s election campaign. But Azerbaijan’s position remains ambiguous. Some of Baku’s actions strengthen the position of Pashinyan’s supporters, while others play into the hands of his opponents.
On the surface, Azerbaijan has every reason to want to see Pashinyan re-elected. After all, it was under Pashinyan that Armenia recognized Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, gave up on Armenian claims to Nagorno-Karabakh, and abandoned the narrative of returning the Armenians expelled by Baku from the formerly disputed region—all for the sake of progress in peace talks with Azerbaijan. To improve ties with Azerbaijan’s major regional backer, Türkiye, Pashinyan has advocated abandoning traditional Armenian symbols like Mount Ararat, and giving up on efforts to persuade the international community to recognize the Armenian genocide of 1915.
Pashinyan believes Armenians have no choice but to make compromises and concessions if they want to make peace and reopen the country’s international borders with Azerbaijan and Türkiye. Yerevan has even begun preparations for the constitutional referendum that is one of Baku’s conditions for peace.
Pashinyan’s policies have already produced tangible results. The trade between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey is being resumed, while Washington has brokered an agreement for what would be the first trade transit route through the three countries for decades: the so-called Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) that would pass through southern Armenia.
There are also significant advantages for Baku in continuing the normalization of relations with Yerevan. Azerbaijan’s economy has been stagnating, and oil export revenue is unpredictable. Being able to present itself as the architect of a regional reconciliation and a new transit corridor would give Baku access to new money flows, a new source of legitimacy, and a new argument in its ongoing dialogue with the West.
Pashinyan is a key element of such a future for Azerbaijan. He has proved his ability to negotiate, his consistency, and his willingness to take political risks by explaining the necessity of concessions to the Armenian public. There is no other similar figure in Armenian politics.
It’s unsurprising, therefore, that Baku regularly signals that an opposition victory in Armenia’s elections could mean the collapse of peace negotiations, and further conflict. “We know that there are enough groups in Armenian politics that live with hatred toward the Azerbaijani people and state, and if they come to power, the Armenian people will have a lot of problems,” President Ilham Aliyev said in April. Other Azerbaijani officials have made comments along similar lines.
State-owned media outlets in Azerbaijan have been even more direct, with articles that warn of the dangers of Armenia’s “party of war” coming to power and describe Pashinyan’s successes. The latter stand out in particular because until very recently, Pashinyan was nothing less than a hate figure for Azerbaijani media.
Still, Azerbaijan’s position is not that simple. Despite all the conversations about striving for peace in the region, Baku has not made any concessions—even symbolic ones—that would help Pashinyan justify himself to Armenians. While Azerbaijan has started selling fuel and some other goods to Armenia, it has also continued tearing down Armenian churches in Nagorno-Karabakh, which is bad timing for Pashinyan. Baku also reacted angrily to European Parliament resolutions criticizing Azerbaijan’s treatment of the former leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Nor has Baku given up on the concept of “western Azerbaijan”—a term used by the Azerbaijani authorities to refer to modern Armenia, which implies it is rightfully Azerbaijani territory. In recent months, a state university in Azerbaijan has opened a department for the study of “the economic potential of western Azerbaijan,” and there have been discussions about setting up a football team called Western Azerbaijan. While this sort of official rhetoric is not as strident as it once was, it has not disappeared.
In Armenia, all of this is seen as evidence that Azerbaijan’s territorial ambitions did not end with the seizure of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023. It plays directly into the hands of Armenia’s pro-Russian opposition: If the pressure from Baku continues despite all Yerevan’s concessions, they argue, it means Pashinyan’s strategy isn’t working. Such arguments have been made repeatedly by the opposition. “Either you come to vote, or the Azerbaijanis will come” is a slogan used by Samvel Karapetyan, leader of the Strong Armenia party, in one of his election campaign videos.
In other words, Azerbaijan is pouring fuel on the arguments made by both Pashinyan’s supporters and his opponents. This might seem illogical and contradictory, but Baku’s ultimate goal is not just to ensure Pashinyan is re-elected, but that he is re-elected with a weaker mandate.
When Pashinyan conducts peace negotiations, discusses changes to the Armenian constitution, and negotiates transit routes across Armenian territory, Baku wants him to be politically vulnerable, caught between fears of a new war and accusations of capitulation. Such an electoral outcome would make the Armenian leader more dependent on external sources of legitimacy, and, as a result, easier for Azerbaijan to manage. This logic is entirely in keeping with the broader strategy of the Azerbaijani authorities: peace with Armenia—on the victor’s terms.
About the Author
Journalist specializing on the South Caucasus region
—
Armenian arts in America: from Broadway pioneers to today’s rising voices
Dedicated to the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, this is the first in a series titled “Armenian Arts in America,” exploring the history and impact Armenians have had on the arts in the United States. Whether born in the U.S. or immigrants, Armenians have made an indelible mark on the arts in America.
Armenians have been prolific in the theater arts, including plays, musicals and operas, seeing success with both Armenian and non-Armenian material.
In examining the community, key themes emerge: an unapologetic exploration of self, society and heritage; a commitment to vulnerability, discussing what some Armenians might consider “taboo,” like sex or drugs; and an acknowledgement of their national trauma in the context of daily American life.
Unsurprisingly, this kind of creative _expression_ is not limited to one medium. While they may have started on stage, many playwrights, directors and performers also worked in literature, film, television and music.
Flora Zabelle
One of the first, if not the first, Armenians on Broadway was actress Flora Zabelle. Born Zabelle Mangasarian in Istanbul in 1880, she made her Broadway debut in 1900 as Poppy in the musical “San Toy.” Zabelle continued to perform on Broadway for another 20 years, while also starring in early silent films.
William Saroyan
A giant of literature, there is perhaps no Armenian American writer who looms larger than William Saroyan. The Fresno, California-born writer’s words have garnered critical acclaim and inspired generations of Armenian artists. Opening on Broadway in 1939, his play “The Time of Your Life” was the first drama to win both the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
“The Time of Your Life” proved to be a breakthrough opportunity for the future stage. Screen icon Gene Kelly choreographed and performed in the show, which also featured Armenian American Ross Bagdasarian, the future creator of Alvin and the Chipmunks. It was later adapted into a film of the same name, as was Saroyan’s play “My Heart’s in the Highlands.”
Rouben Mamoulian
In 1937, Saroyan reportedly dined with another prominent Armenian in the New York theater scene: Rouben Mamoulian. In addition to directing popular films such as “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” in 1931 and “The Mark of Zorro” in 1940, the Tbilisi-born Mamoulian is admired among theater audiences for his early contributions to now-classic Broadway musicals. Mamoulian directed the very first Broadway productions of “Oklahoma!” in 1943 and “Carousel” in 1945, the styles of which influenced the development of many later Broadway musicals.
With an eye for musical theater, Mamoulian took his talents to the world of opera, directing the first production of George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” in 1935. Following him in the world of opera have been a number of luminous performers: Bulgaria-born tenor Armand Tokatyan, Detroit-born bass Ara Berberian, Chicago-native contralto Lili Chookasian, Connecticut-born soprano Lucine Amara, and Detroit-based soprano Mané Galoyan, who most recently starred as Gretel in Houston Grand Opera’s production of “Hansel and Gretel.”
Mamoulian’s contributions to the arts cannot be overstated, as evidenced by the Library of Congress’s extensive archive of his life and works, the Rouben Mamoulian Papers.
These early pioneers “set the stage” for the accomplished Armenian artists of today.
Andrea Martin
While Armenians may immediately recognize her from the “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” films, Andrea Martin is also a two-time Tony Award-winning actress. She earned these honors for her roles in the 1992 musical adaptation of “My Favorite Year” and the 2013 revival of the musical “Pippin.” Born in Maine before relocating to Toronto, Martin holds the record for the most Tony nominations for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, with a total of five. Martin continues to engage with her Armenian heritage through active involvement with the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) and her recent role in the Off-Broadway play “Meet the Cartozians.”
Eric Bogosian
Before becoming a mainstay on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and today’s “Interview with the Vampire,” Eric Bogosian arrived on the New York City stage. The Massachusetts native began with performance art pieces and quickly became a leader in character-based solo shows. His monologues from these works were the basis for his project “100 Monologues.” Bogosian then gained widespread acclaim for his play “Talk Radio,” which he wrote and starred in before its transfer to Broadway. “Talk Radio” was named a finalist for the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and adapted into a film of the same name.
Debbie Ohanian
Also from the Boston area is Debbie Ohanian, producer of the Tony- and Grammy-winning musical “Buena Vista Social Club” and co-producer of the Tony-nominated musical “Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” both currently on Broadway. Through her support, diverse styles of music and dance are reaching wider audiences — from traditional Cuban music and Broadway’s first-ever dance-along performance to LGBTQ ballroom culture.
Leslie Ayvazian
New Jersey-born Leslie Ayvazian is a playwright, actor and dramaturgy professor. Her plays often explore womanhood, sexuality and Armenian identity. Ayvazian won the 1994 Roger L. Stevens Award and the 1996 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for her play “Nine Armenians,” which follows three generations of an Armenian American family. She is currently reading her one-woman show “Mention My Beauty” at New York Theatre Workshop, as part of the “In The Bricks” festival.
Aramazd Stepanian
Actor, director and playwright Aramazd Stepanian has spent a significant portion of his career bringing Armenian-language works to the stage, sometimes translating them into English. Born in Iran, Stepanian has been active in the global theater community, staging well over 125 productions through the Armenian Theatre Company and in his own theaters in London (Alperton Performing Arts Centre) and Glendale, California (Luna Playhouse).
In addition to their own extensive and growing body of work, these icons of the stage have inspired, mentored and collaborated with the next generation.
Talene Monahon
Originally from the Boston area, Talene Monahon is an actor and playwright, whose work has been staged around the country. Her recent play “Meet the Cartozians” opened Off-Broadway last fall with a cast that included Andrea Martin. It won over critics and audiences alike with its exploration of what it means to be Armenian in the U.S. in the 1920s and today.The play was named a finalist for the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play.
Asked about the influence of other Armenian Americans on her work, Monahon told The Armenian Weekly: “I’ve long been influenced by the Armenian American writers who came before me. I am grateful to have personal relationships with Eric Bogosian and Leslie Ayvazian, who have both been wonderful mentors and champions of my writing over the years. I also remain continually inspired by the work of the great William Saroyan, who wrote about the Armenian American experience with an incisive humor and understanding of character that was deeply influential to me when I was writing ‘Meet the Cartozians.’”
Gabriel Elizabeth Kadian
Gabriel Elizabeth Kadian, an actor and writer originally from Detroit, worked with musician and composer Stephanie Wu and producer Travis Murad Leland to bring her father’s book to the stage, “Anahid Played Soorp: The Finding of Aran Pirian.” Her show “Anahid: An Armenian Musical” tells the story of her great-grandmother’s exodus from the Ottoman Empire to New York and then to Detroit. In September 2025, the musical received its first industry presentation, during which songs from the show were performed.
Interestingly, Kadian and Leland first connected over Richard Kalinoski’s award-winning play “Beast on the Moon,” which follows a pair of Armenians who immigrated to the U.S. after the genocide. The play also prominently featured an actual photo from the Project SAVE Archives.
Arthur Makaryan
Originally from Armenia, Arthur Makaryan is a New York City-based director of opera and theater who received Juilliard’s Opera Directing Fellowship in 2017. As Artistic Director of ARTÉMAKAR PRODUCTIONS, Makaryan experiments with emerging technologies to tell stories. He most recently directed Nora Sørena Casey’s “Censorship of Dreams” at La MaMa in New York City, an experimental theater piece that explores technology, emotion and memory in a world without privacy.
Emily Simonian
Originally from California and now based in Virginia, Singer-songwriter Emily Simonian has waded into the musical theater space to tell the story of her family’s escape from the Armenian Genocide. Following in-development concert performances in New York City and Washington, D.C. (in partnership with the Armenian Embassy), her debut musical “When Two of Us Meet” will have its staged presentation world premiere in Pensacola, Florida next month.
When asked about theater as a medium for telling Armenian stories, Simonian told The Armenian Weekly: “Armenian culture is inherently theatrical because it’s so vibrant — full of warmth, music, dance and emotional depth — which makes it a natural fit for musical theatre. That’s what inspired me to write the musical ‘When Two of Us Meet,’ a title influenced by my admiration for William Saroyan and the humanity woven throughout his work. Traditional Armenian music and dance already feel cinematic and alive onstage, and musical theatre feels like a natural home for Armenian stories.”
“Armenian culture is inherently theatrical because it’s so vibrant — full of warmth, music, dance and emotional depth — which makes it a natural fit for musical theatre.”
When it comes to Armenians in the theater, it’s a fun game of Six Degrees of Separation.
Rouben Mamoulian directed the original Broadway production of the musical “Oklahoma!” in 1943, a show that later earned Andrea Martin a Tony nomination in 2002.
In 2025, Martin starred in Talene Monahon’s “Meet the Cartozians,” alongside Tamara Sevunts, who works with Arthur Makaryan as the Associate Artistic Director of ARTÉMAKAR PRODUCTIONS.
“Meet the Cartozians” was recently named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, an honor previously bestowed upon Eric Bogosian’s “Talk Radio” in 1988 and won by William Saroyan’s “The Time of Your Life” in 1940.
All of this illustrates just how tight-knit and supportive this community is, contributing to a heightened level of inspiration, collaboration and success.
—
Recent Armenia Elections Will Affect Russia, Iran, US And The World
ByMelik Kaylan,
Contributor.
Melik Kaylan covered global geostrategic conflicts for three decades
Jun 10, 2026, 04:38pm EDT
AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
You shouldn’t be surprised by the amount of international news coverage given to the recent Armenian national elections. It was a potentially pivotal event on many levels, certainly geo-strategically. Not unlike the elections in Hungary, the possible domino effect could spell big changes for the region and the world. Armenia’s incumbent pro-west Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, won with just short of half the vote, over %49. Enough to gain control of the government but not enough to secure the necessary supermajority for the major Constitutional redrafts he needs to make to fulfill his electoral promises.
Why does any of it matter to the rest of us? To begin with, Moscow unleashed its full propaganda power to oppose Pashinyan, incessant disinformation, bot farms, dark money, mass return of pro-Russian emigres – and explicit threats by Putin, “we are currently living through everything that is happening in respect of Ukraine,,,And how did it start? It started with Ukraine joining or wanting to join the European Union”. In other words, if Armenia allied westwards rather than remain under Russia’s control, it would suffer the same fate as Ukraine. Despite all the pressure, and the presence of Russian bases in the country, the populace voted towards a direction away from Moscow.
Here, then, is the first geo-strategic lesson of the election. Unlike the one in nearby Georgia in late 2012, the vote wasn’t won by a pro-Moscow oligarch – that same oligarch still runs Georgia with Russian money – despite all comparable info warfare and bludgeoning threats of conflict and destruction. The world and the region has learned after 14 years how to discount Moscow’s interference. Witness the political defenestration of Orban in Hungary. It has taken this long but the tide does seem to be turning. Ironically, the debacle in Ukraine and Putin’s weakening hand likely worked against the Kremlin’s threats.
Had Europe remained as indecisive as before, Armenians would not have put their trust in support from there. But Europe is palpably helping Ukraine resist Putin. That gives Armenians courage. Beyond that, of course, there are other, even stronger considerations. Above all, Armenians see that Donald Trump (rather improbably) has their back, loudly and explicitly. He endorsed the winning candidate: Pashinyan “has my COMPLETE and TOTAL Endorsement for Re-Election on June 7, 2026. With Nikol’s help, we will bring the United States, Armenia, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia to greater heights than ever before. Make (Armenia) Great Again.”
Which brings us to the second massive geopolitical implication of the election outcome. Armenia is not just turning away from Moscow (while still staying friendly) but moving towards detente with its hitherto greatest enemies, Azerbaijan and Turkey – an extraordinary posture considering Armenia lost the 2023 Nagorno-Karabakh war against the former aided by the latter resulting in 100k displaced Armenians. But it was in that war that Moscow failed to help defend Armenia and triggered the alienation of its citizens. As President Trump’s quote above indicates, this realignment bodes change not just in the Caucasus but all the way across Central Asia.
Cardi B Slams ‘Disgusting’ Karmelo Anthony Conviction—How A Teenage Stabbing Case Became A Racial Flashpoint In Texas
FC Barcelona Decides To Axe Manchester United Winger Marcus Rashford, Marca Reports
Bitcoin Is Suddenly On The Edge Of A Massive Elon Musk Price Shock
All those countries hitherto landlocked into dependence on their trade going via Russia suddenly have an alternate route to the world via Azerbaijan and Turkey. Their other alternatives were China and Iran. Hold on to that thought. It was Trump who accelerated the formation of this alternative route by presiding over the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty to create the so-called TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity). Essentially by guaranteeing Armenia’s security in place of Russia.
Now why would President Trump empower the liberation of Moscow’s former colonies? Answer – because of Iran. It was the duo of Russia and Iran that bottled up Central Asia’s trade routes geographically and benefited from their transit dues. Now, suddenly, because Armenia has helped create the new corridor in tandem with Azerbaijan and Turkey, the wealth and growth of those former colonies have alternative options for trading with the world. Already Kazakh oil has used the route via trucks. Soon pipelines will follow. Equally, Russian punishment of Armenia via embargoes on trade simply don’t carry the bite.
But back to Iran. And the entire Caucasus. Once the region becomes accessible to American and western investment and prosperity, Iran’s own integrity gets threatened. Here is a short report on how Azeri oil will use the alternate corridor and also act as a conduit for Kazakh oil out to the world. As Iran’s own Azerbaijan province sees its cousins prosper across the border in Azerbaijan proper, the pull of secession will increase. That possibility will distract Iran from its focus southward toward the middle east, which is why Israel has supported Baku all these years – exactly to create that threat. Indeed, the flow of Kazakh and Azeri oil via Armenia and Türkiye will furnish an alternative to Hormuz, thereby neutering Iran’s biggest geopolitical lever.
Beyond that, a region prospering away from Moscow and Tehran will put pressure on hitherto solidly pro-Putin zones like Georgia and Chechnya. Hitherto, Tbilisi has remained out of the tensions created by the Ukraine war as its de facto ruler, Bidzina Ivanishvili, has deployed his Russian-sourced funds to keep the country on Moscow’s side. But Russian money is thin on the ground these days. As for Chechnya, Moscow ended two Chechen wars by obliterating the country’s capital with air power and installing an allied regime. But the Kremlin’s military resources are so diminished by Ukraine that it can hardly control any future Chechen instability.
There are spoilers in this anti-Russia scenario, of course. For one thing, Pashinyan needed a supermajority to overcome the existing Constitutional mandates standing in the way of detente – mandates that require the return of lands disputed between Armenia and Azerbaijan, for example. Every practical step he takes in that direction he will be dogged by Russian-backed propaganda that he’s selling out the country and its security. Already the Kremlin is blasting Armenia’s internet with assertions that Pashinyan actually lost the election. Nor is the world quite fully impervious to such campaigns as witness the victory of a pro-Putin populist in the Bulgarian national elections of April. The new leader in Sofia, Rumen Radev, has just stopped all Bulgarian military aid to Ukraine. Plus while Israel is fully behind Baku, it has acute problems with Erdogan’s anti-Israel policies and could act as a spoiler.
Nevertheless, Pashinyan now has formidable regional support with trillions at stake for his neighborhood and beyond. Much of it depends on the President of the United States following through.
—
Asbarez: Lavrov Urges Yerevan to Quickly Chose Between EU and Russia-Led EEU
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov holds a news conference on the results of Russia’s diplomacy in 2025, in Moscow, Russia
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday called for a “swift resolution” to what he described as an “urgent matter” pertaining to Armenia’s aspirations to join the European Union, while still remaining a member of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union.
Lavrov, according to the RIA Novosti news agency, said the issue is urgent because Armenia has already adopted legislation to integrate with the EU. The Russian foreign minister also added that the Armenian government has said that it does not intend to leave the EEU yet.
“You know, Armenia has already adopted a law on joining the EU; thus, the issue is urgent and must certainly be resolved swiftly,” he said.
The Armenian parliament adopted a bill in 2025 calling on the government to launch the process of EU accession.
Armenia, a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, was informed by the members of that group—Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan—that they would like to see a referendum in Armenia on whether to remain in the EEU or withdraw and move toward the European Union.
These developments come amid growing ties between Armenia and the EU, which Yerevan says do not contradict its EEU membership at this stage.
Lavrov’s sentiments were echoed on Wednesday by Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who told reporters that Armenia was acting in a “consumerist” manner and the authorities in Yerevan were misleading the public by creating the atmosphere whereby membership in both entities would be possible.
“The leadership of Armenia is trying to convince its own citizens that—the question is already being posed this way—there is no need to choose between the EU and the EEU yet. That as if it is possible to take advantage of all benefits and privileges of Eurasian integration while simultaneously they lay the groundwork for joining another economic bloc,” Zakharova said.
“No, it is not possible. We do not intend to tolerate such a consumerist and one-sided self-interested stance towards the EEU,” she emphasized.
Unlike Western leaders who were quick to congratulate Pashinyan on his election numbers, Russia has yet to reach out to the Armenian leader.
In fact, the Kremlin made it abundantly clear that it will wait for the official results before making any overtures toward Pashinyan.
“It is important to wait for the final official results,” the Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, said on Tuesday. “However, we prefer to wait for some official conclusions.”
According to Peskov, since numerous violations were reported from Armenia during the voting, official data is now of particular importance.
Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, also touched on Armenia’s membership in the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Yerevan has “frozen” its participation in the Russia-led security group and has not paid its membership dues since 2024.
Lavrov said that CSTO member states have agreed to consider applying a relevant provision of the organization’s charter to Armenia over its non-payment of membership fees for two years, the TASS news agency reported on Wednesday.
“On June 7 — on the very day of the elections in Armenia — my colleague [foreign minister] Ararat Mirzoyan, referring to the CSTO issue, stated: ‘We are not paying membership fees because we are simply not participating,’” Lavrov pointed out.
“What should be done in this situation?” Russia’s top diplomat asked. “We discussed this today — Armenia’s more than two-year debt to the CSTO budget, a situation that is provided for by the CSTO charter. And today we agreed to consider activating the relevant article of the CSTO charter,” Lavrov added.
Article 25 of the CSTO Charter outlines measures in cases where a member state fails to meet its financial obligations to the organization for two consecutive years.
It states that in such cases, the CSTO Council will suspend the right of citizens of that country to hold quota-based positions within the organization, as well as deprive them of voting rights in the organization’s bodies, until the debt is fully repaid.
—
ANCA Welcomes Bipartisan House Committee Action Demanding Baku Release Armenia
Chairman Mast-Backed Sherman Amendment to House Foreign Service Act Advances to Full Committee Vote
WASHINGTON– The Armenian National Committee of America welcomed bipartisan House Foreign Affairs Committee action advancing an amendment to the House Foreign Service Act (H.R. 9086) that calls on Azerbaijan to immediately and unconditionally release all Armenian prisoners of war and political prisoners.
The amendment, led by Congressional Armenian Caucus Vice-Chair Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), cleared the committee markup with the support of House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast (R-FL) and is now expected to proceed to a full committee roll call vote.
“Azerbaijan’s illegal detention of Armenian hostages for nearly 1000 days is a human rights crisis that demands strong Congressional action,” stated ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “We welcome Chairman Mast’s support for the Sherman amendment and the committee’s strong bipartisan stand that these hostages must be freed — immediately and unconditionally.”
The amendment, as adopted, declares it is the sense of Congress that Azerbaijan should immediately and unconditionally release all Armenian prisoners of war and political prisoners. Rep. Sherman urged the committee to act, citing documented abuses in Azerbaijani captivity and verified battlefield executions of Armenian POWs — including several captured on video and reviewed by Human Rights Watch. “Given documented executions of Armenian POWs by Azerbaijani forces, including several executions which were horrifically recorded and distributed on social media, as documented by Human Rights Watch, it is vital that the United States clearly advocate for the immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian POWs,” Sherman told the committee.
Rep. Sherman also framed the release of hostages as directly aligned with President Trump’s South Caucasus peace efforts. “As President Trump continues his efforts to secure lasting peace in the South Caucasus, securing the release of Armenian POWs and political prisoners would be a significant step toward this achievement,” he said.
The amendment originally directed the United States to employ all diplomatic, economic, and legal tools — including full enforcement of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act — to secure the release of Armenian hostages. Chairman Mast expressed support for the prisoner release language but opposed the Section 907 enforcement provision, prompting Sherman to modify the amendment by unanimous consent to strike that paragraph and secure Mast’s backing. “I would love to work with you further on this amendment and possibly dividing it up and working on this in additional ways,” Mast told Sherman during the markup. Sherman agreed to the modification, and Mast thereafter offered his support. “Representative Sherman, I offer my support for this amendment,” Mast stated. “Thank you for working with me so immediately to adjust the text of the amendment.”
The ANCA reaffirmed its commitment to Congress holding Azerbaijan accountable, including through enforcement of Section 907 and the cessation of U.S. arms and military aid to Azerbaijan.
“Congress must go further,” said Hamparian. “Calls for the release of hostages must be matched with concrete accountability measures – starting with sanction and strict enforcement of Section 907.”
The amendment will next come before the full House Foreign Affairs Committee for a recorded roll call vote, after which, if adopted, the measure will advance to the full House. Sherman cited growing international momentum behind the measure, including a European Parliament resolution adopted in April condemning Azerbaijan’s detention of Armenian prisoners of war. “This amendment reflects growing international consensus on releasing Armenian POWs,” Rep. Sherman said.
Armenian Americans are encouraged to contact their Representatives and urge support for the Sherman amendment and full enforcement of Section 907
—
The Countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026: Expert Predictions for Glory
BY MANUEL MARSELIAN
Every four years, the world goes into a frenzy. For a few weeks, people set aside their everyday concerns, politics, the economy, and personal problems as the FIFA World Cup takes center stage.
As we approach the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, I know that, like any devoted football fan, I will be glued to the television screen, watching as many matches as possible and occasionally yelling at it.
The first World Cup I watched was the 1970 tournament in Mexico. I vividly remember staying up late with my father to watch matches that often began after midnight, long after everyone else in the family had gone to bed. In those days, only 16 nations competed for football’s greatest prize.
It was during that World Cup that I fell in love with Brazil, arguably the greatest national team ever assembled. I was captivated by the brilliance of Pelé, Jairzinho, Tostão, Gerson, and the leadership of Carlos Alberto. Their artistry, skill, and joy for the game left a lasting impression on me. From that moment on, I was hooked. My passion for football only grew stronger, and I began attending live matches whenever I had the opportunity.
More than five decades later, the magic of the World Cup has never faded. The game has evolved, and the number of participating nations has expanded from 16 to 48, but football remains as beautiful and unpredictable as ever.
Like billions of fans around the world, I will be cheering for my favorite team, following every piece of news, analyzing predictions, and hoping for the best. Yet one question remains: who will be crowned world champion in 2026?
To gain some insight, we turned to a panel of former players and coaches who competed at the highest levels of the game. Drawing on decades of experience and firsthand knowledge, they shared their predictions and the reasons they believe a particular nation will lift football’s most coveted trophy next summer.
Artur Aghasyan
A former Armenian youth international and professional forward, he played for clubs including Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer (MLS). He currently serves as a U-13 Academy Coach at Los Angeles FC.
Spain
“The incredible quality of Spanish football is evident worldwide, highlighted by this year’s Champions League final featuring two managers rooted in the Spanish system. This global tactical dominance is mirrored on the pitch by a flawless mix of fearless young talent and seasoned veterans. Far from being stagnant, Spain’s signature style continues to evolve, successfully adapting its technical mastery to the high-intensity demands of the modern game.”
Hagop Donabedian
A former Lebanese-Armenian international footballer who represented Lebanon’s national team and enjoyed a successful professional career with clubs including Homenetmen Beirut, Nejmeh SC, and Salam Zgharta. A versatile defender known for his leadership and consistency.
Argentina
Argentina enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the leading favorites to defend its global crown, featuring a squad that includes 17 members of the 2022 World Cup-winning team. Blending proven championship pedigree with an exciting wave of emerging talent, La Albiceleste possesses both the continuity and renewed dynamism needed to mount a strong bid for back-to-back world titles.
Kevork Garabedian
A defender and midfielder who played for Ararat Yerevan, Al-Ansar, and Homenetmen Beirut. He earned 19 caps for the Lebanon national team between 1996 and 1999.
Spain and Brazil
Both teams combine tactical structure with exceptional individual talent. Their players understand space, create opportunities, and elevate the collective performance of the team. Spain, in particular, stands out for its intelligent, creative style of play, while Brazil brings similar qualities with flair and vision. For these reasons, I believe either of these teams could win the championship.
Garo Haghverdian
A former Iranian-Armenian midfielder who represented the Iran national team from 1968 to 1975. A standout player for Ararat Tehran and Taj SC. He was widely respected for his technical skill, work rate and contributions to Iranian football during the 1960s and 1970s.
Spain
The top two teams are Spain and France, but I think Spain will win. Their combination of explosive wing play, a world-class midfield, and championship experience makes them a formidable team. Their midfield can control the tempo of matches and create chances, while this young squad has already proven itself by winning Euro 2024. With world-class talent, strong depth, and a winning mentality, Spain has everything needed to lift the World Cup trophy.
Levon Ishtoyan
Levon Ishtoyan is a legendary Armenian striker who starred for FC Ararat Yerevan during the club’s historic 1973 Soviet League and Soviet Cup double. A former USSR international, he later founded the Ishtoyan Soccer Academy in Los Angeles.
Toss-up
I don’t make predictions because, in football, nobody truly knows what’s going to happen. The ball is round, and anything can happen once the match begins. Every team that qualifies for the World Cup is talented, well-prepared, and capable of winning on any given day. Luck also plays a significant role. In the end, styles make fights—a team can dominate possession, create countless chances, and control the entire game, yet still lose because they failed to convert their opportunities. That unpredictability is what makes football such a beautiful sport.
Ara Melkonian
A center forward, he joined Homenetmen’s first-division team in the Lebanese Football League at just 16 years old. He went on to represent the Lebanon national team from 1982 to 1985, competing at the highest levels of Lebanese and international football.
Spain
A large portion of Spain’s national team comes from Barcelona, and that familiarity gives them a major advantage. Watching them play, it’s clear they have excellent chemistry and understand each other exceptionally well. Rather than relying on a single superstar, they play as a cohesive unit, with every player contributing to the team’s success. They play beautiful, disciplined football, and their ability to work together as one team sets them apart from the competition. That is why my prediction for the 2026 World Cup champion is Spain.
Yura Movsisyan
Yura Movsisyan is a former Armenian international striker who enjoyed a successful professional career with clubs including Real Salt Lake, FC Krasnodar, Spartak Moscow, and Chicago Fire. One of Armenia’s most prolific forwards, he represented the national team for over a decade.
Portugal
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup for a record sixth and final appearance. As Portugal’s captain and central striker, he remains a clinical finisher and emotional leader. Backed by one of international football’s strongest midfields, led by Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Vitinha, Ronaldo’s experience and presence will be key as Portugal pursues World Cup glory. Determined to win the one major trophy that has eluded their iconic captain, his teammates will be eager to make his final World Cup a historic one.
Armen Sargsyan
A versatile defender and member of the legendary Ararat-73 team that won the Soviet Top League and Soviet Cup double in 1973, he later built a successful coaching career, helping develop generations of young players and contributing to the growth of Armenian football.
Argentina
Argentina is my pick to win the 2026 World Cup. As the defending champions, they know what it takes to succeed on the biggest stage, and that experience gives them a major advantage. They are a well-balanced team with strong chemistry, a solid defense, and players who are used to performing under pressure. The hot weather conditions could also favor them, and the presence of Lionel Messi brings invaluable leadership and a winning mentality. With all these qualities, Argentina has a great chance to lift the World Cup trophy once again.
We thank our distinguished panel of former players for sharing their insights and predictions. Of course, the beauty of the World Cup lies in its unpredictability. Favorites do not always prevail, and every tournament produces unforgettable moments, unlikely heroes, and surprising results. As the countdown to 2026 continues, football fans everywhere can look forward to another chapter in the rich history of the beautiful game.
—
Asbarez: East Coast Armenian Community Gathers in Lexington to Support AECP’s
Dr. John Hovanesian (left, standing) and Tanya Hovanesian (right, seated) with event attendees
More than two dozen supporters of the Armenian EyeCare Project gathered at the Lexington home of Mr. and Mrs. Harry and Katrina Glorikian on June 3 for an intimate event highlighting the organization’s ongoing impact. Hosted in a warm and welcoming setting, guests enjoyed traditional Armenian cuisine and fine wine donated by the Khachen Wines before hearing an inspiring presentation from AECP Vice President, Dr. John Hovanesian.
The evening opened with a heartfelt video from AECP Founder and President Dr. Roger Ohanesian, who warmly welcomed the guests and paid special tribute to longtime supporter Leon Semonian, who is celebrating his 95th birthday this year. Adding a touch of humor, Dr. Hovanesian noted that he and the host Mr. Harry Glorikian proudly belong to the “exclusive club of BABE: Bald Armenians with Blue Eyes.”
In his remarks, Dr. Hovanesian reflected on the organization’s 33-year journey, beginning with volunteer physicians traveling to Armenia at their own expense to provide urgently needed care. Over time, AECP’s work evolved into a comprehensive, capacity‑building model that has trained Armenia’s ophthalmologists to become national leaders in their field.
He highlighted several milestones, including:
- The Mobile Eye Hospital, which has delivered free, high‑quality care to rural and underserved communities for more than two decades.
- The near‑elimination of retinopathy of prematurity in Armenia under the leadership of Dr. Tom Lee.
- The establishment of ten regional eye clinics and diagnostic centers, bringing advanced ophthalmic services closer to patients who previously traveled long distances for specialty care.
- A sustainable financial model in which regional centers are operated by local physicians, allowing revenue from paying patients to support care for those who cannot afford it.
The evening concluded with a moving video featuring one of AECP’s young patients whose sight and future were restored through timely intervention. The story served as a powerful reminder of the human impact behind AECP’s mission to fight blindness and deliver compassionate, sight‑saving care across Armenia.
The Lexington gathering underscored the deep and growing commitment of the Armenian‑American community and friends of Armenia who believe in expanding access to sight‑saving care. Events like this not only raise awareness but also strengthen the network of supporters who make AECP’s mission possible. As the organization continues building regional capacity, training physicians, and transforming lives across Armenia, AECP welcomes all who wish to join this movement of compassion, innovation, and lasting impact.
AECP extends sincere thanks to Harry and Katrina Glorikian for graciously opening their home for this meaningful gathering, and to Khachen Wine for their generous donation of wine that made the evening even more special.
For more information about AECP’s programs or to support its mission, visit the website.
—
Boston Photographer Winslow Martin’s Show Extended In Watertown
—
—
168: Despite the current tension, negotiations between the parties are further advanced
June: 10, 2026
Artak Zakaryan writes: “According to The New York Times, before the latest escalation of the situation, Washington and Tehran had gone much further in the negotiations than was supposed.
Stopping uranium enrichment
The USA believes that Iran can agree to freeze uranium enrichment for 15 years. As for the fate of already enriched uranium reserves, according to the periodical, the option of their dilution is also being discussed. In that case, the Iranian authorities can declare that the material remains in the territory of the country, but its military significance will be significantly reduced.
Regarding nuclear facilities
Washington demands to dismantle Natanz, Fordo and Isfahan facilities. Tehran insists on keeping at least one facility as part of its right to develop nuclear technology.
It is reported that the US is ready to consider the option of keeping one surface facility under strict international control.
Full access to IAEA specialists
The American side demands unlimited inspections, including surprise visits. It is not yet known whether Iran will agree to this.
I believe that the mentioned conditions and negotiation issues are not complete, and the parties have other key issues to reach a final agreement. However, the discussed conditions are significantly stricter and more comprehensive than in 2015. Agreements during the administration of Barack Obama.
Today, one of the most sensitive issues, the unfreezing of Iran’s assets amounting to 25 billion dollars, has not yet been resolved.
Tehran demands access to these funds, while the US is ready to take that step only in case of phased and continuous implementation of future agreements.
So, despite current tensions, negotiations between the parties appear to be at a more advanced stage than previously thought.”
—
This is a ridiculous scenario. Zelensky’s accumulation of public debt is similar
June: 10, 2026
The former Prime Minister of Ukraine (2010-2014) Mykola Azarov stated that the state debt accumulated by the Kyiv regime cannot be paid either practically or theoretically.
According to him, Zelensky’s further accumulation of public debts is similar to the behavior of a drug addict or a gambler, who cannot control himself and understands that everything has already been sold, anyway, he will not return anything, so taking one loan more or less does not play a role.
“This is absolutely irresponsible behavior. And all those Western countries that decide to provide loans to the Kiev regime are either stupid or they understand that this is not a loan, but an irreversible grant. And despite the fact that it is formalized by certain documents, no one will fulfill them. Simply because they are impossible to fulfill. I mean the return of the loan.”he said.
He also said that it is time to give Zelensky the nickname “Vladimir 30 percent”. they steal so much from the budget of Ukraine.
“The basis of the Kyiv regime, the system of bribes, which is managed by the president, is not broken. Money circulates through offshore and buying real estate in the West. And the Europeans close their eyes to all this, because Zelensky is in their favor.”
Regarding the statement of the Kyiv regime about a possible attack on Belarus, the former Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov called it An adventure like the Kursk operation.
“But when the Kursk adventure was being carried out, the Kiev regime had at least some inflow in the ranks of the armed forces of Ukraine, and now there is an outflow. I don’t think that the General Staff of the Kyiv regime is planning to start military operations against Belarus. Most likely, these are statements at the level of gangster elements who circle around Zelensky and spew all kinds of nonsense. I think that the General Staff understands that opening a northern front means exposing the capital to serious danger, after all, the distance from the border to Kyiv is not great.
This is a farcical scenario, but I have no doubt that the Kyiv regime would like to carry out such a provocation.
It is a different matter that Alexander Lukashenko recently warned the Kiev regime that the answer will be very serious. I think that he will not limit himself only to protest notes and so on, but will implement his warning to the full extent.
Prepared for publication 168.amthe
—