Illegally expropriated pasture land with an area of ​​about 5 hectares was returned to the Amasia community

As a result of the prosecutor’s intervention, a community-owned pasture with an area of ​​5.03766 ha was returned to the Amasia community of Shirak marz. RA General Prosecutor’s Office informs.


In particular, the Shirak Marz Prosecutor’s Office, within the framework of the authority to protect state (community) interests, after examining the evidence obtained in the criminal proceedings examined by the Investigative Committee, according to which JH, the head of the Amasia community of Shirak marz, violated the requirements of the Land Code, on October 20, 2020, on October 20, 2020, he expropriated the 5.03766 ha agricultural pasture located in the Bandivan settlement of the Amasia community. an individual, addressed a petition to the head of the Amasia community, demanding to take measures to return the said land to the Amasia community and stop its illegal possession.


As a result of the measures taken on the basis of the petition, on July 30, 2026, the property right of the Amasia community was registered in the Cadastre Committee over the 5.03766 ha of agricultural pasture in the Bandivan settlement.

—

The issues of protection of the rights of Artsakh citizens were presented to the CE deputy

On July 15, the delegation of the Artsakh Union met with the member of the European Parliament, Marina Mezyur, to present the crimes committed against the forcibly displaced people of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and the main priorities for the restoration of rights. These include the immediate and unconditional release of the Armenian hostages held in Baku, the protection of Artsakh’s spiritual and cultural heritage, and the realization of the right of safe, dignified and collective return of around 150,000 people forcibly expelled from their homeland. Let them know from the union.


The organization was presented by Artak Beglaryan, the president of the Artsakh Union, and Armine Aleksanyan, a member of the executive board, head of the foreign relations working group. The delegation conveyed to Ms. Mezyur first-hand evidence of the 2023 Azerbaijani aggression and subsequent mass forced displacement, as well as other violations of the fundamental rights of the people of Artsakh.


The delegation stated that Azerbaijan continues to illegally keep a group of representatives of the former military-political leadership of the Artsakh Republic and other Armenian prisoners in prison. They face sham trials, which the European Parliament, Amnesty International and independent observers have consistently condemned as politically motivated and lacking any fair trial standards.


“These persons are hostages, not accused. Europe should consider their release as a mandatory precondition for relations with Baku, not a secondary issue pushed in the shadow of energy interests,” Armine Aleksanyan emphasized during the meeting.


During the meeting, a special reference was made to the fate of the Armenian cultural and religious heritage throughout the territory of Artsakh. Centuries-old churches, monasteries, khachkars and cemeteries are now under the control of Azerbaijan. They are subject not only to physical destruction, but also to systematic state-sponsored falsification to falsify genealogy. The Artsakh Union warned Mrs. Mezyur that this cultural genocide is inseparable from the continuous policy of ethnic cleansing of the people. every destroyed church and falsified record is intended to completely exclude any possibility of the native people’s return.


The delegation expressed serious concern about the so-called “peace agenda” promoted by the RA authorities and international mediators, pointing out the flagrant disregard for the protection of the rights and interests of the displaced people of Artsakh.


“The negotiation documents do not contain any provision regarding the collective return of Artsakh citizens and the protection of their rights, which is a direct result of the inaction of the Armenian government,” said Artsakh Union President Artak Beglaryan. “Any settlement built on the neglect and silence of the fundamental rights of the people of Artsakh cannot bring stable and fair peace in the region. We reaffirm our determination to return and realize other fundamental rights and achieve justice using all available legal and political avenues.”


During the meeting, Marina Mezyur emphasized her continuous concern for the rights of the people of Artsakh, promising to use all possible mechanisms in order to raise the raised issues and implement relevant resolutions of the Council of Ministers. He emphasized that the ethnic cleansing of the people of Artsakh cannot be tolerated by civilized Europe, and Azerbaijan must be held accountable for it.


As a result of the meeting, Mrs. Mezyur sent a written request to the European Commission, demanding the implementation of the right of safe and unimpeded return of the displaced Armenians, based on the binding decision of the UN International Court of Justice of November 17, 2023. He also raised the question of what role this fundamental obligation of human rights should play in the EU’s political and economic relations with Azerbaijan. Ms. Mezyur later posted this written request on her official social media platforms to spread awareness about the issue.


The Artsakh Union highly appreciates Ms. Mezyur’s prompt response and sincere commitment to protect the rights of the forcibly displaced population. The organization is committed to continuing to provide Ms. Mezyur’s office with documented evidence and legal analysis of cultural vandalism and ethnic cleansing to ensure that European institutions are guided not by false assurances from Baku, but by established facts and norms of international law.

—

Romanos Petrosyan denied Narek Karapetyan’s claims

Romanos Petrosyan, the temporary manager of HEC, wrote on his “Facebook” page that in the morning, Narek Karapetyan, the former chairman of the board of directors of HEC, made some rather STRONG LIES about HEC and stated that he will address the details in the coming days in a separate interview format.


“At this moment, I will only present the two most significant of them, in response.


STRONG LIE 1. He claims that even now there are allegedly additions in the HEC, and they fired 40-50 people within 6 months, in the case of 30 people, there was an official investigation, and not a word about any criminal assessment.


FACT 1: The total number of dismissals in the National Economic and Social Committee made up more than 1150 people during the one year period of the temporary administration, of which about 700 employees were dismissed as a result of various violations (mostly oversubscriptions/undersubscriptions).


About 30 criminal proceedings have been initiated based on the facts of the discovered violations. there are many arrestees and arrest warrants.


STRONG LIE 2. He claims that the additions in their area were made without the knowledge of the owners of HEC (ie, also the top management), and explains allegedly. “One was under-registered, the other was over-registered. The HEC did not have any benefit from it…”


FACT 2: Additions and under-subscriptions were generally made to artificially reduce the number of energy losses in the network, which had increased significantly due to illegal connections (stealing) and shadow sales; that is, another citizen, state and community institution, business unit paid for the electricity consumed by someone else.


And the under-registrations were made mainly on the amounts of electricity produced by autonomous energy producers (solar plants) and sent back to the grid, so that the National Electric Power Company does not pay the citizen in return and balance the “stolen” volumes with that product.


Based on the above, we can claim that the monetization of huge amounts of electricity generated as a result of all these machinations (that is, frauds) in the “best” case remained in the accounts of the National Energy Agency, in the worst case, it went directly into the pockets of various criminal circles (naturally, not random persons).


Accordingly. a rhetorical question: how did it happen that in the first weeks of the temporary administration of the National Economic and Social Committee, we became aware of dozens or more facts of over-subscriptions and under-subscriptions, which were immediately followed by dismissals, criminal proceedings and arrests, and the owners themselves, during the nearly 10-year administration, were unaware and uncommunicated about these reprehensible and criminal mechanisms…


Below are the facts of about two dozen “most telling” additions revealed during the temporary administration of the National Security Agency, with which criminal proceedings have been initiated and some people have been detained.


1. Military unit No. N of the RA Defense Ministry,


2. Military curfew of RA NSS,


3. RA NSS X city department building,


4. N military unit of the Department of State Security of the Russian Federation in RA,


5. “Yeghegnadzor Polyclinic” CJSC,


6. “Yeghegnadzor Street Lighting” JSC,


7. “Masis Street Lighting” JSC,


8. “Armavir” JOE,


9. “Artashat” JOE,


10. “Shirak” JOE,


11. Ghazanchi pumping station,


12. Tegenik village administration,


13. Halidzor village administration,


14. “Khoi Medical Outpatient Clinic” JSC,


15. Sevan Community Hall,


16. Yeghegis Community Hall,


17. Yeghegnadzor Community Hall,


18. House of Culture of Vardadzor,


19. Shambi Secondary School,


20. Gandzak Kindergarten,


21. Vardashen secondary school,


22. Aparan Primary School No. 2…


P.S. This is such STRONG management,” wrote Romanos Petrosyan.

—

A case of illegal trafficking of 10 kg of drugs through Telegram

As a result of the investigation and operational activities carried out during the preliminary investigation of the criminal proceedings of the RA Investigative Committee for Human Trafficking, Minor Sexual Immunity and Drug Trafficking Crimes Investigation Department, as well as operative-investigative measures undertaken by RA NSS employees, it appears that factual information was obtained that S.P. traveled with his relative H.P. via Telegram with a preliminary agreement. the place indicated by the user engaged in the sale of drugs and took 10 kg of marijuana-type drug from the hiding place, however, in circumstances beyond their will, they did not complete the crime, because they were arrested by the RA NSS officers. This is reported by the Central Committee.


During the preliminary investigation, the search of S.P.’s apartment revealed illegal marijuana-type drugs, electronic scales, self-adhesive tapes and plastic bags, which were confiscated.


According to the decision of the supervising prosecutor, a public prosecution was initiated against S.P. under Article 44-393, Part 3, Clause 2 of the Criminal Code (in particular, large-scale illegal drug trafficking or the attempt to sell them illegally), Article 393, Part 1 (for the purpose of illegal drug trafficking or their illegal sale), and against H.P., under Article 44-393 with point 2 of part 3 (especially the attempt to illegally traffic in large quantities of narcotics or to sell them illegally).


Arrest was applied to them as a preventive measure.


The criminal proceedings with the indictment were sent to the supervising prosecutor with a request to confirm it and send it to the court.

—

Verelq: How was Konjoryan’s wife appointed director of “Haypost” and by what formula?

In November 2024, Shushan Aleksanyan, the wife of the head of the “Civil Contract” faction of the National Assembly, Hayk Konjoryan, became the director of the national postal operator “Haypost” CJSC.


“Haypost” is a completely state company. According to Shushan Aleksanyan’s declaration submitted to the Corruption Prevention Commission, Aleksanyan’s annual salary in this position exceeds 118 thousand dollars, according to which the wife of the ruling deputy receives more than 3.6 million drams or about 10 thousand dollars monthly salary from the state company. In parallel with this, it is clear from the 2025 report of “Haypost” that the company’s situation in some financial directions worsened last year.


Since 2006, the Armenian postal communication operator was entrusted to the trust management company of Argentinian-Armenian businessman Eduardo Ernekyan. In 2020, the period of fiduciary management ended, and it was transferred to state management.


The director of “Haypost” is appointed by the supervisory board of the company in a competitive manner. “Azatutyun” appealed to “Haypost” and the Ministry of High-tech Industry, which manages the company, with a request to provide all the minutes of the tender sessions, and also asked to inform how many people and who participated in the competition for the vacant position of the director of “Haypost”. Neither the company nor the ministry answered these questions. And who are the members of the supervisory board of “Haypost”? This information about the management staff of the state-owned company was not provided to “Azat” either. according to “Haypost”, these are personal data.


In fact, from the answers of “Haypost” and the ministry that manages it, it is not possible to understand to what extent the competition for the director of the company was impartial and competitive, and for what managerial merits Hayk Konjoryan’s wife was appointed to that position.


The official sources also refused to detail how the salary of the director of “Haypost” was generated, which according to the declaration submitted to the Corruption Prevention Commission exceeds 3.6 million drams. That salary is determined by the company’s shareholders, that is, the Government in the form of the Ministry of High-tech Industry. By what formula is the salary of the director of “Haypost” formed, “Azatutyun” inquired from the ministry, from which they replied: “There is no separate formula for the formation of the salary of the chief executive officer of “Haypost”, there are no standards and separate principles.


The Ministry of High-tech Industry also refused to provide the minutes of the decisions taken at the shareholders’ meeting of “Haypost”, considering it a trade secret.  The ministry also refused to provide information regarding the salary of the director of “Haypost” and its dynamics over the past 6 years.


The deputy directors of “Haypost” are Arman Abrahamyan and Artak Ghulyan. Information about the salary of the latter is also unavailable. However, from the company’s 2025 financial report, it can be seen that the salary fund for the main management personnel of the company increased by more than 28 percent in 2025, from 176.7 million to 227.2 million drams.


The 2025 financial report of the postal operator shows that the company’s revenue has decreased by about 7 percent, from 9.8 billion to 9.1 billion drams. Moreover, this decrease occurred in the directions of postal delivery services, commissions for payment of pension and benefits, and sales of goods. The gross profit of “Haypost” also decreased, from 1 billion 475 million to 1 billion 27 million AMD, as well as the taxes paid. The company paid 3.4 billion drams in taxes to the budget in 2025, more than 300 million less than it paid in 2024.


Parallel to this, the state company’s credit obligations have increased many times. Compared to 2024, in particular, the company’s loans have increased nearly 6 times, from 58 million to 396 million drams. 200 million are loans taken from banks, which the company refused to disclose the purpose of taking and the details of the property pledged against them. The other 196 million drams are financial lease obligations.


In “Haypost”, the main positive dynamic of last year is the reduction of the company’s losses. the net loss decreased almost twice, from 1.4 billion to 523 million drams. However, the company’s loss may decrease not because of managerial success, but, for example, as a result of reducing the company’s expenses, due to exchange rate differences, and a decrease in the cost of profit tax.


“Haypost” has 4 subsidiary companies, one of which is the American branch of the postal company, the other is engaged in retail trade and related services, the third, “Innovation” is engaged in software and IT solutions, and “HP Logistics” CJSC is engaged in transportation services. The last time, according to the official news, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a consultation on the development strategy of “Haypost” 2.5 years ago.


Leaving a number of questions about the selection of the director of Haypost, the formation of his salary, the appropriateness of credit funds unanswered, the company told “Azatutyun” that if there is a financial deterioration as a result of the year, it will not affect the director’s salary.

—

Asbarez: Homenetmen Breaks Guinness World Record

Homenetmen made history on Tuesday by earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for forming the largest human image of the World Crest Scout Emblem—fleur-de-lis—setting a new world record.

The 809 participants of the 13th Homenetmen Scouting Jamboree currently taking place at the Karnig Meguerdichian Camp in Byurakan, Armenia conceived the idea and with meticulous planning achieved the new world record.

The previous record had been set eight years earlier, on July 29, 2018, in Cheshire, England, with the participation of 445 scouts.

Members of Homenetmen’s Central Executive Committee, together with guests, were present to witness this historic achievement.

https://asbarez.com/homenetmen-breaks-guinness-world-record/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTaXX1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeIuDKFTvJyKyjbqtmHRhnHYwAPgSFC3-PEqQQ0NsDmOSey5UjodN3KqHy4EE_aem_Ycx0k7sqrNky_CRwg9SbIQ

—

Armenian Museum of Fresno to Showcase New Exhibit on International Artist Evge

FRESNO — The Armenian Museum of Fresno invites the community to the opening reception of “ART That Transcends Borders: A Voice That Leaves a Lasting Impact,” an exhibition showcasing the vibrant and expressive work of internationally collected painter and illustrator Evgenia Parsadanian-Harris. The free public reception will be held Friday, August 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Armenian Museum of Fresno, 550 E. Shaw Ave. in Fresno. The exhibition will remain on view through August 31.

Born and raised in Tbilisi, Georgia, Parsadanian-Harris has devoted her career to celebrating the beauty, history and resilience of her Armenian heritage through art. Her paintings reflect a deep appreciation for the people, architecture, landscapes and traditions that shaped her life, while exploring universal themes of earth, life, love, irony and the shared human experience.

A defining influence on her artistic journey was renowned artist Gayane Khachaturian, who selected Parsadanian-Harris as her only protégé. Under Khachaturian’s mentorship, she developed a distinctive artistic voice characterized by bold color, intricate pattern and deeply personal storytelling.

Since 1989, Parsadanian-Harris has built an internationally respected career, with her paintings finding homes in private, museum and institutional collections throughout Georgia, Armenia, Russia, Israel, Italy, Greece, the United States and beyond. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to preserving cultural identity while celebrating the traditions, memories and humanity that connect people across borders.

Parsadanian-Harris was also honored to be a founding member of the Union of Armenian Artists of Georgia at the Hayartun Center in Tbilisi. Alongside distinguished painter Meruzhan Shahumyan, she helped establish an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Armenian artistic heritage during a pivotal period in the region’s history.

Filled with luminous colors, expressive compositions and symbolic imagery, “ART That Transcends Borders” invites visitors into a world where nature, architecture, memory and humanity intersect. Whether depicting sacred traditions, everyday life or the emotional landscape of the human spirit, each painting tells a visual story that resonates across cultures and generations.

Visitors to the opening reception will have the opportunity to meet Evgenia Parsadanian-Harris and learn more about the inspiration behind her work.

Enhancing the evening will be a special performance by internationally recognized solo flutist Tracy Harris, a Yamaha Performing Artist and Clinician, former principal flutist with six West Coast symphony orchestras, and Professor of Flute and Artist-in-Residence at the College of the Sequoias.

Harris is also the director of the internationally award-winning Wyndfall Flute Orchestra, which has earned multiple honors from the National Flute Association. An acclaimed performer, educator, author and lecturer, she has inspired musicians around the world through her concert performances, masterclasses, clinics and publications. Her performance at the opening reception will provide an elegant musical backdrop, creating a memorable evening celebrating the visual and performing arts while honoring Armenian culture and creativity.

Admission is free.

Join the Armenian Museum of Fresno in celebrating its 25th Anniversary with these and additional cultural art performances, exhibits and presentations planned throughout the year – a special year to experience Armenian art and culture.

The AMF is located at 550 E. Shaw Ave. Fresno, 93710. 

ZARTONK Gallery is located at Historic Helm Building 1107 Fulton St. Downtown Fresno, 93721.

Entrance is free and open to the public. Funded in part by the citizens of City of Fresno, Measure P, PARCS Department, Expanded Access to Arts and Culture program. 

Founded in 2001, the Armenian Museum of Fresno is dedicated to preserving and promoting Armenian culture, heritage, and history through exhibits, events, research, and educational programs. The museum serves as a cultural hub for the community, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the rich Armenian legacy and its global impact.

The AMF is located at the University of California Center at 550 E. Shaw Avenue in Fresno, across from Fashion Fair mall. The ADA-compliant facility is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and easily accessible through the public transportation system. Admission is free.

—

Asbarez: Dr. Lilit Sadoyan Hosts First Video Podcast Launched by Getty

Gallery Educator Dr. Lilit Sadoyan. Photo by Karen Du © 2025 J. Paul Getty Trust.


Armenian American art historian and Getty gallery educator Dr. Lilit Sadoyan hosts the Getty’s first video podcast “OMMM: Our Museum Mindfulness Meditation,” a meditation podcast focused on creating mindful interactions with artwork from its collection.

OMMM is a space for listeners to recover and reflect in a busy world. Released twice weekly, episodes guide listeners in a breathing exercise and meditation, and provide insights about featured artworks.

“As a first-generation Armenian-American, I am especially excited to share this story, because it highlights an Armenian voice making a unique contribution to an evolving conversation about museums and art. While my work is rooted in art history and museum practice, it is also shaped by the belief that cultural institutions can help people reconnect—with history, with one another, and with themselves,” Dr. Sadoyan told Asbarez in an email.

OMMM grows out of a Mindfulness in the Museum initiative Dr. Sadoyan has been spearheading at the Getty over the last 13 years. “The series reflects a broader cultural movement: museums are increasingly being recognized not only as places of learning, but as spaces that support wellbeing and meaningful public engagement,” she wrote.

The first season includes 12 meditation episodes, each focused on a different artwork from Getty’s museum collection. The episodes are available to stream, its first is focused on Getty’s beloved painting “Irises” by Vincent van Gogh. Episodes also include focusing on “Waiting” by Edgar Degas, “Starry Night” by Edvard Munch and the Central Garden at the Getty Center, designed by Robert Irwin.

Twelve additional bonus episodes dive deeper into themes from the artwork or meditation. These conversations feature diverse special guests, including astrologer Chani Nicholas, sleep historian Roger Ekirch, Buddhist monk Shoukei Matsumoto, New York Times dance critic Gia Kourlas, JPL climate scientist Marek Slipski and mountain climber Katie Ives.

In its latest edition Dr. Sadoyan interviews fellow Armenian and environmental designer Aroussiak Gabrielian, a conversation inspired by a landscape painting and grounding tree meditation. 

“We can all benefit from slowing down, being more present and fostering mindful moments with ourselves, those around us—and especially art,” said Lilit Sadoyan, gallery educator at the J. Paul Getty Museum. “OMMM will be a space for audiences to heal, learn and be empowered to embrace mindfulness in their daily lives.”

Sadoyan is a museum educator, independent curator and art historian. She has been a Getty gallery educator since 2008 and helps lead initiatives that investigate the impact of mindfulness in museums through programs and workshops. In recent years, she has worked with top scientists and mindfulness practitioners to study the impact of art on our bodies and minds.

“This is Getty’s first venture into video podcasts, which we hope allows audiences to connect to our art collection on a deeper level,” said Zoe Goldman, podcast producer at the J. Paul Getty Trust. “Whether engaging with OMMM from home or in our galleries, we are happy to create more avenues for experiencing art.”

—

168: Pashinyan is preparing for the EAEU intergovernmental session. EAEU on its own terms?

July 31, 2026

In his first post-vacation press conference, Nikol Pashinyan addressed the situation in relations with Russia with several episodes, calling it not a crisis, but an opportunity.

He announced that he will participate in the session of the EAEU intergovernmental council scheduled for August 6-7.

“The EAEU is a platform where I will raise all the issues related to our agenda. I will say what I said in the briefing. I said in the briefing that the EAEU is paralyzed. If the EAEU contract is not valid, the EAEU is not valid. And the EAEU is de facto paralyzed, and the paralysis shows tendencies to deepen. If this issue is not resolved quickly, I am 100% sure that the Republic of Armenia will overcome this problem, the EAEU will not overcome it,” Pashinyan stated.

He hinted that he is responsible for Armenia-Russia relations, not the one responsible for Armenian-Russian relations, and Armenian-Russian relations are something else, and they see that they have a different content in some places.

Read also

  • After the unsuccessful negotiations between Pashinyan and Putin, relations are entering a new phase of crisis
  • Hey, what’s yours? In Europe, a balcony is collapsing, the prime minister is being forced to resign… This has defiled everything in our country. Husik Ara
  • There were attempts to involve Armenia, Turkey and Azerbaijan in the anti-Iranian coalition. Malek Dudakov

“As for the political component of those relations, I have already said that Armenia has decided to have alternatives, while there were none before. We are talking about not only economic, but also political alternatives,” added Pashinyan.

He noted that Armenia has signed documents on strategic relations with a number of states, while there was simply no such thing before.

“The Republic of Armenia has decided to have alternatives, including political ones. Russia sees a problem there. The problem is as follows: either the relationship is exclusive or the relationship should not be, we do not accept it. We say that relations are not exclusive, but they must exist. This is a legitimate position,” Pashinyan emphasized.

He also addressed the question of what kind of partner Armenia is for Russia, why there is no trust in Armenia. Pashinyan said what Armenia had done to whom, when Lukashenko announced who needs Armenia. “Look who needed it,” Pashinyan said.

He also clarified that there was no discussion about the railway in the conversation with Putin. “But our position is the same, it is our property, and RA should have the opportunity to use the railway as it deems appropriate. I want to be very clear about this, there is no alternative to this. That issue should be resolved, I want to be very clear. We want to solve this problem in a friendly way,” he said.

At first glance, Pashinyan’s statements show that the RA authorities will not abandon the current foreign policy course or change some decisions. These statements actually prepare Armenia’s positioning before the upcoming session of the EAEU intergovernmental council, forming the negotiation framework by which Yerevan is going to act within the union.

It is noteworthy that Pashinyan uses two messages at the same time. On the one hand, he declares that the EAEU is “paralyzed” and, if the contractual clauses do not work, then the whole union does not work either.

On the other hand, he does not talk about withdrawing from the EAEU or reviewing the participation, but on the contrary, he announces that he will personally participate in the session and will raise all the issues on that platform. This dual approach suggests that Yerevan’s goal at this stage is not to abandon the integration structure, but to use political and legal pressure mechanisms within it to advance its own agenda.

However, Pashinyan’s next statement about “alternatives” was more remarkable. Although it is not yet clear what alternatives will be formed for Armenia, and if the European market is opening up to Armenia, why is the Armenian side asking Russia to remove economic restrictions, the RA authorities continue to show that they are following the path of political, economic and security diversification.

However, the key question arises here. How compatible is this approach with the current logic of the EAEU? Although the union is officially an economic structure, the political factor within it has always had a crucial importance. Russia, being the largest economy and the main political center of the Union, naturally expects not only economic but also strategic mutual trust in relations with the member states.

That is why Yerevan’s emphasis on “political alternatives” is often perceived in Moscow not as a manifestation of a sovereign foreign policy, but as a consistent policy of limiting Russia’s influence.

Against this background, the session of the EAEU intergovernmental council on August 6-7 can become not only a platform for discussing the economic agenda, but also another political test of Armenian-Russian relations.

As a matter of fact, Pashinyan has already publicly formulated the demands with which he will appear at the session and in the absence of consensus, he will continue to raise the issues, damaging the reputation of the EAEU.

At the same time, one cannot ignore the domestic political addressee of Pashinyan’s statements.

The wording “EEU is paralyzed” is not only an external stimulus to Moscow, but also an attempt to justify to the Armenian public why Armenia is continuously deepening its relations with other international actors.

In other words, Pashinyan is trying to present the need for multi-vector foreign policy not as an ideological choice, but as a forced consequence of the situation when the existing integration mechanisms, according to Yerevan, no longer ensure the protection of Armenia’s economic interests.

It is in this context that Pashinyan’s statement of not calling the situation in relations with Russia a “crisis” but an “opportunity” should be considered. That wording probably reflects Yerevan’s calculation that the current tension can be used to try to form a new model of relations and find new markets.

The question is whether such a balance is equally acceptable for Moscow, as the Russian policy of recent years shows that the Kremlin continues to consider the economic and political components in post-Soviet integration projects as interconnected and difficult to separate from each other elements.

The answer to this question is more than simple, but it is still not clear what “potential” this crisis has to deepen.

—