On March 26, Robert Kocharyan, the leader of the Armenia bloc, stated during a meeting with repatriates that although Armenia once began from a weak position in rebuilding ties with its diaspora, those relations were later significantly strengthened, bringing clear mutual benefits. He emphasized that while the diaspora represents a powerful resource, it simultaneously facilitates emigration, as Armenians abroad often provide networks that make leaving easier if domestic conditions are unfavorable. According to Kocharyan, the key to encouraging repatriation lies in creating a secure, stable, and positive environment within Armenia, as a negative atmosphere inevitably drives people to leave rather than return.

He stressed that past progress in diaspora relations was less the result of formal state programs and more due to the general environment that made relocation appealing. Recalling his time in office, Kocharyan noted that he encouraged diaspora Armenians to establish property in Armenia, and many responded by investing and opening businesses. “Whenever I heard that an Armenian from the diaspora was opening a restaurant, I would always visit them… to show that we… welcome all of this,” he stated. He argued that the country should now enter a new phase, where repatriation is actively supported through structured state policies.

Referring to international examples, Kocharyan highlighted Israel as a leading case with its repatriation law and comprehensive integration programs, describing it as a model worth considering. He also pointed out that Armenia has its own historical experience, particularly during the Soviet period between 1945 and 1949, when around 100,000 Armenians were resettled from abroad with full state support, including transportation and housing. The majority remained in the country, forming lasting communities, which, according to him, demonstrates that large-scale repatriation policies can succeed when properly managed.

Addressing economic policy, Kocharyan explained that simplified taxation was introduced to support the strong entrepreneurial drive among Armenians. He noted that in 1998 small and medium-sized businesses accounted for only 13% of GDP, but later expanded to 46% as a result of supportive measures. He expressed his ambition to increase this share to 70%, proposing further simplification so that small business owners could operate without bureaucratic burdens or frequent contact with tax authorities. “This approach… has yielded tremendous results,” Kocharyan emphasized, adding that modern tools such as smartphones could further ease compliance.

Kocharyan also underlined the importance of aligning economic policy with Armenia’s social and cultural characteristics. He argued that Armenians tend to favor family-based businesses over corporate structures, and policies should reflect these preferences to maximize efficiency. He linked this thinking to past constitutional reforms, noting that earlier legal frameworks restricted such flexibility, prompting him to pursue changes.

Turning to political participation, Kocharyan addressed restrictions on dual citizens holding office, stating that such limitations stem from concerns common in smaller states about external influence. However, he argued that the current rules in Armenia are overly restrictive, particularly the requirement for individuals to renounce foreign citizenship years in advance before entering parliament. While acknowledging the risks, he suggested that a balanced approach is needed to allow repatriated Armenians to engage in political life without raising doubts about their loyalties.

He illustrated this point by referencing the case of Vardan Oskanyan, who, he noted, served effectively for a decade despite circumstances that would prevent such an appointment under current regulations. Kocharyan proposed that restrictions could remain in sensitive sectors such as national security, while being relaxed in less critical areas.

Concluding his remarks, Kocharyan stressed that Armenia’s global influence depends significantly on leveraging its diaspora, stating that a country connected to its diaspora operates in a different “weight class” compared to one that is not. “If you want to be a small country but a major player, you must utilize all these opportunities,” he emphasized.

https://caucasuswatch.de/en/news/kocharyan-discusses-diaspora-repatriation-economic-policy-and-political-participation.html

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia will not pursue a policy of “historical justice,” warning that such an approach risks perpetuating cycles of conflict.

“I believe we must pursue just reality, not the restoration of ‘historical justice,’ because the more we chase it, the more new injustices we will encounter,” Pashinyan said, emphasizing that the government’s priority is ensuring housing, employment, security and stability for displaced Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh.

He also cautioned against labeling the 2023 events in Karabakh as ethnic cleansing, arguing that such terminology could escalate tensions and provoke reciprocal accusations.

Pashinyan claimed that intelligence assessments indicate that Karabakh forces offered limited resistance during Azerbaijan’s September 2023 military operation, with “perhaps 80% or even 90%” of weapons left unused. He noted that this contradicts claims that fighting continued “until the very end.”

The prime minister attributed part of the outcome to internal political dynamics, alleging that elements within the Karabakh leadership obstructed a potential settlement before the escalation and later left the region, reducing the prospects for return.

Rejecting what he described as a “race of genocides” in regional narratives, Pashinyan stressed that Armenia’s strategic focus must remain on peace and statehood.

Rejecting what he described as a “race of genocides” in regional discourse, Pashinyan stressed that Armenia’s strategic priority is peace and statehood. “It is enough to feed our people with claims about new genocides… We must become peaceful… There is the Republic of Armenia, and nothing else,” he said.

Separately, he addressed the future of Armenia’s railway system, currently operated by a Russian concession, noting that the government is open to transferring management to a third-party operator, including a potential Kazakh company, if mutually acceptable.

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Armenia’s economic activity grew by 7.4% in January–February 2026 compared to the same period last year, driven primarily by strong performance in construction and industry.

Construction led growth, expanding by 20.5% year-on-year to AMD 53.9 billion. February alone recorded a 40.7% increase compared to January and a 21.8% rise year-on-year, reflecting intensified infrastructure activity.

Industrial output rose by 17.2% to AMD 491.5 billion, with February showing a 12.2% monthly increase and a 23.8% annual gain, indicating sustained production momentum.

Trade turnover grew more modestly, up 3.3% to AMD 892.2 billion, though February saw stronger short-term growth. The services sector (excluding trade) expanded by 7.2% to AMD 630.3 billion, despite a slight monthly dip in February.

Inflation remained elevated, with consumer prices rising 4.1% year-on-year in January–February and 4.3% in February alone. Producer prices increased more sharply, up 9% over the same period.

Electricity generation reached 1.82 billion kWh, marking a 7.1% increase year-on-year, although February output declined slightly on a monthly basis.

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Armenia emphasized regional connectivity gains at the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Intergovernmental Council meeting in Shymkent on March 27.

Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan represented Armenia at the session, alongside senior officials from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, with additional observer participation from Iran, Cuba and Uzbekistan.

The meeting focused on strengthening economic integration, including industrial cooperation, customs administration and digital systems, as well as monitoring macroeconomic trends across member states.

Grigoryan highlighted the lifting of transit restrictions by Azerbaijan as a significant development.

“The removal of transit barriers opens prospects for unlocking the region’s full potential and promoting trade growth,” he said.

He stressed that improving transport and logistics infrastructure in the South Caucasus could substantially boost foreign trade amid shifting global economic conditions.

Grigoryan also underscored the importance of coordinated monitoring of external economic activity to identify imbalances and protect domestic markets.

He pointed to ongoing cooperation in customs coordination, risk management systems and consumer protection, noting that joint efforts could enhance transparency and trust, particularly in the rapidly growing e-commerce sector.

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NATO’s 2025 annual report highlights progress in the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process, describing developments as a positive step toward regional stability.

“The initialling of the August peace deal was a major step towards normalization and regional security,” the report states.

NATO emphasized the strategic importance of the South Caucasus, particularly in the context of broader regional dynamics linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The report notes that the Alliance “welcomed meaningful progress towards peace” and expressed readiness to deepen dialogue and cooperation with both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

It also highlights the role of the United States in supporting the peace process.

Separately, NATO underscored Armenia’s participation in its Building Integrity Programm, aimed at strengthening transparency and governance in the defense sector.

Armenia is listed among countries receiving “active support” under the initiative, alongside partners such as Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Moldova.

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