Armenian Directory & News – Page 208 – Armenian Business Directory & News

Asbarez: 13th Pan-Homenetmen Scouting Jamboree Kicks Off in Armenia

July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 Emil Lazarian

by Asbarez Staff

July 27, 2026

in Armenia, Community, Featured Main, Latest, News, Top Stories

‘Standing Tall for Ararat’ will Serve as Motto for the Jamboree

BYURAKAN, Armenia—The 13th Pan-Homenetmen Scouting Jamboree officially kicked off on Friday evening at the Garnik Mkrtichian Camp in Byurakan, bringing together approximately 900 scouts representing 26 Homenetmen regions and four Armenian scout organizations from Iran.

The opening ceremony was attended by official guests, current and former members of the Homenetmen Central Executive, and representatives of the host organization, Homenetmen and Armenia’s National Scouting Organization—know as HASK—which is a subsidiary of Homenetmen.

Among those present were Archbishop Zakaria Baghumian, representative of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians; Syrian Ambassador to Armenia Nora Arissian; Lebanese Ambassador to Armenia Dima Haddad; Stepan Der Bedrosian, Co-Chairman of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia’s National Executive Council and fellow member Dikran Jinbashian; Hamazkayin Central Executive Chairman Zakary Keshishian; Armenian Relief Society Central Executive member Zoya Kocharian; ARS Armenia Regional Executive Chairwoman Maro Keshishian; and members of the regional executive.

The ceremony began with the performance of the anthems of Armenia, Artsakh and Homenetmen, followed by the raising of the flags of the 30 participating delegations representing 23 countries: Armenia, Artsakh, Argentina, England, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Georgia, Germany, Iraq, Iran (Tehran, Isfahan, Nairi and Sipan chapters), Greece, Jerusalem, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Sweden, Syria, Uruguay and the United States.

Opening remarks were delivered by Archbishop Zakaria Baghumian, Jamboree Chief Ruben Nalbandian, Homenetmen-HASK Chairman Alain Asadourian, Homenetmen Central Scout Committee representative Feti Khajak Gazanjian, and Homenetmen Central Executive Chairman Hagop Khacherian.

Welcoming the participants, Archbishop Baghumian said, “Welcome to your homeland—to strengthen your identity, deepen your connection with the homeland, build friendships, and return to your countries with unforgettable memories. We are all strengthened by our homeland, our Armenian statehood and our Armenian identity. Life is a struggle, and those who prevail are those who are spiritually steadfast, physically strong, and guided by determination and resolve. Our ancestors dreamed of living and creating in an independent homeland. Today, we have that homeland, deserving of our care, devotion and love. We love our homeland not merely because it is ours, but because this sacred soil has been sanctified by the sacrifice of our forefathers.”

Reflecting on Homenetmen’s history and mission, Archbishop Baghumian noted that the organization’s founders envisioned uniting Armenian youth not only through athletics and scouting, but also through a profound attachment to the homeland. For them, he said, strength of spirit was as essential as physical strength. “Today, we have come to affirm that vision and strengthen our spirit and identity even further,” he concluded.

Jamboree Chief Ruben Nalbandian emphasized that the gathering aims to provide participants with national and organizational education while fostering mutual acquaintance and friendship. To that end, the program features a wide range of activities centered on Armenian values and the jamboree’s theme, “Standing Tall for Ararat.”

“Gathered before Mount Ararat and looking upon it each day,” Nalbandian said, “our scouts will not only live with the Armenian spirit, but will also grow closer to one another, deepen their friendships, and strengthen their bonds of brotherhood. Our entire history revolves around this mountain, and it is our duty to remain steadfast, faithful to our oath, and committed to protecting our identity and our history.”

Homenetmen-HASK Chairman Alain Asadourian described the jamboree as a unique event held only once every four years, bringing together Armenian scouts from around the globe under one roof, united by one ideal, one oath and one homeland.

“This year, Byurakan has welcomed 900 Homenetmen members from 23 countries. They have arrived from different continents and diverse cultural environments, yet they are united by the Scout movement, one identity and one language,” he said.

Addressing the campers, Asadourian added, “During these days, you will not only experience the life of scouting, but also rediscover Armenia—its nature, history and culture. You will discover yourselves and the powerful bond that unites Armenians across the world. I am confident that this jamboree will become a cradle of new friendships, valuable experiences, mutual understanding and strengthened national unity.”

Speaking on behalf of the Homenetmen Central Scout Committee, Feti Khajak Kazanjian declared, “Looking around us, we witness the powerful and vibrant heartbeat of the Armenian nation. Here, on this sacred homeland, our jamboree unfolds under the noble motto: ‘Standing Tall for Ararat.’”

Kazanjian thanked all those whose dedication and collective efforts made the successful organization of the jamboree possible.

“Homenetmen is an organization of action,” he said. “Beyond organizational life, it is a school of life where tomorrow’s leaders and parents are formed. Homenetmen is not merely a club—it is a forge that shapes generations, where Armenian children and youth learn to think, feel and live as Armenians.”

“Today, our worldwide structure—from Europe to the Americas, from the Middle East to Australia—through its camps, athletic tournaments, community programs, public outreach and youth conferences, pursues one supreme goal: to keep the Armenian spirit burning brightly. Homenetmen forms Armenians with healthy bodies, sound minds and strong wills, prepared to serve first their families, then the organization, and ultimately the Armenian nation and homeland,” Kazandjian added.

Delivering the keynote remarks, Homenetmen Central Executive Chairman Hagop Khacherian addressed the young participants as descendants of third- and fourth-generation survivors of the Armenian Genocide.

“You, the descendants of Armenian Genocide survivors, Armenian youth scattered across the world, members of the volunteer army of the Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts, have come to the Motherland to join your brothers and sisters of Armenia and Artsakh, to camp together and renew your pledge to serve the Armenian nation, Armenia and the just cause of the Armenian people.”

He reflected on the generation that came of age during Armenia’s regained independence and later celebrated the liberation of Artsakh, while also acknowledging the hardships facing today’s Armenians.

“You are also the generation witnessing a wounded homeland, a divided nation, the occupation of Artsakh, the erosion of our national value system and the weakening of the Diaspora. Yet despite this painful reality, Homenetmen’s ranks remain unbroken, steadfast and immovable—like Ararat itself. The roots of Homenetmen’s tree have not withered, and they continue to bear new shoots.”

Khacherian emphasized that despite international pressures promoting assimilation—including within Armenia itself—Homenetmen and its members would remain firmly committed to their national principles and enduring values.

“Despite the illusions of materialism and the temptations of superficiality, Homenetmen will continue its practical mission through volunteer service, preparing and shaping tomorrow’s Armenian—one who reaches the summit through determination and hard work. The Armenian who will bring Ararat home.”

Concluding his remarks, Khacherian reaffirmed Homenetmen’s commitment to the Armenian Cause and declared that the organization would remain steadfast in defending the nation’s inalienable rights, calling for justice for the victims of the Armenian Genocide and the realization of a united homeland encompassing Artsakh and Western Armenia.

Following the speeches, 59 scout leaders who had successfully completed the final three-day practical seminar of the prestigious Araratian Scout Rank program in Aghveran were awarded their badges and certificates.

The opening ceremony concluded with the performance of the official jamboree song, with lyrics and music by Sevak Nazarian, orchestration by Harout Yeretsian, and performed by Suren Ajemian.

—

CC: 103 years since the Treaty of Lausanne: Are there hidden clauses and an ex

July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 Emil Lazarian

· JULY 27, 2026

www.economim.com

103 years have passed since the signing of the Lausanne Peace Treaty, which was the founding document of the Republic of Turkey.

With the agreement signed on July 24, 1923 and named after the city where the peace conference was held in Switzerland, the political and economic independence of Turkey was registered.

In the negotiations between the Ankara government and the major powers known as “Düvel-i Muazzama” at that time, there were unresolved issues such as sovereignty over the Straits and the status of Mosul.

BBC Turkish’s Hilken Doğaç Boran examines the most controversial issues of the Lausanne Treaty.

What was the priority of the Ankara government?

The Ankara government, led by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha, signed the Mudanya Armistice on October 11, 1922 with England and France after defeating the Greek occupation forces.

After the ceasefire, the Ankara government and the Sultanate in Istanbul were invited to a peace conference to be held in Switzerland.

On November 1, 1922, the Sultanate was abolished by the decision of the Parliament. Thus, only the Ankara government represented the Turks in Lausanne.

Boğaziçi University Atatürk Institute Lecturer Professor Dr. Sevtap Demirci says that the main goal in Lausanne is “to gain economic and political independence.”

Speaking to BBC Turkish, Demirci emphasizes that Ankara’s government “is in Lausanne to register the achievements in the field at the diplomatic desk.”

Allied foreign ministers attending the Lausanne Peace Conference. From left to right, British Foreign Secretary Lord Curzon, Italian Foreign Minister Benito Mussolini and French Foreign Minister Raymond Poincare.

The delegation sent from Turkey to Switzerland was headed by Ismet Pasha, Atatürk’s comrade-in-arms and the then Minister of Foreign Affairs.

He also sat at the table representing the Ankara government in Mudanya.

England, France, Italy, Japan, Greece and Romania, as well as the Kingdom of Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia, which would later be called Yugoslavia, also participated in the conference.

In addition, the USA was invited as an observer, and the Soviet Union as a participant in the Straits issue.

Dr. Ozan Özavcı, a historian from Utrecht University in the Netherlands, says that one of the most important priorities of the Turkish delegation is the “Armenian issue”.

Ozavci, the founder of The Lausanne Project, an international academic research and information sharing initiative on the Lausanne Peace Treaty, emphasizes that the plans to establish an Armenian state in the east of the country are “absolutely unacceptable” for the Ankara government and continues:

“The settlement of Ottoman debts was also a very important process and one of the longest debated issues of the period.”

The Ankara government argued in Lausanne that the remaining debts of the Ottoman Empire should be distributed among the countries established after the collapse of the empire.

This approach was adopted in Lausanne. Turkey, which took the largest share, completed its payments in 1954.

The Ankara government also aimed to resolve issues such as Western Thrace, Aegean Islands and population exchange between Turkey and European states.

Dr. Murat Arslan from Yeditepe University’s Department of Political Science and International Relations argues that Lausanne means Ankara’s government is registered as a superpower.

Arslan comments on Lausanne’s results:

“Relatively specific goals were put on the table, and in fact the negotiations were concluded in the most positive way by Turkey. Of course, there are also shortcomings.”

What problems were not solved in Lausanne?

During the negotiations that began in 1922 and culminated in the signing of the Lausanne Peace Treaty in July 1923, the Ankara government made critical achievements.

The borders of modern Turkey, excluding Hatay, were internationally recognized thanks to this treaty.

Capitulations left over from the Ottoman era were abolished, thus ensuring economic independence, one of the important conditions of national sovereignty.

Minority rights were granted to Turks in Western Thrace and non-Muslims in Turkey.

Arrangements were also made regarding the Aegean Sea and its islands.

As a result of the negotiations, the Ankara government gave up on its demand for full sovereignty over the Straits.

Within the framework of the treaty, a temporary solution was reached to demilitarize the straits and open them to unrestricted civilian and military traffic under the auspices of the International Straits Commission under the auspices of the League of Nations.

Turkey’s sovereignty over the Straits could only be confirmed by the Montreux Straits Convention signed in 1936.

Dr. Murat Arslan says that the Ankara government “prioritized the constitutive issues” in Lausanne and that it aims to “solve over time” issues such as the Straits and Hatay issue.

Arslan says, “The Republic of Turkey was patient, and in the end patience justified Ankara. Montreux and Hatay is a result of that patience.”

What happened in the talks about the Aegean Islands and Mosul?

The deal on the Aegean Islands in Lausanne and the postponement of the Mosul issue are among the topics that have been criticized from time to time.

Mosul, which is within the boundaries of Misak-ı Milli, was one of the red lines of the Ankara government.

The Misak-ı Milli is a six-point national oath adopted by the last Ottoman Mebusan Assembly on January 28, 1920.

In this oath, it is said that “the territories of the Turkish and Islamic majority that were not occupied by the enemy at the time of the signing of the Armistice of Mondros are one and cannot be divided.”

Mosul-Kirkuk, West Thrace and Batum are among the places that are located in Misak-ı Milli and today are outside the borders of Turkey.

Prof. Dr. Sevtap Demirci reports that the first half of the negotiations was interrupted due to Ismet Inonu’s refusal to make concessions on the Mosul issue.

Demirci says that the issue was removed from the scope of the Lausanne Conference and Turkey and England agreed to deal with it bilaterally.

In the process of including the League of Nations after Lausanne, Turkey transferred Mosul and Kirkuk to Iraq, which was the British mandate of the time, with the Ankara Treaty signed in 1926.

In return, 10 percent of the oil revenue of these provinces was given to Turkey for 25 years.

Dr. Ozan Özavcı explains that it is a “normal process” to make concessions on some issues in multilateral peace talks like Lausanne.

Özavcı reminds that despite the victory of the Ankara government, it does not have absolute military superiority over the big powers and touches on the impact of the risk of war on the negotiation process:

“The war could go on and nobody wants that. The British don’t want to bring their armies back.

“Neither the French nor the Italians want the war to continue at that point.”

Illustration of the Lausanne Peace Conference by Hungarian cartoonist Alois Derso. Because cameras are not allowed during the debates, media organizations have hired cartoonists.

Within the framework of the Treaty of Lausanne, Turkey recognized the agreements that gave some islands, including Midili, Chios and Sisam, to Greece, and renounced its rights to 12 islands.

However, Bozcaada, Gökçeada and Tavşan Islands at the entrance of the Çanakkale Straits were demilitarized and the control of these islands was left to Turkey.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said in September 2016, “You don’t see the Aegean right now is it? In Lausanne we gave the islands where the cry would be heard. Is this victory?”

Prof. Dr. Sevtap Demirci reminds that 12 islands were lost after the Tripoli war against Italy in 1911, and the Aegean Islands came under the control of Greece after the Balkan Wars in 1912-13.

Dr. Murat Arslan also emphasizes that control of the Aegean islands was lost long before Lausanne.

Regarding Ankara’s government’s relinquishment of these islands, Arslan says, “Lausanne is legalizing the de facto situation [in the Aegean] since 1912-13.”

The claim that there are secret articles in Lausanne that limit Turkey’s sovereignty comes up periodically.

It is said that since 1923, Turkey’s sovereign rights have been restricted, especially because underground resources such as boron and natural gas cannot be used.

Working in the British archives for many years and having secret documents on the subject Prof. who studied many sources including Dr. Sevtap Demirci says that he has not found any evidence that Lausanne has secret substances.

Dr. Murat Arslan also interprets the secret material movements as a “conspiracy theory” and says the following:

“There may have been secret agreements, but there are no secret clauses in a disclosed agreement.”

In April 2023, the Speaker of the National Assembly Mustafa Shentop said the following in an assessment he made to members of the press:

“When an agreement is made, it goes to the parliaments of the signatory countries, where it is ratified.

“How will a secret provision be approved in the parliament? Who will review and approve? There can be no secret provision in international agreements.”

Historian Ozan Ozavcı says, “Why do we think there are secret substances? That is the real question,” and adds:

“It is necessary to look at the fact that the Balkans and the Middle East became a playground between the great states of Europe at that time. They create a political and historical trauma of 100, 150 years.

“Part of the reason why people in Turkey and the Ottoman Empire are so prone to believe these kinds of conspiracy theories is because of this long-term trauma.”

Does Lozenge have an expiration date?

There have been claims that the validity period of the Treaty of Lausanne will expire in 2023, the 100th year of its signing.

The version of the treaty approved by the Parliament, signed by Turkey and many other countries, does not contain any time limit or validity clause.

However, in an interview given to the Greek press in 2017, President Erdoğan expressed the idea of ”updating” Lausanne.

Erdogan said, “This update can be useful not only for Turkey, but also for Greece, for both sides.”

No action was taken following this proposal, which provoked a reaction from Greece.

Regarding the validity period, Dr. Murat Arslan says, “Treaties defining borders and status are indefinite, otherwise there would be no stability in the world.”

Prof. Dr. Sevtap Demirci also emphasizes that Lausanne is not temporary and says “it is the founding document of the Republic of Turkey.”

—

CC: Rare 350-Year-Old Armenian Manuscript Returns to Matenadaran

July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 Babken Chilingarian

· JULY 27, 2026

TheArmenianReport.com

A rare Armenian manuscript dating back more than 350 years has returned to one of the world’s leading centers of manuscript preservation after the Keron Development Foundation donated the collection to the Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran, ensuring its long-term protection and public accessibility.

The manuscript, created between approximately 1672 and 1676, was formally handed over during the opening of The Eternity of One Year: Matenadaran’s Manuscript Acquisitions, a new exhibition showcasing the institution’s most significant acquisitions of the past year. The exhibition opened on July 22 as part of the 3rd International Congress of Armenian Studies in Yerevan.

The congress, held from July 22-24 with support from Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, commemorates the 350th anniversary of Mekhitar Sebastatsi. Scholars and researchers from 16 countries are participating in the gathering, which focuses on advancing Armenian Studies and strengthening international academic cooperation.

The newly donated manuscript is a compilation of religious, historical and medical texts produced across different periods. While its core dates to the late 17th century, additional material was added during the 19th century, reflecting generations of use and preservation.

The manuscript was once part of the renowned Hrant Samuelian Oriental Bookstore in Paris, a landmark of Armenian intellectual and cultural life in the diaspora. Established in 1930, the bookstore preserved rare manuscripts, books and archival materials for nearly nine decades before closing in 2016.

Its collection was dispersed at auction in June 2025, when Armenia-based Wilco Wealth Management acquired 13 rare printed books and five manuscripts dating from the 17th through the 19th centuries.

Among the acquisitions are a 1733 Venetian edition of the Bible, 18th- and 19th-century editions of Gregory of Narek’s Book of Lamentations, liturgical works, historical collections and rare Armenian medical manuscripts, known as hekimarans, which provide valuable insight into the history of traditional Armenian medicine.

Wilco later transferred the collection to the Keron Development Foundation, which decided the manuscripts belonged in Armenia’s national repository.

“We accepted this extraordinary collection with a profound sense of responsibility,” said Vanane Ararktsyan, executive director of the Keron Development Foundation. “For us, it is essential that cultural treasures of this significance are not only carefully preserved but also made accessible to scholars, researchers and future generations. With this conviction, we are donating this manuscript collection to the Matenadaran, confident that it will find its rightful place in one of the world’s foremost institutions dedicated to the preservation and study of Armenian manuscript heritage.”

The transfer will allow the Matenadaran to conserve and restore the manuscript under professional standards while making it available for scholarly research and future exhibitions. The donation also returns another piece of Armenia’s written heritage to an institution dedicated to safeguarding the country’s centuries-old literary and historical legacy for generations to come.

—

168: “We knew that it is at least a matter of time to wait for a rogue from a rogue.” P:

July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 Emil Lazarian

July 27, 2026

Starting from July 27, dairy products exported from Armenia to Russia will be limited. About this on July 24 had reported Federal veterinary and phytosanitary control service, “Rosselkhoznadzor”.

“Rosselkhoznadzor”, based on the results of inspections conducted at the milk processing enterprises of Armenia on July 14-21, 2026, applied to the Food Safety Inspection Authority of the Republic of Armenia, requesting to stop issuing veterinary certificates for supplies to Russian recipients for the products of all dairy enterprises of Armenia from July 27.

Until now, the export of fruits and vegetables and flowers from Armenia to the Russian market was also limited.

What problems can Armenian dairy producers face? Are Armenian dairy products exported to other markets besides the Russian market?

Khachatur Poghosyan, president of “Hay Kat” dairy producers’ union, told 168.am in a conversation with, he said that he cannot give any comments regarding this issue, because many questions are still not clear to him.

“I can’t comment because I don’t know the information completely. It is true that I have read what they wrote, but there are still many dark places for me. Check with the Ministry of Economy what happened. I also have to go to the ministry and find out why this happened. There are questions that I need to find out for myself,” Khachatur Poghosyan briefly mentioned.

Armen Gigoyan, President of the Union of Cheesemakers of Armenia in other words, Armenian cheesemakers, unlike representatives of other sectors, are seasoned and experienced in export issues. What happened was not a surprise for Armenian cheesemakers.

“We knew that it is at least a matter of time to wait for a rogue from a rogue. Since the 2000s, “Rosselkhoznadzor” has always “drank the blood” of Armenian cheese makers, I don’t want to politicize it too much, but we have always been in the role of the victim. Even during the Russo-Georgian war, Armenian cheesemaking suffered such great damage that we can measure it in billions. In short, we already have experience and have come a long way in trade relations with Russia. Since there was that experience, step by step we try and work with alternative markets in a difficult way. Recently, the Union of Cheesemakers has become more active in this matter, there are exports to the United States, a small amount is exported to Arab countries, and so on.” of 168.am said Armen Gigoyan in a conversation with

According to him, there are Armenian cheese makers who until now have kept their focus on working in the Russian market and today they are in an uncomfortable situation. Faced with the fact where these cheese makers are standing now, and the damages they will suffer are quite significant.

“We can only express our regret, but the fact remains that a number of workers in the sector have started work to enter other markets. Do we have good indicators or not, this is already the other side of the question, but the work is being carried out.

We cannot attribute these works to one entity, the state worked in its turn, we – ours. We could expect more work from the state, and the state could expect a lot of work from us, but in any case, good or bad, there was work. The main role of the state was that they supported Armenian manufacturers in exhibitions. And we have found potential customers through personal and various contacts, directed them to exhibitions, etc.,” our interlocutor added.

To the question: are Armenian cheesemakers able to provide a large volume of products for both domestic and foreign markets, Armen Gigoyan first answered that the Union of Cheesemakers was formed not to meet export needs, but to settle issues in the field in general.

“At that moment, export in Armenia is not a priority in the field of cheese making, because we are living in a transition period in terms of raw materials and milk production. This is directly related to local milk processing, that is, we can plan a lot, but if there is a problem with the raw material, it can at least curb the plans.

Now we have a very big deficit in terms of milk production, the transition period is taking longer than we could have planned, but hopefully, this is a matter of time and will be settled in the foreseeable future,” said A. Gigoyan.

At the same time, our interlocutor said that the number of Armenian cheese makers has decreased in the last period, which is due to the regulation of the market. Previously, the number of irregular participants was high, now it is gradually being regulated.

“Of course, there are factors that have ensured an increase in the number in terms of quantity in the last 5-6 years, but all that has very little to do with cheesemaking, they are the cheese producers, who cannot be called cheesemakers. There are people who have succeeded in the field of cheese making, and there are people who have done the opposite, the profitability of any business depends on who is its executor,” emphasized Armen Gigoyan.

—

Your care is my care, your pain is my pain. Gagik Tsarukyan is on the side of the government

July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 Ani Tigranian

July 27, 2026

PAP President Gagik Tsarukyan sent a message.

“One of the main messages of my recent public activity has been internal solidarity, the inadmissibility of dividing the economy into “Russian-oriented” and “Western-oriented”, the need for cross-party cooperation, because no political force alone can find the best solutions for Armenia in such a difficult situation.

Regardless of all the injustices that have been done to me and my team, I insist on the same today. Internal solidarity has no alternative. That is the enemy’s dream. I am sure that this realization will prevail in the near future.

Although I have a certain lack of information now, I can imagine the most serious difficulties faced by our businessmen in various fields. Over the years, what people have created step by step can fall into the water. I am in favor of exports from Armenia in different directions, not only to Europe, but also to the Arab world, the USA, etc., but it is not possible to completely change the export market in one day, one month, even one year.

One should enter a new market calmly, competently, patiently, without destroying the previous one, without destroying previous economic ties. Now we are doing the complete opposite.

In one of my previous messages, I mentioned that Azerbaijan intensively enters the markets from which we intensively exit. After losing traditional markets, it will be extremely difficult to return to the old positions, and in some cases, simply impossible. Those who live and work in real life know this very well. Those who live in cabinets cannot imagine this.
If we do not take steps today, problems will arise for new areas tomorrow. And there are steps, and everything should be done so that the Armenian businessman, the Armenian businessman, the Armenian worker, the Armenian peasant do not face irreversible losses. Unfortunately, I can’t be helpful now with concrete steps, but I assure you that there are steps, opportunities. Businesses and jobs are built over many years, but can be destroyed in just a few weeks.

I also want to appeal to the employees of those enterprises, which for reasons beyond my control today were deprived of normal working conditions and found themselves in uncertainty. All of you care is my care, your pain is my pain. It was unbelievable to imagine that in one’s own country they could intentionally damage working institutions, stop existing enterprises, prevent thousands of working people from going to work, when the country is already in a difficult economic situation, but this is our reality. I am sure justice will be restored and you will all return to your regular jobs.

As for cross-party cooperation, it is more a matter of thinking. Armenia is really facing serious problems. Only the Iran-US war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the acute risks of our economy, and the undisguised ambitions of Azerbaijan are enough to understand the enormous volume of risks facing us.

In these conditions, we need the potential of all capable forces and individuals. of Armenia and Diaspora. In these conditions, what party affiliation, what party preference? We have hundreds of specialists in the field who do not want to hear the name of the party, but they can give a great benefit to our country as specialists and as people.

As a compassionate Armenian, as a person who has lived and created in Armenia all my life, I feel the importance of these ideas today more than ever.”

Center KHC
27.07.26

—

How high are the chances of TRIPP being implemented at the moment? Suren Sargsyan

July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 Anna Tamamian

July 27, 2026

Political scientist Suren Sargsyan writes: “How high are the chances of TRIPP coming to life at the moment?”

I have repeatedly mentioned that the Trump administration has achieved a level of activity and involvement in the South Caucasus and, why not, in Central Asia as well, which has not been achieved by any US administration since 1992.

Of course, the reason for this is not only favorable geopolitical conditions. Naturally, the fact that Russia is focused on the Ukrainian war also has its influence, as a result of which its involvement and influence in the South Caucasus and Central Asia have significantly weakened. The same applies to Iran. That circumstance also provided an opportunity for the Trump administration to play a more active role in this region.

However, two key factors are also extremely important here, which made this process unprecedentedly fast and effective.

The first factor: Steve Witkoff.

According to available information, one of TRIPP’s architects is Steve Witkoff. The idea of connecting Central Asia with Turkey and Europe through TRIPP is also attributed to his team. This initiative has not only economic and transport significance, but also an important geopolitical component. Also important is the fact that Witkoff has a direct connection with Trump, as a result of which bureaucratic and subordination problems did not arise in the primary stage of the project (February 2025).

In turn, the resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict gives Washington the opportunity to deprive Russia of its most important levers to maintain influence in the South Caucasus, the opportunity to play on the continued existence of the conflict.

The second important factor in this process is the management style of the Trump administration, which is notable for a significant reduction in bureaucratic processes, especially in the implementation of vital issues, including the use of force (it is enough to remember how quickly the problems of the Panama Strait, Venezuela and a number of other pending issues were resolved).

Decision-making processes are carried out as quickly as possible without traditional bureaucratic delays, which allows us to promptly advance such large-scale geopolitical projects and provide solutions to them.

In this context, the fact that President Trump is personally involved in the processes also plays an important role. At the same time, Marco Rubio leads not only the State Department, but also the work of the National Security Council, which contributes to closer coordination of foreign policy and national security systems. As a result, competition between different departments and lengthy inter-departmental coordination are minimized, and decision-making and implementation become faster and more efficient.

Neither Trump nor key members of his team have ever been bureaucrats. It is this circumstance that gives them the opportunity to understand how much bureaucracy complicates not only the making of political decisions, but also the implementation of them, even when they are matters of urgent and strategic importance.

In this respect, this administration is advantageously different from all previous administrations without exception. These are, of course, key, but not all, factors.

Of course, there are a number of factors that prevent the implementation of TRIPP, even in the case of investing such serious efforts, but I will address them in a separate post.”

—

Stand up and fight. Avetik Chalabyan addressed the people from the Prison Service

July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 Tatoyan Vazgen

July 27, 2026

Avetik Chalabyan, the coordinator of the “HayaVote” initiative, a political and public figure, addressed the people in a letter from the “Armavir” prison and urged them to fight against the current government of Armenia and the situation created in the country.

Chalabyan stated in the letter that he has been in prison for more than 1 month, and he described it as an illegality.

He reminded that in this one month, PAP leader Gagik Tsarukyan and “Mother Armenia” party board member Aregnaz Manukyan were deprived of their freedom, a criminal case was initiated against Narek Karapetyan, a member of the National Assembly of the 9th convocation, Saint Bagrat and his friends, “Mother Armenia” party leader Andranik Tevanyan, RPA vice-president Armen Ashotyan and many other persons, who, according to Chalabyan, are still in prison. in words, they had the courage to fight against this regime and the pro-Turkish agenda implemented by it in Armenia.

“Today we are deprived of our freedom, but in reality our whole country is in prison. They are trying to deprive the whole country of leaders of thought and action, the perspective of the future, the freedom to choose that future by one’s own will. Today, in the prisons of both Armenia and Baku, all our people, their past and present, are being imprisoned, and an attempt is being made to imprison their future as well. You don’t have to wait for the day when the investigative committee will come after you personally, in a sense it has already arrived. So stand up and fight for the freedom of you and your children, as our worthy ancestors fought in Sardarapat 100 years ago. The enemy, having been defeated in Sardarapat, today is trying to conquer our country from the inside, through his henchmen,” Chalabyan wrote.

He also noted that hundreds and thousands should come out to fight instead of everyone deprived of their freedom, so that the enemy will fall again. The politician stressed that today’s fight is everyone’s.

To remind, 7-8 employees of the police and investigative bodies visited Avetik Chalabyan’s house in the early morning of June 24, when the family members were still asleep. On the same day, Chalabyan was detained for 2 months. He was charged with preparing to obstruct voters’ right to vote (by a group of people with prior consent and using official powers).

—

“My client has no status. he didn’t do anything illegal.” In fact

July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 Lilit Nahapetian

July 27, 2026

As it is known, after the scandalous incident that happened in one of the markets the other day, a criminal prosecution was initiated against a man selling watermelons. The investigative committee informed that a criminal prosecution was initiated on the grounds of hooliganism.

The incident happened after Aram Avetisyan, a blogger, went to the market and provoked a fight with a citizen, insulted and insulted him, and the citizen responded in the same way.

The citizen selling watermelons is Arman Kalashyan from Zartonk village of Armavir region. His Advocate Gurgen Grigoryan said that his client was released after questioning.

“My client does not have any status, he was interrogated and released. They did not give him any notice for re-interrogation.

I understand very well that my client did not commit any crime, did not do anything illegal.” of 168.am Gurgen Grigoryan said in a conversation with

Until now, the blogger has not been invited for questioning, according to the lawyer, it is the law’s requirement that the blogger be invited for questioning, but what the pre-investigation body will decide in this regard, he cannot say.

“I think the investigator is quite smart, he will do the analysis related to all this. I cannot say many things, it often happens that the law is not applied. At the moment, I cannot say anything definite,” Gurgen Grigoryan emphasized.

It should be reminded that last week law enforcement officers initiated a criminal prosecution against a citizen selling watermelons in one of the markets under the charge of hooliganism. The reason was that the citizen asked the so-called blogger Aram Avetisyan whose media he was representing, “traitors?” After that, the person posing as a blogger started cursing the citizen, threatened that he would be “judged”, and the citizen cursed him in turn. Hours after the incident, the Investigative Committee told the media that a criminal prosecution was initiated against the citizen selling watermelons.

—

“Let me call my wife.” Armenian prisoner Ludwig Mkrtchyan’s lawyer appealed to Aliyev

July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 Emil Lazarian

July 27, 2026

Luciana Minasyan, the head of the Armenian Orphans Aid Society (SOAR), the lawyer of the Armenian prisoner of war Ludvig Mkrtchyan, who has been held in Baku for 5.5 years, urgently and publicly appealed to the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Sputnik Armenia reports.

Earlier, the lawyer said that Ludvig Mkrtchyan is facing a serious health problem and is fighting for his life. 56-year-old Mkrtchyan’s leukocyte count is 14.27, which is almost double the normal, which is accompanied by extensive inflammation. He also has severe heart disease: left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, aortic insufficiency. Armenian prisoners of war often have headaches and dizziness, and chest pains.

“Allow Ludvig Mkrtchyan to immediately call his wife Hranush Shahbazyan. Silence is enough. Enough uncertainty. One call. Now,” Minasyan wrote.

He noted that Ludvig Mkrtchyan has not spoken to his wife for more than a month. The last time they talked was on June 19. During that call, Ludwig said that he felt so weak that he fainted. He was taken for a heart exam, but after that there was no diagnosis, no explanation. Only complete silence. The lawyer warned once again that Mkrtchyan’s health is getting worse, and the family has no information about him.

“One call will not make him well, but it will give the woman an opportunity to know if her husband is still alive and conscious. This is the minimum manifestation of human dignity,” the lawyer wrote.

—

The government was given support money from all over the world to give us, but me

July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 Emil Lazarian

July 27, 2026

Armenian fish farmers continue to complain that they cannot sell their products. As a result of restrictions on the Russian side, fish is currently not exported to the Russian market, it is not sold in the domestic market, as a result, fish farmers have accumulated debts of millions and continue to complain.

Recently, they held a protest near the Government building, demanded a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister, but no meeting took place.

Armen Karapetyan, a member of the Union of Fish Breeders according to them, they will wait until Thursday, after that they will do what they have to do.

“At the moment, we are in a state of waiting until this Thursday, the next meeting of the Government, then it will be clear whether there is a reaction from their side or not.”

We gave them our support plan, what needs to be done so that we can extend it for some time. It is true that I consider this a temporary solution, but if it does not happen, we will not delay.

Aid money came from all over the world, but it did not reach us, we only paid taxes and were persecuted. The government was given money to give us, but now it is gone. They pay their bonuses on time, receive their bonuses, and then go on vacation. More than 8 million premiums have been written to governorates and the deputy prime minister, isn’t this a good thing? of 168.am said Armen Karapetyan in a conversation with

He mentioned that if the government is unable to answer the fish farmers’ questions today, the Europeans will answer their questions during the “COP-17” to be held in Armenia in October.

“Then you will hear the voice. If the problem solver is one person, we should meet with him. We have to understand, if they gave something to transfer to us, why didn’t they transfer at least a part of it? They write on the paper that we will give a subsidy, but by the 1st of the month, the subsidy disappears, aren’t we cattle?” added our interlocutor.

He also expressed hope that all questions will be answered on Thursday, for example, why was the subsidy given until August 1?

“This is the same as saying: I give you 1 billion dollars, but you have to go to New York and come back in half an hour. If you can’t go and come back, I can promise 1 trillion more. What is the meaning of this, their brain works in a different way, as they say, let it end well. Everyone has crossed those “red lines”, there is no more room for us not to do debt. Apart from the Azerbaijani tuman, there is no other currency in the world that we have not made a debt with. What we have and don’t have, we have sold, starting with gold,” emphasized Armen Karapetyan.

It should be noted that since May, the Russian Federation has imposed restrictions on the import of a number of Armenian products to the Russian market: flowers, fruits and vegetables, and from today on dairy products.

—

Read also

Read also

Read also