Red Wings will start Orenburg-Yerevan-Orenburg flights

Boris Nahapetian

The Red Wings airline will start operating flights on the Orenburg-Yerevan-Orenburg route from June 4, the airline’s press service reports.


“The flights will be carried out by Russian SSJ-100 planes once a week during the summer season,” the message states.


The airline also informed that the departure from Orenburg will take place on Thursdays at 11:10, the duration of the flight to the capital of Armenia will be 3 hours and 5 minutes, and the return flight will depart from Yerevan at 14:05.


Orenburg has become the seventh city of the airline’s route network from which direct flights to Armenia are available. Red Wings currently operates flights to Yerevan from Sochi, Mineralnye Vody, Samara, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan and Chelyabinsk.

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After growth, decline. Armenia’s exports and imports have decreased

Ekmekjian Janet

Լուսանկարը՝ arka.am

Armenia’s exports and imports fell by 13.5% (y/y) and 11.2% (y/y) in January, respectively, after strong growth in the last two months of 2025.


This is mentioned in the “Armenia Monthly Economic Update – March 2026” report of the World Bank.


“Exports decreased as a result of a 45.1% decrease in precious and semi-precious stones, as well as a 69.1% decrease in household appliances, which was due to a decrease in re-exports. The export volumes of other product groups, such as semi-finished products (16% drop) and animal products (23.8% drop) were also reduced. The main positive contribution was provided by mineral products, the export of which increased by 43%,” the research notes.


WB analysts point out that imports decreased by 11.2%, again due to a 63.3% drop in precious and semi-precious stones, a 42.7% drop in home appliances, and a 25.7% reduction in vehicle imports.


The report notes that in January, excluding trade in precious metals and stones and household appliances, exports increased by 8% (y/y), while imports remained at the same level.


According to the RA Statistical Committee, in January 2026, Armenia’s foreign trade turnover amounted to 1.28 billion dollars, decreasing by 12% compared to January 2025, while exports amounted to 463.9 million dollars and imports to 811.8 million dollars.

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At the moment, we do not have significant problems at the crossing point of Agarak. Chairman of SRC

Edgar Tavakalian

Chairman of the State Revenue Committee, Eduard Hakobyan, in a conversation with journalists, referring to the situation created around Iran and its influence on the Armenian-Iranian border, noted that the situation is under control.


“Actually, we are talking about the border, the Agarak crossing point, we don’t have any significant problems there at the moment. The following happens. we follow the dynamics every day, both of people’s movement and cargo movement. They are almost at the same levels as before.”


Referring to the possible difficulties, Hakobyan clarified that the problems are mainly related to logistics in the territory of the neighboring country.


“It’s just that sometimes there are queues, for example, there are queues, and we also hear from businessmen that there are logistical problems in Iran. In other words, the problems are more there.”


According to the SRC president, the customs processes on the part of Armenia continue without interruptions. “Regardless of that, if we approach the situation from the point of view of the statistics of our border crossings, no big risks have arisen there yet. The border and the border crossing point, the customs zone, are working normally without any significant problems,” said Eduard Hakobyan.

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The President of the RA CEC received the Ambassador of Latvia. the upcoming elections were discussed

Tambiyan Samvel

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to Armenia (residence: Tbilisi) Edite Medne was hosted by the RA CEC on March 18. This is reported by the CEC.


“CEC President Vahagn Hovakimyan received the ambassador. Ambassador Medne was interested in the preparatory work for the upcoming national elections and offered the support of EU member Latvia.


The President of the Central Election Commission presented the legislative regulations and the schedule for the preparation of the main activities of the elections,” the announcement from the Central Election Commission said.

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Verelq: Weather without precipitation is expected. the air temperature will not change significantly

Garnik Tadevosian

Լուսանկարը՝ Travelask.ru

Weather without precipitation is expected in Yerevan on the afternoon of March 18, 19, 22. This was reported by “Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center” SNOC.


Rain is expected from time to time on March 20. On March 21, 22, in the afternoon, on the 23rd, a short rain is expected, a thunderstorm is also possible.


Weather without precipitation is expected in the territory of the republic on the afternoon of March 18, 19, and night of the 22nd.


Rainfall is expected from time to time in most regions on March 20, in the afternoon of March 21, 22, and in some regions on March 23. in mountain zones in the form of wet snow, in foothills and valley zones in the form of rain. Thunderstorms are possible in some places. Wind: northwest: 2-5 m/s.


The air temperature will not change significantly.

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Asbarez: Armenian Missionary Association of America Hosts LA Child Care Lunche

Arpi Talalian
by Contributor

 

 March 18, 2026

 

in Latest, News, Top Stories

AMAA LA Child Care Committee members


LOS ANGELES — The elegant ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hotel came alive with color, generosity, and purpose as the AMAA LA Child Care Committee hosted its annual Luncheon and Fashion Show on Saturday, March 7. This year’s theme, “Kindness Helps Every Child Blossom,” was beautifully reflected in the ballroom décor, which transformed the space into a vibrant flower garden. The event welcomed hundreds of donors, supporters, and guests, while more than 60 young models walked the double runway in stylish outfits provided by Bloomingdale’s.  

The Luncheon Co-Chairs were Kristina Kheshvadjian and Melody Petrossian. This talented and fabulous duo did a great job planning, designing, and organizing the event. 

Luncheon Co-Chairs Kristina Kheshvadjian and Melody Petrossian

The program opened with a thoughtful devotional by Jane Asmar, who reflected on four biblical women whose faith and courage inspire us to walk closely with God. Serge Buchakjian, CEO/Executive Director, reminded guests of the importance of their support, noting that “every smile, every act of support, and every contribution made helps create real and lasting change in someone’s life.” David, Michael, and Sara Bedrossian also shared meaningful reflections from their recent trip to Armenia and the AMAA projects they visited.

Silent Auction Co-Chairs Sandy McNutt and Houri Kassabian and their children-grandchildren

Another highlight of the afternoon was the silent auction, which featured a wide array of exceptional items, including unique experiences, designer handbags, fine jewelry, and exclusive events. Led by Sandy McNutt and Houri Kassabian, the silent auction committee worked tirelessly to create a successful and exciting auction experience. Committee members Sara Cipolla, Anush Yemenidjian, Diane Cabraloff, Gina Felikian, Nicole Madrigal, and Sandra Kalemkiarian formed a dedicated team that ensured the online bidding, organization, and cataloging ran smoothly. A special thank you goes to Gina Felikian who stored all the auction items at her house, and to Sandra Kalemkiarian, who managed reservations and accounting with remarkable precision and care.

Children’s Fashion Show

The amazing fashion was partnered with Bloomingdale’s Sherman Oaks where all the children were outfitted. Ariana Dermendjian, Jacqueline Geragos, Irene and Nora Sassounian organized our precious models who walked the magical runway with the backdrop of “Journey to Armenia”. These volunteers insured a successful show. 

Fashion Show Co-Chairs Ariana Dermendjian and Jacqueline Geragos

Guests were also moved by two videos prepared by Tina Segel. The first featured children in Armenia and the young models in the fashion show answering the same questions about their favorite foods and their dreams for the future—highlighting both their similarities and shared hopes. The second video shared powerful stories from families supported by AMAA and showcased the important work of the Shogh After-School Centers. Inspired by these stories, every child in need was sponsored during the luncheon.

AMAA Child Care Committee National Chair Joyce Stein and Tina Segel

Every guest took home a special gift bag full of goodies. Thank you to our gift bag donors-Ariana Dermendjian, Jacqueline Geragos, and Sandra Kalemkiarian. Our beautiful gift bags were donated by Arsi Seraydarian of Pacobond.

Year after year, the generosity of our donors, guests, volunteers, and supporters continues to make this event possible. Because of your kindness, children in Armenia receive the care, education, and opportunities they need to flourish. 

 On behalf of all the children who have benefitted from your generosity, we thank you and can’t wait to see you again next year.

Founded in 1918, in Worcester, MA, and incorporated as a non-profit charitable organization in 1920 in the State of New York as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. The Armenian Missionary Association of America serves the spiritual, educational, and social needs of Armenian communities in 24 countries around the world including Armenia. For additional information visit the the AMAA website.

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Asbarez: Hostage Diplomacy and the Unlawful Detention of Davit Ishkhanyan

Arbi Tashjian
by Contributor

 

 March 18, 2026

 

in Latest, Op-Ed, Top Stories

Davit Ishkanyan


BY SARIG ARMENIAN

Three years ago, when it was my honor to host a live one-on-one online public interview with Davit Ishkhanyan, discussing the recent events in Artsakh, neither of us would have believed that just six months later, he would be taken hostage. 

As I logged into our interview, before we went live, I felt the weight of the moment. Davit — a member of the ARF Bureau, a member of the Artsakh Parliament, a former military commander, a teacher, a husband, father, and grandfather — carries himself with calm authority that anchors any room he enters. Our conversation was warm, reflective, even hopeful. Yet beneath it lingered an unspoken awareness of the dangers surrounding Artsakh— the sword of Damocles hanging over its people. When we ended the broadcast, I remember silently praying for his safety — and the survival of Artsakh itself.

Today, Davit Ishkhanyan is unlawfully imprisoned in Baku, one of many Armenian political leaders who were detained following Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing and the forced displacement of Artsakh’s Armenian population.

I first met Davit in the 1990s. I was a young community activist who had traveled to Armenia to participate in a service project working with children from Armenia and Artsakh. After completing the program, I decided to take a detour to visit Artsakh for the first time. It was life-changing to bear witness to the fierce determination of Artsakh’s people and the reality of self-determination, as the only path to survival. 

In the village of Ashan, I was introduced to him simply as Davit—a teacher. Not a commander or political figure, but a man devoted to his students in a fledgling Artsakh Republic. Through his quiet strength and steady care for his community, Artsakh came into focus for me—not as a geopolitical abstraction, but as a small Armenian nation he felt bound to guide and protect.

Davit’s presence was deliberate, his words measured, his gaze piercing yet deeply humane. Through him, I began to understand that nation-building is not forged in slogans or speeches, but in classrooms and village gatherings. It is built by teachers, by community organizers, by individuals who choose responsibility over comfort and service over self-interest. The early years of the Artsakh Republic carried real hope. Armenians around the world recognized that the movement was inseparable from our broader statehood and that it demanded sacrifice. We believed self-determination—enshrined in international law—was not a privilege bestowed by power, but an inherent right claimed and defended by a people.

Today, that principle is being tested. 

From Ukraine to Iran, there is an unraveling of global norms where international law is increasingly substituted by power politics. The continued detention of Davit Ishkhanyan and other Armenian political figures in Baku is not merely a regional dispute, but a dangerous trend. It is hostage diplomacy — the use of detained officials as leverage in broader geopolitical negotiations. Their imprisonment does not stem from a legitimate legal process. Rather, it reflects an Azerbaijani authoritarian system in which kangaroo courts function as instruments of political persecution and geopolitical coercion. 

This holds true especially in the context of a weakened government in Yerevan, making it easier for Azerbaijan to disregard international norms and to continue its aggression in the aftermath of ethnic cleansing. This is not about justice; it’s about power and political leverage to advance the continued genocidal agenda against the Armenian nation.

For the international community, this is a defining moment. When elected officials and civic leaders are detained and prosecuted in Azerbaijan’s kangaroo courts, silence sends a message. It signals that coercion works. It weakens the credibility of global human rights standards and the principle that political disputes must not be settled through the imprisonment of innocent leaders.

But for me, this is also deeply personal.

Davit is not an abstract “detainee.” He is the man whose quiet conviction deepens our understanding of service, responsibility, and national dignity. I think about my last conversation with Davit often. His composure and unwavering belief in the enduring right of Artsakh’s self-determination. There was no bitterness in his voice. Only dignity and resolve. That dignity now demands action.

Davit Ishkhanyan and the other Armenian political prisoners must be released — immediately and unequivocally. As global leaders increasingly acknowledge the growing rupture in the rules-based international order, a concern raised repeatedly in forums from Davos to the United Nations— the detention of Armenian leaders in Baku represents a test of whether that order still carries meaning. Either human rights principles compel their freedom, or the principles are exposed as selective slogans. Diplomatic engagement with Azerbaijan cannot ignore these imprisonments as incidental. 

Yet advocacy cannot rest solely with institutions or an abstract international community. These men are our brothers, and the global Armenian nation must ensure their names and their cause remain present in our collective conscience.

If Davit taught us anything, it is that the viability of the Armenian nation is our collective responsibility. He chose service over comfort. Principle over convenience. Courage over silence. We owe these Armenian leaders who are held hostage — more than sympathy and prayers. We owe them our voices and our vigilance.

It is our duty to speak their names at our community gatherings. To remember them in our homes. Be their voice in every conversation, with every public official. Refuse to let them fade into footnotes or be reduced to political bargaining chips. 

As for Davit, let us follow his example. Together, let us choose responsibility and service over silence. Until Davit Ishkhanyan and all the Armenian political prisoners return to their families, our work is not finished.   

Sarig Armenian is an attorney, writer, and community outreach strategist based in Los Angeles, California. Having served in both the legislative and judicial branches of the U.S. government, she is actively involved in legal and community-based efforts focused on justice, accountability, and the protection of Armenian rights. She is also a board member of the Armenian Legal Center for Justice and Human Rights.




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168: The construction bubble and the re-export myth. Pashinyan’s economic “miracle”

Alex Nanijanian

March: 19, 2026

While before the elections, the political authorities are busy brainwashing the citizens, trying to create moods by making announcements about the rapid developments and growth of the economy, processes are taking place in the economy that do not fit into the optimism of the authorities. Despite the growth of economic activity, including the growth of industry, exports from Armenia have decreased again. It decreased after last year’s decrease.

In January last year, a record drop in exports was recorded. was almost halved. On top of that, 13.5 percent less goods were exported from Armenia in January of this year.

Only 176 billion drams or about 464 million dollars were exported, including re-exports.

Re-exports, as in the previous few years, continue to make up quite a large weight in Armenia’s exports. Almost half of exports last year were re-exports. This year, re-exports are not small, but judging by the recorded declines, they continue to decrease.

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In contrast to re-exports, it is worrying that ready-made food exports have decreased. This is the main export sector that is directly related to the economy of Armenia. There are mostly no or very few re-exports here. But here and there, a decline has been recorded here as well. The export of ready-made food was reduced by 16 percent at the beginning of this year.

The export of precious metals and stones has decreased sharply. Last year it was 176 million dollars, this year it was 96 million. It decreased by 80 million or more than 45 percent.

Decreased due to reduced known re-exports of gold.

Like gold, the re-export of a number of other products, particularly equipment and machinery, continues to play a crucial role in Armenia’s economy and export indicators. On indicators, but not on the economy.

The import has also decreased, and again, after last year’s decrease. Last year the decrease was almost 34 percent, this year it was more than 11 percent.

Domestic trade turnover has hardly increased. Instead, economic activity was primarily driven by construction, where almost 19 percent growth was recorded. Although the income tax refund program was withdrawn from Yerevan, construction continues to grow at a high rate. This is not because the construction is moving forward with inertia, but because the benefit of the return of income tax was only theoretically removed from Yerevan. There are many unfinished constructions that still retain that privilege. As a result of this, the growth of construction takes place. When the construction of the buildings built with previously issued permits in Yerevan will end, the “golden” era of construction will also end. It will be at the end of this year or at the beginning of next year.

For now, it is growing dynamically, although there is intrigue in this growth. In the construction industry, official statistics showed an increase of almost 19 percent at the beginning of the year, when in that same period, far fewer people were employed in construction. One can hardly think that this discrepancy was caused by the increase in productivity.

Something is wrong, has the shadow of the labor market grown, or have the official statistics tried too hard to present high growth?

After a fairly deep decline last year, the industry picked up early this year. At first glance, a tangible increase was registered: 10.6 percent. Although the decline of the previous year was almost the same, 10.4 percent. But let’s leave aside last year’s decline. The growth registered in the industry at the beginning of the year is mainly at the expense of mining and electricity production. More than 25 percent increase in production volume was recorded in the mining industry. And again, after last year’s decline.

Electricity production also increased by 17 percent. But as strange as it is, the growth of the manufacturing industry is very modest, barely 4.3 percent. That’s after the more than 16 percent decline of last year.

The year began with a decline in tobacco production, which had been growing at a fairly high rate in recent years. There is a slight increase in the production of beverages after a deep decline in the previous year.

At the beginning of the previous year, the production of beverages decreased by more than 25 percent. It has grown by 3.3 percent this year, but it still has a long way to go to recover.

The impact of the so-called Russian gold processing has not yet begun to manifest itself in the processing industry this year. There is a slight uptick in base metal production, but it is not the uptick we see in Russian gold movements. When Russian gold begins to circulate in the processing industry, we have significant increases in indicators, as we had at the end of last year. Imagine, in December of last year the production of basic metals, which included Russian gold, reached 173 billion drams, in January of this year it was only 26 billion drams. 6-7 times less when there is no Russian gold.

Apart from processing of Russian gold, there is also the production of jewelry in the processing industry, where a decline in production volume was recorded this year as well. Of course, it does not reach the decline of the previous year. Last year the decline was 37 percent, this year it was 1.4 percent.

There are no significant changes in both the industry as a whole and the processing industry. The effect of last year’s declines is particularly noticeable. After those declines, some increases are registered, the authorities seem to have developments.

The other sector, which has become the engine of economic activity in Armenia, is services, which is known, first of all, for the growth of the financial sector and entertainment services. Although there has been a significant slowdown in the growth rate in the services sector, compared to the previous year.

HAKOB KOCHARYAN




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Ali Larijani was killed. Iranian authorities confirmed

Emma Nadirian

March: 19, 2026

Iran confirmed that Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani was killed as a result of American-Israeli missile strikes.

Yesterday, the Minister of Defense of Israel announced his murder, which took place during the attack on Tehran Israel Katzthe

Larijani was responsible for negotiations on key national security issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.

The operation of the USA and Israel against the Islamic Republic continues for the third week. In the meantime, the sides are striking each other. Tel Aviv announced that their goal is to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Washington threatened to destroy the country’s military potential and called on citizens to overthrow the regime. And Iran emphasized that it is ready to defend itself and does not see the point in resuming negotiations at this moment.

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A complaint was filed in Switzerland against SOCAR Trading, the Armenian of Nagorno-Karabakh

Ani Basmajian

March: 19, 2026

A complaint was filed in Switzerland against SOCAR Trading for its role in financing Azerbaijan’s campaign against the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh.

It was said in the statement of the committee for the protection of fundamental rights of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.

“The committee for the protection of the fundamental rights of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, established by the Parliament of Nagorno-Karabakh in December 2023, together with the “Switzerland-Armenia” association, in 2026. filed an official complaint against SOCAR Trading SA in Switzerland on March 18.

The complaint states that the company violated international standards of responsible business conduct by providing financial support to a state responsible for the ethnic cleansing of the indigenous Armenian population of Nagorno Karabakh.

“Material support” for ethnic cleansing

The complaint was formally submitted to the Swiss National Contact Point (SECO) in accordance with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD / OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises 2011 and 2023. guidelines. According to the “Specific Instance” procedure of the OECD Guidelines, the Swiss National Contact Point will now investigate the complaint and decide on further actions and remedies.

“SOCAR Trading” is the Swiss-based subsidiary of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), which is the commercial and financial link of Azerbaijan’s oil sector and a key source of revenue for the Azerbaijani state. In September 2023, Azerbaijan’s military offensive led to the complete displacement of the Armenian population of Nagorno Karabakh, effectively ending the centuries-old presence of Armenians in the region.

Based on the analysis of many respected experts, including the first chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Luis Moreno Ocampo, the organizations that filed the complaint allege that this campaign amounted to ethnic cleansing and possibly genocide.

The complaint alleges that SOCAR Trading, through its financial and commercial activities, has contributed to the replenishment of the economic resources of the Azerbaijani state and, therefore, according to OECD guidelines, had a clear obligation to conduct thorough human rights due diligence and respond to the risks arising from its activities.

“Forcible displacement of about 150,000 Armenians from their homeland in the South Caucasus is one of the most serious humanitarian crises of recent decades,” emphasized Garnik Kerkonyan, an international lawyer based in Chicago and a member of the Committee. “Companies that financially support the state responsible for these actions cannot ignore their obligations arising from international standards.”

Switzerland’s mandate for establishing peace in Nagorno-Karabakh

During the press conference held today in Geneva, the appellants also reminded that exactly one year ago, both chambers of the Swiss Federal Assembly adopted a petition instructing the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs to organize a peace forum between representatives of the people of Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh. A year later, no such forum has yet been convened.

The committee and its partners have expressed their continued expectation that the Swiss authorities will implement this recommendation of the parliament, which they believe can play an important role in building a just and lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“Switzerland should be actively involved in the protection of indigenous peoples and ensuring their right to self-determination, as guaranteed by the United Nations Charter,” said Sargis Shahinyan, the honorary president of the “Switzerland-Armenia” association. “As a neutral state, Switzerland is in a favorable position to play a constructive role in bringing a just resolution to this decades-long conflict.”

“Lasting peace cannot be built on ethnic cleansing,” said Joel Veldkamp, ​​director of public interest protection at the Zurich-based Christian Solidarity International NGO, who also spoke at the press conference. “The new conflict with Iran has made clearer than ever the importance of building long-term peace and security in the vital South Caucasus region.”

Steps in the UN Human Rights Council:

At the same time, two members of the Committee for the Protection of Fundamental Rights of the People of Nagorno-Karabakh are participating in the annual session of the Human Rights Council of the United Nations in Geneva.

Addressing the plenary sessions through several accredited non-governmental organizations, they drew the Council’s attention to the facts of Azerbaijan’s continued illegal detention of Armenian hostages in Baku prisons, Azerbaijan’s refusal to comply with the November 17, 2023 decision of the International Court of Justice (requiring to ensure the safe return of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians to their historical homeland), as well as the ongoing destruction of Armenian spiritual and cultural monuments in Nagorno-Karabakh.

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