Category: News

Armenia’s position on the CSTO remains unchanged, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan has said.

Mirzoyan was asked to comment at a press briefing on a statement by former CSTO Secretary General Nikolay Bordyuzha that Armenia should be expelled from the organization because it is neither participating in its activities nor paying membership fees.

“We stopped participating in the work of that organization long ago and froze our membership. If other member states of the organization or its secretariat are making comments, it is in vain. We will not change our position, and we do not see ourselves returning to the CSTO,” Mirzoyan said.

Armenia has frozen its participation in CSTO activities since February 2024, citing the bloc’s failure to fulfill its security obligations.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan has said that Armenia has approached partner countries with a request to visit Armenians held in Azerbaijan, but these efforts have been unsuccessful.

Mirzoyan spoke about the matter in parliament in response to a question from MP Lilit Galstyan.

The MP asked what international law mechanisms Armenia had used to approach third countries and on what grounds these initiatives had been rejected. She also referred to the minister’s earlier statement that Azerbaijan, in response to these efforts, had said, “Stay away from us.”

Mirzoyan clarified that Azerbaijan’s response was directed at the countries acting as intermediaries, not at Armenia.

“They told the third countries to stay away,” Mirzoyan said.

The minister explained that international practice provides for a mechanism whereby a country that has no representation in another country can ask a partner country to provide consular assistance to its citizens, including by visiting them in places of detention. According to him, Armenia approached partner countries, but the initiative was unsuccessful.

At the same time, Mirzoyan stressed that the issue of Armenians held in Azerbaijan remains a permanent item on the agenda. He said he did not consider it appropriate to make public all the steps taken.

“We have done things that I can talk about from this podium, and we have done things that I would not want to talk about from this podium, because I would have to name other countries and perhaps put them in a difficult position. I would not want to do that, as it would harm our international ties,” the minister said.

The sensitivity of the issue requires focusing attention on the outcome, he said.

“Why do I not like to keep saying this? Because it is such a sensitive issue that either there is a result or there is not,” Mirzoyan said.

MP Galstyan responded that she was not asking for the countries to be named, but rather for the international mechanisms used and the substance of the responses received to be presented. In this context, she referred to international conventions and mechanisms of the European Court of Human Rights.

“We have a path here, we are working in that direction, and that path goes directly through Azerbaijan,” Mirzoyan said.

Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan reaffirmed Armenia’s readiness to sign the peace treaty as soon as possible, rejecting the suggestion that its signing was being postponed.

Mirzoyan made the remarks in response to MP Arega Hovsepyan during a government question-and-answer session in the National Assembly.

The MP asked why different timelines had been mentioned for signing the peace treaty. She also asked whether Azerbaijan’s position concerning changes to Armenia’s Constitution was the final precondition.

Mirzoyan said Armenia had expressed its readiness to begin consultations on arranging the signing as early as the stage when the treaty’s text was being agreed.

“We have a commitment to secure the signing of the peace treaty within our mandate, during this term. But even that has not been enough: we have since made further statements and said that we remain ready to sign as soon as possible,” Mirzoyan said.

Addressing Azerbaijan’s position, the minister said Baku linked the signing of the treaty to changes to Armenia’s Constitution. He distinguished, however, between a negotiating demand and the other side’s position on its ability to sign.

“They are not saying, ‘We demand that you go and change your Constitution.’ They are saying, ‘We will not sign,’” Mirzoyan said, describing Azerbaijan’s approach.

Mirzoyan reiterated that Armenia should continue working towards signing the treaty.

Asked about linking TRIPP to the peace process, the minister said the project concerned unblocking Armenia’s transport links, connecting the country to the outside world and regional connectivity, and was therefore directly related to the peace process.

“The TRIPP project is about unblocking Armenia’s transport links, about connecting Armenia to the world,” Mirzoyan said.

Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan urged opposition MPs to support putting the draft of a new Constitution to a referendum, also raising the possibility of the Government resigning if voters rejected it.

Mirzoyan made the proposal during a debate on the link between signing the peace treaty and constitutional changes at a government question-and-answer session in the National Assembly.

“Let us do this together. Let the draft Constitution be published, give your approval, and let us ask the people. Let us put the Constitution to a referendum,” the minister said.

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Aram Vardevanyan asked why discussions about signing the peace treaty were being linked to constitutional changes when, he said, no such provision appeared in either the August 2025 documents or the initialled agreement.

Mirzoyan outlined Armenia’s position that the legal concerns raised by Azerbaijan could be addressed through the signing and ratification of the agreement itself. He said the parties had differing views on the matter, but that building relations, trade and opening transport links could continue while it remained unresolved.

During the discussion, the minister made a further political proposal to the opposition concerning a constitutional referendum.

“I am making a political proposal again: let us present the draft Constitution, and you can say here that you condemn this draft Constitution, that it is bad. If the people say no to the Constitution, we will resign and leave,” Mirzoyan said.

The Armenian parliament adopted the bill on ratifying the Charter of the Board of Peace.

Ninety MPs voted in favor of the bill, while eight abstained.

The Civil Contract and opposition Strong Armenia factions voted in favor of ratification, while the other opposition faction, Armenia (Hayastan), abstained.

The bill was presented to parliament by Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan. In his remarks on October 27, he said that the Board of Peace is intended to help establish and strengthen peace in various regions of the world.

According to the minister, Armenia’s participation in the Board is important, among other things, for deepening political contacts and cooperation with the United States and other member states.

Mirzoyan said that the Board has 28 member states. Membership lasts three years, with the possibility of extension. Financial contributions are voluntary. As of October 27, Armenia had not made a contribution to the Board.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed the Charter of the Board of Peace on behalf of Armenia on January 22, 2026, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

On September 15, the Constitutional Court ruled that the obligations stipulated in the Charter comply with the Constitution.

Armenia’s parliament passed in the first reading a package of legislative amendments aimed at preventing domestic violence and protecting victims, with 62 votes in favor and 34 abstentions.

Before the vote, the opposition Armenia and Strong Armenia factions announced that they would abstain, noting that they had proposals and objections regarding the initiative.

Armenia faction MP Lilit Galstyan said she had personally submitted 12 proposals to the authors of the package.

“I am now speaking on behalf of the Armenia Alliance. I personally submitted 12 proposals to the authors of the draft. We will abstain from voting on this draft, also in the belief that our proposals, as well as the concerns and apprehensions expressed by the professional community and the public, will receive a response. So we will abstain,” Galstyan said.

Speaking on behalf of the Strong Armenia faction, MP Hasmik Yengoyan said they would submit their proposals after the first reading.

“We, too, have serious objections and proposals regarding the package on domestic violence, which we will present after the first reading. At this stage, we will abstain,” she said.

According to Yengoyan, the faction will decide how to vote on the final version of the package based on the authors’ response to the proposed amendments. In her assessment, the law is flawed and its implications are unpredictable, making substantial revisions necessary.

MP Zaruhi Batoyan of the Civil Contract faction, who presented the legislative package, said the amendments aim to improve protection for victims of domestic violence and ensure a more victim-centered investigation of cases.

The proposed amendments would toughen penalties for domestic violence, eliminate warnings as a protective measure, and expand safeguards for victims. They would also restrict the use of house arrest for an accused person if the accused and the victim live together and it is not possible to ensure that they reside separately. As a rule, victims would be questioned only once, unless it becomes necessary to clarify newly discovered circumstances.

During the debate, Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan said that, as of September 29, 2026, 93 cases of repeated violence had been recorded after warnings were issued, while 316 cases had been recorded following emergency intervention orders. She said the sector faces both legislative and law enforcement challenges.

The Armenian parliament ratified the Framework Agreement between Armenia and the United States on Strategic Cooperation Concerning the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), with 63 votes in favor and 32 against.

The Civil Contract faction voted in favor of ratification, while the opposition Strong Armenia and Armenia (Hayastan) factions voted against it.

The agreement was presented to parliament by Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan. During the debate on October 27, he emphasized that all infrastructure planned on Armenia’s territory would operate under the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the Republic of Armenia.

He said the project envisages unblocking regional communications, allowing Armenia to connect with third countries through Azerbaijan and also ensuring domestic railway connectivity. Azerbaijan, in turn, would gain a connection with Nakhchivan through Armenian territory.

The agreement provides for the establishment of a TRIPP Development Company, in which Armenia will hold a 26% stake and the U.S. side a 74% stake. The initial term is 49 years. If the cooperation is extended for another 50 years by mutual agreement between the parties, Armenia’s stake will increase to 49%, while the U.S. side will hold 51%.

Mirzoyan also said on October 27 that the company’s charter and shareholders’ agreement still needed to be negotiated and adopted. According to him, the American co-founder company will remain under the ownership and management of the U.S. government at all times.

The agreement was signed in June 2026.

YEREVAN, 28 OCTOBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 28 October, USD exchange rate down by 0.42 drams to 360.51 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 1.4 drams to 400.96 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.0032 drams to 4.4754 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 2.07 drams to 478.58 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 334 drams to 47026 drams. Silver price down by 9.78 drams to 617.43 drams.

Germany’s Federal Minister for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Carsten Schneider, has praised Armenia for the “truly tremendous” amount of work it has done in connection with COP17.

In an interview with Armenpress, Schneider said all COP17 delegates feel welcome in Armenia, and the way the negotiations are being led is also impressive.

Below is the full interview with the minister.

Armenpress – Mr. Minister, what are your impressions of the COP17 conference and, in particular, the meeting of environment ministers held in its framework?

Carsten Schneider – Armenia has hosted the conference wonderfully. I have known Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan for a year now, and we have had numerous bilateral discussions, including on the organizational work for COP. Compared with other countries, Armenia is a small but historically significant country. And it is truly special that such a country is hosting COP. You have done a tremendous amount of work: all guests feel welcome here and completely at ease and free. I think the way the negotiations are being led is also impressive, and I am confident that by the end of this week, we can achieve a very positive and good result.

– What practical benefits and dividends can COP17 bring in terms of bilateral and multilateral cooperation?

– Yesterday, my Armenian counterpart and I signed a declaration aimed at strengthening relations between Germany and Armenia and deepening our joint work. We want to further intensify this cooperation. It is a great honor for us to be hosted here, as well as to have the Armenian government’s trust. We are planning a number of other meetings with partners to prepare for upcoming COPs, conferences on climate change, and other events. This is an excellent platform for coming together, preparing decisions, and putting them into practice.

– What are the main points of the signed Armenian-German declaration?

– We consider nature restoration important. Armenia has magnificent nature, but so far, I have only seen it in photographs. I hope to have the opportunity to visit Lake Sevan in two days and see it in person. As the German government, we want to support Armenia in nature restoration by sharing our knowledge while also learning from Armenian experience. We aim to promote exchanges between scientists and non-governmental organizations for the benefit of our countries, and especially for the development of this beautiful country, Armenia.

– How are you addressing the environmental challenges facing Germany? And what observations can you share with your Armenian counterparts?

– Germany is a densely populated country, and over the centuries, our nature has, of course, undergone changes and has also been partly destroyed. Forests have been partly cut down, river courses have been altered, and the soil has degraded. We are now facing the consequences. Very few rivers with natural courses remain, and the effects of climate change are also being felt through floods and other climate-related phenomena. That is why nature restoration is so important. We must strengthen our natural environment in order to preserve it. This is certainly a serious challenge. Both Germany and Armenia must be able to reconcile different interests in industry, agriculture, rural communities, and infrastructure.

– Biodiversity protection requires substantial and sustained funding. What is the European Union prepared to do to help close the global biodiversity financing gap, particularly for countries with limited resources?

– The German government has decided to increase spending on biodiversity. Therefore, you can look to Germany as an example. We allocate more than one billion euros annually to biodiversity conservation, making us, so to speak, the world’s largest funder. My goal is to maintain this level of funding and encourage other countries to join in, especially high-income countries that are not currently making financial contributions. I am trying to persuade other countries to join this process and to strengthen the capacities of the least developed countries and small island states so that they can absorb the funds that may be provided, for example, through the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This will make it possible to implement policies aimed at restoring nature or preserving its existing natural state.

– How can governments ensure that economic growth, infrastructure development, and private investment do not come at the expense of biodiversity?

– We must ensure this because, if we do not, we will have to pay the price later. It is impossible to fight nature: you will lose. And that will lead to a decline in economic growth. Experts at the World Economic Forum in Davos have stated that five of the ten major risks facing the economy are related to nature. This can be seen in Germany’s case. If water levels in the Rhine River are insufficient due to drought, it cannot be used as a transport route. Seventy percent of our GDP, that is, the total output of our economy, is connected to and depends on nature. Therefore, we need an intact natural environment. And those people or governments that do not acknowledge or take this fact into account will have to pay dearly for it later.

– Mr. Minister, since this is your first visit to Armenia, how do you feel about it?

– Everything here has been organized wonderfully. Armenians are a very ancient and wonderful people. And the national cuisine is simply amazing. I hope that in the coming days, when I have some free time and the ministerial conference is over, I will manage to see Armenia’s beautiful landscapes, whether in the capital, Yerevan, or on the shores of Lake Sevan.

The Armenian team begins its campaign at the World Weightlifting Championships in Ningbo, China, at noon Yerevan time today, October 28, with Garnik Cholakyan set to be the first to compete.

Cholakyan will compete in the B group of the men’s 65 kg category on the second day of competition. The session is scheduled to begin at 12:00 Yerevan time.

The 2026 IWF World Championships are being held in Ningbo, China, from October 27 to November 8. The championships are the first qualifying event ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.