The privatization of the Baghramyan Avenue plot was recognized as illegal

Emil Lazarian

The Administrative Court satisfied the request of the Prosecutor’s Office of Yerevan City for the protection of state interests and recognized as illegal the state registration of the property rights made in 2013 for the plot of land with an area of ​​0.01884 ha located at 21/6 Baghramyan Avenue.


The prosecutor’s office claimed that the administrative act on the plot of land is subject to recognition as illegal.


“On October 6, 2023, the Prosecutor’s Office of the city of Yerevan submitted a claim to the Administrative Court against the Cadastre Committee with the request to declare invalid the state registration of the right made on June 27, 2013 in the name of a natural person regarding a plot of land with an area of ​​0.01884 ha located at 21/6 Baghramyan Avenue, Yerevan.


Taking into account the Court’s proposal on changing the type of claim, the Prosecutor’s Office filed a recognition claim on February 20, 2025, asking to recognize the intervening administrative act, which no longer has legal force, as invalid.


The Administrative Court, in its judgment of March 23, 2026, satisfied the claim of the Prosecutor’s Office of the city of Yerevan. it is illegal to recognize the state registration of the ownership rights of an individual over the plot of land,” said the message.

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Coins worth 500 drams continue to be issued

Chalian Meline

Considering the many questions in 2026 Regarding a number of 2nd generation banknotes that have gone out of circulation as a result of normal wear and tear since April 15, the Central Bank informs that this decision applies only to the mentioned banknotes and does not apply to the 500 AMD coin.

“All RA coins, including the 500 dram coin, continue to remain in circulation and maintain their legal tender status. Citizens can freely use them for everyday payments without any restrictions.

Get acquainted with the information about banknotes that are going out of circulation here,” the message reads.

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Tatoyan called on the European Union to counter Armenia’s real threats

Emil Lazarian

The European Union, which has announced its readiness to counter Russian influence in the RA elections, should respond in the same way to the threats coming from Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Arman Tatoyan wrote about this in a letter addressed to Ambassador Vasilis Maragos, head of the European Union delegation in Armenia.


The latter presented facts, which, according to him, testify to the direct and veiled threats from Azerbaijan, related to the possible change of power in Armenia.


“Among the documented cases are the following: A deputy of the ruling party of Azerbaijan made a public statement, warning that the victory of the opposition in Armenia may prompt Azerbaijan to make official territorial claims against Armenia. The newspaper under the control of the Azerbaijani presidential administration stated that the “revanchist” government in Armenia “will have nothing to govern”, and the media under the control of the Ministry of Defense stated that it is “especially important” that power in Armenia remains in the hands of forces that are in line with Azerbaijan’s strategic goals. Taken together, these statements represent a systematic attempt by actors representing the state power in Baku to influence the results of the Armenian elections through intimidation,” the letter states.


Arman Tatoyan called on the EU mission in Armenia to:


publicly condemn the mentioned statements and record the existence of this intervention as illegal and unacceptable attempts to influence the electoral process of Armenia from outside.


to expand the mechanisms they use, as the EU stated, “to counter Russian disinformation.” Also include the disclosure, publication and countermeasures of Azerbaijani interference attempts in a transparent and consistent manner.


He also emphasized that the fight against foreign interference cannot be selective and must be carried out regardless of its source.

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60% of respondents in Armenia consider the prosecutor’s office corrupt

Hagop Kamalian

60 percent of respondents consider the Prosecutor’s Office of Armenia to be completely or partially corrupt. This was stated by Anush Hakobyan, a legal expert of the “Transparency International” anti-corruption center, during the presentation of the report on the activities of the RA Prosecutor’s Office.


According to the authors of the report, the respondents rated the independence of the prosecutor’s office 77.7 percent, giving 14 out of 17 points. At the same time, significant problems were noted, including the high threshold for the selection of the Prosecutor General, the lack of competitiveness, open competition and the involvement of experts. Thus, the acting General Prosecutor in 2022 elected only by representatives of the ruling party. the process was not open enough and was under political influence. Along with that, the grounds for early termination of the powers of the Prosecutor General and his deputies are unclear. Although the law prohibits the use of powers for political purposes, control mechanisms are lacking, and the risks of the perception of interdependence between the prosecutor’s office and the authorities remain. From the point of view of the independence of the prosecution, the provision according to which the government can change the funding without an inquiry is also controversial.


The authors of the report also documented the problems of accountability of the data on confiscation of property, which do not provide insight into the entire chain of cases. There are no independent supervisory commissions, and the existing mechanisms are formal in nature. The quality of internal audit is limited.


Only 4.7 percent of the respondents know about the anti-corruption activities of the prosecutor’s office. 60 percent believe that the prosecutor’s office is completely or partially corrupt. In general, access to the prosecutor’s office is low for citizens. There is no hotline, no anonymous reports and feedback. Statistics show that only a quarter of applicants are ready to sign the message, which also indicates a lack of confidence.


Another problematic area is the low rate of convictions in cases against high-ranking officials, against the background of the overall high rate of convictions. There are no statistics and available information about this at all, all data is extracted from other sources.


As for confiscation of property, in 2024 the amount was about 556 billion drams. However, this is only a quarter of the total figure. Corruption cases in 2024 the indicator was about 13 percent, which in 2021 (9 percent) has increased, but still remains low.

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ANCA-WR Welcomes Calif. Lawmakers’ Demand to Trump to Free Armenian Hostages,

Badalian Vardan
by Contributor

 

 April 21, 2026

 

in Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

Bipartisan CA Armenian Legislative Caucus letter demands White House action on Armenian hostages, Artsakh right of return, Genocide recognition

SACRAMENTO– The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region on Tuesday welcomed a bipartisan letter, signed by more than 25 California state legislators, delivered by the California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation to President Donald J. Trump — demanding the release of Armenian hostages illegally held by Azerbaijan, the right of return for Artsakh refugees, an end to Azerbaijani occupation of sovereign Armenian territory, and the Trump Administration’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

“California’s legislators have sent President Trump an unambiguous message: Armenian hostages must be freed, Azerbaijan’s occupation must end, and Armenia’s sovereignty must be secured,” stated Oshin Harootoonian, Chairman of the ANCA-WR Board of Directors. “This bipartisan letter reflects the moral resolve of California’s more than one million Armenian Americans — the largest Armenian-American community in the nation. President Trump must act.”

This letter was led by California State Armenian Caucus Chairman Assemblymember John Harabedian, and joined by State Senators Bob Archuleta, Megan Dahle, Maria Elena Durazo, Sasha Renee Perez, and Suzette Matinez Valladares, as well as Assemblymembers Patrick Ahrens, Juan Alanis, Marc Berman, Lisa Calderon, Jessica Caloza, Damon Connolly, Robert Garcia, Jeff Gonzalez, Heather Hadwick, Maggy Krell, Diane Papan, Celeste Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, Chris Rogers, Pilar Schiavo, Nick Schultz, Jose Luis Solache Jr., Catherine Stefani, David Tangipa, and Rick Chavez Zbur.

“California has the largest Armenian community in the United States and one of the largest in the world, and we stand united in our call for justice, accountability, and lasting peace for the Armenian people. This letter reflects our continued fight to make sure that the voices of Armenian Americans are heard at the highest levels of government. We urge decisive federal action to uphold human rights and promote stability in the region,” said Assemblymember John Harabedian

Timed to coincide with California’s legislative floor sessions marking the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the letter arrives just days before April 24th — the international day of Armenian Genocide commemoration — amplifying the community’s demand that President Trump properly acknowledge this crime.

Release of Armenian POWs, Political Prisoners, and Hostages
The letter calls for the full and unconditional release of all Armenian hostages illegally held by Azerbaijan, documenting that “Azerbaijan continues to hold Armenian civilians, soldiers, and former leaders of Artsakh captive… detainees include prisoners of war, civilians, former Nagorno-Karabakh officials such as Presidents, State Ministers, and the Speaker of the Assembly who have been held under fabricated charges and subjected to unfair mock trials and inhumane treatment in direct violation of international human rights laws.”

Withdrawal of Azerbaijani Forces from Sovereign Armenian Territory
The letter further addresses Azerbaijan’s continued military presence on sovereign Armenian lands, citing “a broader pattern of aggression perpetuated after the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War” during which “Azerbaijan perpetrated egregious war crimes including execution of civilians, destruction of schools, homes and hospitals, deliberate targeting of churches and other Armenian Christian heritage sites, and the arbitrary detention and mistreatment of dozens of Armenian prisoners of war.”

Right of Return for Artsakh Armenians
The letter also addresses the dire circumstances of more than 100,000 Indigenous Armenians of Artsakh forcibly displaced by Azerbaijan’s genocidal ethnic cleansing, affirming that under international human rights law, refugees from Artsakh must be able to “return to their homes safely and rebuild their lives in peace.”

Preservation of Armenian Cultural and Religious Sites
The letter confronts the deliberate destruction of Armenian Christian heritage in Artsakh, documenting that Azerbaijan’s war crimes included “deliberate targeting of churches and other Armenian Christian heritage sites” — part of a systematic campaign to erase every trace of Armenian civilization from the region.

Sovereignty and Security of Armenia
The letter affirms that Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenia represents a direct challenge to the international rules-based order, documenting that “the protection of human rights and the dignity of all people are fundamental to American values and foundational to the international rules-based order” — and calls on President Trump to ensure the sovereignty and security of Armenia, the world’s first Christian nation and a key ally in the region.

The letter also calls on President Trump to reaffirm the Armenian Genocide, noting that “genocide” is the valid definition of the mass killings and deportations of Armenians, and urging him to join Congress in using the term to advance historical justice.

Furthermore, the ANCA-WR formally calls upon the United States Government to use its full diplomatic leverage to press Turkey toward reparative justice for the Armenian Genocide. One hundred and eleven years after the systematic extermination of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Turkish Government, Turkey’s obligation as successor state to the former, remains undeniable yet unmet. That obligation includes the restitution of confiscated lands, properties, and assets; financial reparations for survivors’ descendants; and accountability through international legal mechanisms. The United States – which has recognized the Armenian Genocide – must translate that recognition into action, making clear to Ankara that normalization of relations and continued partnership carry with them an expectation of historical accountability. The ANCA-WR will continue to press this demand at every level of government until justice for 1915 is no longer deferred.

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Armenia’s government says draft constitution not ready to be published

Karagyozian Lena
April 20 2026
By Gayane Saribekian
Armenia’s government appears to be reluctant to publicize before the June 7 parliamentary elections its draft of a new Armenian constitution demanded by Azerbaijan. [ . . . ] Justice Minister Srbuhi Galian said earlier this year that the new constitution drafted by her ministry will be made public in March. That has still not happened. Galian told reporters on Friday that the draft is “not yet ready publication.” She gave no clear reason for the delay or set any dates for the document’s disclosure. Galian also declined to say whether the 1990 declaration is referenced in the draft. Pashinian again spoke out against such reference last month. He continued to deny bowing to yet another Azerbaijani demand. Some observers say he is reluctant to publish the draft now in order not to give the Armenian opposition more ammunition in the run-up to the showdown elections.
Read the full article here: Azatutyun

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Armenia: Pashinyan Says People Will Decide On EU Or EAEU Path

Dabaghian Diana
Eurasia Review
April 21 2026
 April 21, 2026  0 Comments

By PanARMENIAN

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the final decision on Armenia’s potential membership in the European Union or the Eurasian Economic Union will be made by the people.

Speaking in a Facebook livestream, he noted that legally it is not possible to be a member of both unions simultaneously, adding that Armenia is not rushing to make a choice.

“We know that the EAEU and the European Union are incompatible, but as long as our agendas are compatible, we will not make a choice.

As long as reforms aimed at rapprochement with the EU and aligning with its membership criteria remain compatible, Armenia will continue to be a member of the EAEU and develop trade and economic relations with its member states,” Pashinyan said.

According to him, there is still a certain “zone of compatibility.”

“When the moment comes that there is no longer such compatibility, the Republic of Armenia — its people — will naturally make the decision through a referendum,” he added.

Earlier, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk had stated that Armenian citizens should take into account the possible consequences of Yerevan’s policy of closer ties with the European Union. According to him, Moscow sees clear signs that Armenia is being prepared for EU accession, which Russia considers a hostile bloc.

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Scottish debut screening of first major film on Armenia and Azerbaijan conflic

Yeghisabet Arthur
Fife Today, UK
April 21 2026

By Allan Crow

A special film screening is taking place in St Andrews.

Staff and students at St Andrews School of International Relations, and the wider North East Fife community can see ‘Searching for Satyrus’, the first major film on the conflict between the neighbouring nations of Armenia and Azerbaijan. It gets its first Scottish showing in School III, United College on Wednesday, April 29 at 6:30pm.

Set in the mountainous borderlands between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the story follows Rena Effendi, a photographer and filmmaker in pursuit of Satyrus effendi, a rare and critically endangered butterfly named in honour of her father, an enigmatic Soviet entomologist who was absent from her life.

Satyrus died in 1991, when Rena was just 14, amid war and the collapse of the USSR. Rena retraces his old butterfly-hunting routes through what is now a devastated landscape, deep into a remote Caucasus exclave isolated by decades of conflict.

The butterfly is known to appear there only once a year, fluttering high over militarised border that people are forbidden to cross. On this journey of discovery, Rena comes closer to her father, confronting the distance between them and coming to terms with his troubled legacy.

Professor Rick Fawn from St Andrews School of International Relations, has been instrumental in bringing the film to St Andrews.

Some of Rick’s research has focused on the conflicts among Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia with Russia, and involved real-world engagement with leaders including Heads of State , foreign ministries and international institutions dealing with complex geopolitical issues that affect millions of people.

Rena added: “As I retrace my father’s footsteps, seeking to understand both him and his lifelong passion for butterflies, I am helped by people on both sides of the border, people who still officially consider each other enemies. What motivates my journey is not only a search for my father along with a species on the brink of extinction, but also a longing for peace and reconciliation.

“Through this quest, I hope to show that humanity can prevail even in places ravaged by war. The film traverses a physical landscape, but also the emotional and political ones. My efforts to bring Armenians and Azerbaijanis together in the search for the butterfly mirror the fragile possibility of unity in a region long divided by violence and traumas of war.”

The film will followed by a Q&A with Rena and Professor Fawn.

Tickets should be booked in advance at www.undergroundslate.com/event-details/searching-for-satyrus-university-of-st-andrews-screening-with-q-a

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UCLA commemorates Armenian Genocide with a candlelight vigil and ongoing progr

Emma Nadirian
UCLA Newsroom
April 21 2026
The events, organized by UCLA’s Promise Armenian Institute and campus partners, are free and open to the public
CLA Newsroom

April 21, 2026

Friday, April 24, marks the annual commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, the systematic murder of 1.5 million Armenians by the forces of the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1923. In tribute, UCLA’s Armenian Student Association is partnering with its University of Southern California branch to host a remembrance program and vigil at the Fowler Museum at UCLA Courtyard to mark the 111th anniversary of the killings.

In addition, the Promise Armenian Institute at UCLA and its partners are sponsoring a series of virtual and in-person discussions and performances over the coming days to recognize and explore that historical tragedy and to celebrate Armenian heritage.

Established in 2019, the Promise Armenian Institute serves as a focal point for advanced scholarship on Armenian society, culture and history — including the genocide, particularly through its Armenian Genocide Research Program — and for public programs and outreach aimed at strengthening Armenian communities in Los Angeles, the worldwide diaspora and Armenia itself. As part of these efforts, the institute supports a variety of ongoing projects in the social sciences, arts, health care, genetics and engineering.

All commemorative events are free and open to the public:

Tuesday, April 21, 7 p.m. | Bruin Plaza stage

Folk Armenian dance workshop

Join UCLA’s Armenian Student Association for a folk-dance workshop taught by Lernazang, a Western Armenian dance and cultural preservation organization. Founded in 2017, Lernazang provides weekly community dance classes to youth and adults, offers dance and music workshops, and performs throughout Los Angeles in the traditional Armenian azgagrakan style.

RSVP is requested.

Thursday, April 23, 7 p.m. | Schoenberg Hall

Concert: Celebrating 100 years of Khachatur Avetisyan 

Join the UCLA Armenian Music Program for an evening of special guest musicians from Armenia and the Los Angeles Armenian community in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of renowned composer Khachatur Avetisyan. The LA-based Haikian Chamber Choir, accompanied by a folk-instrument orchestra and other guest solo artists, will perform Avetisyan’s concertos for folk instruments and works dedicated to the memory of the Armenian Genocide. This event is co-sponsored by the UCLA Promise Armenian Institute.

Friday, April 24, 6 p.m. | The Elizabeth and W. Thomas Davis Courtyard at the Fowler Museum at UCLA

Armenian Genocide Remembrance Program and Vigil

The Armenian Student Associations at UCLA and the University of Southern California are hosting an evening of diverse programming to observe the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. All are welcome to attend a reception, followed by a speaking program and a candlelight vigil. Speakers include representatives from the UCLA Undergraduate Student Association Council, the Promise Armenian Institute at UCLA, the Armenian Students Association Board and several Armenian Genocide historians.

Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m. | Online

Lecture: A Biographical Approach to Genocidal Ruination

Scholar Nazan Maksudyan (Centre Marc Bloch Berlin) will deliver the fifth Raymond H. Kévorkian Armenian Genocide Remembrance Lecture, examining the Armenian genocide through the life of educator, naturalist and scientist Johannes Jakob Manissadjian and exploring how genocide imperiled lives, communities and knowledge. Commentary will be provided by Melissa Bilal, holder of The Promise Chair in Armenian Music, Arts, and Culture at UCLA. This event is co-sponsored by the Promise Armenian Institute at UCLA.

Register here for Zoom link.

Thursday, April 30, 6 p.m. | Glendale Central Library

Author talk with Peter Balakian

Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Peter Balakian will be reading excerpts from his latest book, “New York Trilogy,” which follows one man’s journey as he moves through a series of experiences centered in New York City and the surrounding New Jersey Palisades. The protagonist’s life is impacted by historical events, including the Armenian Genocide, the bombing of Hiroshima, the Vietnam War, the AIDS epidemic, the attacks of Sept. 11th, the U.S. war in Iraq and the climate crisis.


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Armenian International Women’s Association Celebrates 35 Years of Empowerment

Baghdasarian Karlen
April 21 2026

Group continues to strengthen the Armenian women’s community worldwide.

by 
Karine Armen 

Women supporting and empowering women remains a powerful and enduring mission — one that transcends political, religious, and educational boundaries. At its heart, the advancement of Armenian women worldwide is not simply inspiring but essential.

Founded in Boston in 1990, the Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing women’s issues and fostering leadership and opportunity. With affiliates in Los Angeles, New England, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and Yerevan, Armenia, AIWA has built a global network committed to uplifting women across various communities.

A significant milestone is marked in 2026 as AIWA celebrates its 35th anniversary, alongside its Los Angeles affiliate’s 30th anniversary. The Pearl Anniversary Gala will take place on Saturday, May 2, at 6:30 p.m. at Reflections Venue in Glendale.

The gala’s master of ceremonies is Jacqueline Sarkissian, KTLA reporter. The keynote speaker is Silva Harapetian, an Emmy-nominated journalist, documentary producer, and Amazon best-selling author with over 20 years of experience reporting for major networks, including CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX. Musical performances will be by Greg Hosharian and the Armenian Pops Ensemble. 

AIWA’s origins are rooted in a time of crisis and resilience following Armenia’s independence and the devastating earthquake on December 7, 1988. Although the journey to recovery was slow, the Armenian diaspora mobilized to provide aid and support. From this spirit of solidarity emerged AIWA’s commitment to supporting women in Armenia as they rebuilt their lives and communities.

Over the years, the organization has evolved through various phases, continually expanding its impact. 

Over the past 25 years, AIWA has organized nine international conferences, highlighting the stories of Armenian women around the world. In 2010, AIWA took a decisive step in addressing violence against women by establishing the Women’s Support Center (WSC) in Yerevan — a shelter providing safety and resources for abused women and children.

AIWA International continues to lead several impactful initiatives, including EmpowerPath Armenia, which offers skills development for women from Artsakh, and EmpowerPath Lebanon, created in partnership with the Jinishian Memorial Association. Additional programs include elder care and childcare training, scholarships, and financial support for university students worldwide.

For three decades, the Los Angeles affiliate has been at the forefront of these efforts, cultivating a legacy of service and empowerment. Its work includes supporting women in higher education, promoting equity in STEM fields, and expanding access to vocational training that leads to sustainable careers. The affiliate remains deeply committed to gender equity and social responsibility.

At the annual International Women’s Day luncheon on March 6 in Glendale, AIWA President Silva Katchiguian emphasized the organization’s mission. 

“We empower women from Artsakh, Armenia, and Lebanon to gain skills that lead to self-sufficiency,” Katchiguian said. “We have pioneered a women’s entrepreneurship program in collaboration with the American University of Armenia, helping transform vision into viable ventures.”

As AIWA Los Angeles marks this Anniversary milestone, their contributions stand out as the backbone of the organization’s success. The affiliate has raised substantial funds for key initiatives, including funds for The Women’s Support Center and the Women’s Entrepreneurship Program in Armenia, as well as given hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to students at community colleges, the Armenian University of Armenia, and prestigious California universities through the Hasmik Jasmine Mgrdichian Foundation Scholarship Fund. AIWA Los Angeles has also organized numerous mini-conferences featuring expert speakers on topics such as women’s health, business, social justice, and government.

The affiliate has additionally raised funds and organized luncheons to honor prominent Los Angeles women recipients of the prestigious Ellis Island Award. In the past five years, they have also celebrated International Women’s Day in cooperation and association with the Consulate of Armenia in Los Angeles.

As the organization looks to the future, its mission remains steadfast: to empower women, strengthen communities, and inspire the next generation of Armenian leaders.

DEETS

  • 2026 AIWA 35th Anniversary “Cultivating a Legacy” and Pearl Anniversary Gala
  • Saturday, May 2, at 6:30 p.m.
  • Reflections Venue in Glendale, 109 East Harvard Street, Glendale, California.
  • Tickets
https://localnewspasadena.com/2026/armenian-international-womens-association-celebrates-35-years-of-empowerment/

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