The construction of the Kajaran-Agarak road has entered a new phase

Within the framework of the construction project of the north-south Kajaran-Agarak 32 km road section, the bridge bicycle mounting works are carried out using a hanging bicycle installation facility (Launching Gantry).


This is reported by the Road Department.

“This method is used in Armenia for the first time, ensuring high accuracy and safety of construction works.

It should be noted that the construction of the Kajaran-Agarak road section is proceeding at a high pace. A 32 km long road of II technical grade is being built.

As a result, the current average traffic speed of 50 km/h will increase to 80 km/h, the travel time will be reduced by 35-40 minutes. The project also includes the construction of 5 new transport hubs, 6 new overpasses, 2 new tunnels with a total length of about 920 meters and 15 new bridges.

After construction, the road will meet advanced international standards.

The project is implemented with the co-financing of the Eurasian Stabilization and Development Fund and the RA Government.

The investment program of the North-South road corridor is implemented by the “Road Department” fund,” the message says.

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The Iranian ambassador’s statement changes the perception of Tsarukyan’s case

“We wanted to establish a joint Armenian-Iranian trade center, in the work of which both Iranians and Gagik Tsarukyan were involved. I regret to mention that the parties had some economic disagreements, we tried to do everything to reach an agreement as a result of consensus and concessions.


We would never want any black spot to remain in the context of relations, it is undesirable for us that the unsuccessful experience of business activities between the citizens of two countries was presented in public opinion in such a way that the citizens of Armenia and Iran could not work with each other and now they have differences”, the Iranian ambassador to Armenia stated today, responding to the question regarding the case of Gagik Tsarukyan during the press conference.


In that case, there is also talk about the Armenian-Iranian trade center project and the processes related to it. According to the official version, there were frauds, embezzlement, money laundering, etc., for which Tsarukyan is accused. Tsarukyan considers these accusations fictitious.


However, the reaction of the Iranian ambassador is, at least apparently, quite ambiguous, very ambiguous. And in this context, I certainly draw attention to the fact that the actions against Gagik Tsarukyan were actually carried out after Nikol Pashinyan’s visit to Iran for Ali Khamenei’s funeral.


I had occasion to draw attention to the fact that the actions against Tsarukyan were accompanied by a visit to Yekaterinburg. But, the statement of the Iranian ambassador, I repeat, the statement with a rather multifaceted tone forces us to “look” to the south, to Pashinyan’s visit to Iran and, in fact, the drastic actions that followed it in Arinj. Have they expressed any “expectations” in that direction?


Analyst Hakob Badalyan




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This will remain in our memory. Iranian Ambassador: Aliyev and Erdogan not to go to Tehran

Each country decided on what level to participate in the farewell ceremony of the Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei. Khalil Shirgholami, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Armenia, announced this at a press conference on July 8.


“As a citizen of Iran, I can say that we expected the personal participation of Aliyev and Erdogan in this event. Turkey and Azerbaijan sent their delegations, however, this fact will be recorded in historical memory,” the diplomat noted, repeating that this is the internal political decision of those countries.

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The Prosecutor’s Office demands to recognize the property of Manvel Grigoryan’s family as invalid

The prosecutor’s office of Tavush region, as a result of the study carried out within the framework of the authority to initiate a lawsuit for the protection of state (community) interests, filed a claim with the Anti-Corruption Court on June 22, 2026 against the “Ara and Aitsemnik” BB company owned by Manvel Grigoryan’s family, located at 27 Maksim Gorku Street, Dilijan city, Tavush region, with an estimated market value of 189 million 903 thousand drams. with a request to declare the auction of real estate with cadastral value invalid and to apply the consequences of invalidity. This was reported by the General Prosecutor’s Office.


On July 1, 2026, the anti-corruption court accepted the claim for proceedings and applied a means of securing the claim, prohibiting “Ara and Atsemnik” BB company from alienating and pledging the above-mentioned real estate in any way.

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HRD representatives visited Gagik Tsarukyan today

HRD employees visited PAP leader Gagik Tsarukyan, after which HRD issued a statement. The statement says: “As a result of the monitoring of mass media in the staff of the human rights defender, information was recorded that on July 6, 2026, the chairman of the “Prosperous Armenia” party, Gagik Tsarukyan, was arrested.


Later, the information was published that the arrest restraining measure was applied to the latter by the decision of the court.


On the same day, the Hotline of the Defender’s Office received calls that searches were being conducted in the private house of Gagik Tsarukyan and other areas belonging to him, but the lawyers who appeared at the scene of the operation were not allowed to enter and participate in the operation. As a result of the rapid response of the HRD institution, a number of raised issues were resolved. The study of the issue regarding other alarms continues in the staff of the Defender.


Later, a video related to the case was circulated with footage of the actual deprivation of the person’s freedom, and concerns were raised that disproportionate physical force was applied to the person in the event that, according to those concerns, the latter did not initially show any resistance, and the handcuffs used were smaller than the size of the person’s wrists.


On July 8, 2026, on the instructions of Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan, representatives of HRD visited the “Yerevan-Kentron” penal institution of RA Ministry of Internal Affairs in order to visit Gagik Tsarukyan and learn about the state of ensuring his rights. During the visit, a private conversation was held with the latter, the relevant documents, health condition, detention conditions and other issues related to the provision of rights were studied. The content of the interview is confidential and not subject to publication.


The human rights defender emphasizes that law enforcement agencies have a key role in the detection of violations and the fight against crime. The state must take all necessary and legal measures to prevent, detect, and properly investigate violations of law. The realization of those goals also implies the use of various tools, including the imprisonment of persons, the use of physical force, and the implementation of appropriate actions defined by law. At the same time, it is crucial that law enforcement and other competent authorities carry out their functions in strict compliance with relevant human rights standards.


The human rights defender emphasizes that the European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly recorded that the use of physical force and special measures must comply with the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality in each case, and the legality of their use is subject to assessment based on the specific factual circumstances of each case.


The legality of handcuffing or the use of physical force cannot be determined solely by the fact that the person is under arrest, but must be based on specific factual circumstances that may indicate, for example, resistance, escape, self-harm or a real threat to the safety of other persons. If it is deemed necessary to handcuff a person, it should never be too tight and should only be used for as long as is absolutely necessary.


Taking into account that the shared video raises questions about the use of handcuffs and physical force in terms of compliance with legal standards, the Human Rights Defender has launched an investigation into the issue. According to the RA Constitutional Law “On the Defender of Human Rights”, when studying or discussing the complaint, as well as when conducting a discussion on his own initiative, the Defender is OBLIGED to give the opportunity to the state or local self-government body, organization or their official or representative, whose decision or action (inaction) is being appealed, to provide clarifications regarding the complaint and the results of the conducted studies, as well as justify his position.


After receiving relevant clarifications and other necessary information regarding the necessity, grounds and other circumstances of the use of physical force and handcuffs from the competent state bodies, the Human Rights Defender will summarize the results of the study.


At the same time, the Human Rights Defender emphasizes that there are systemic problems in Armenia regarding the legality of the use of physical force and special measures, which the Defender has addressed many times, both in annual reports and in special reports. In this regard, the Defender emphasizes the implementation of systemic reforms and the improvement of sector practice.


Other results of the study and the visit to the penitentiary institution are summarized in the HRD staff, appropriate measures will be taken within the scope of the mandate of the Defender.

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Under the leadership of Robert Kocharyan, a meeting of the members of the “Armenia” bloc took place

 


Today, on July 8, a meeting of the members of the alliance was held under the leadership of the leader of the “Armenia” bloc, Robert Kocharyan.


The alliance informs that the post-election situation and further actions were discussed.


Let us remind that according to the results of parliamentary elections held on June 7, the “Armenia” bloc will have 12 mandates in the new parliament. The alliance has already announced that it will take the mandates.

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The CEC did not examine the petition to deprive Narek Karapetyan of his immunity

The Central Electoral Commission of Armenia returned to the General Prosecutor’s Office the petition to deprive the representative of the “Strong Armenia” party, Narek Karapetyan, of his parliamentary immunity, in order to initiate a criminal case against him.


As reported by the CEC, earlier the General Prosecutor’s Office sent a corresponding application to the commission, but it was not examined within the specified period due to the workload.


The commission explained that the powers of the CEC to examine such issues have already ceased. Those powers were in effect until July 4, the day of submission of the final results of the elections, and in case of appeal to the Constitutional Court, until the moment of publication of the decision of the Supreme Court.


“Giving consent to initiating criminal prosecution or depriving him of liberty against a person who does not have the status of a deputy candidate is beyond the jurisdiction of the Central Electoral Commission,” stated the CEC.


The General Prosecutor’s Office of Armenia has not yet commented on the commission’s decision.

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Verelq: The day of retribution, restoration of justice will come. Seyran Ohanyan

As long as these anti-state, anti-national authorities remain at the helm of our state, every opposition figure who holds national values ​​or simply a citizen who criticizes the government will be their target.  


Everything is clear in the statement of the “Armenia” alliance, released two days ago. However, the video recordings published yesterday, showing how the chairman of the “Prosperous Armenia” party, Gagik Tsarukyan, was taken to the Investigative Committee accompanied by National Security Service employees, openly violating all the norms of law, morality and human logic, publicly humiliating him, putting him on the ground, and then arresting him by the Court’s decision, prove once again that


The processes carried out against bishops, prominent philanthropist of the Armenian nation Samvel Karapetyan, our partner Arthur Sargsyan, opposition alliances, parties, and many members of the media are political reprisals, the revenge of a weak, petty, immoral unit.


Every conscious member of society understands that this is their handwriting, and we could not expect anything else from them. But as long as the defeated, anti-state, anti-national authorities who brought Armenia to this law, surrendered Artsakh, persecuted the Armenian Apostolic Church, remain at the helm of our state, every opposition figure who holds national values ​​or just a citizen who criticizes the government will be their target.


However, the day of retribution, restoration of justice will come. And the orderer of this criminal indulgence, or the one giving the order, or the so-called group of “order-executing” nothingnesses are actually humiliating themselves, degrading themselves and will undoubtedly stand before the court, and the fear of God’s judgment will haunt them every second, for the rest of their lives.



Seyran Ohanyan, head of the Armenia faction in the National Assembly




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Asbarez: Iran’s Says its Concerns over TRIPP ‘Legitimate.’ Tehran Seeks Clari

Iran’s Ambassador to Armenia Khalil Shirgolami speaks to reporters in Yerevan on Jul. 8


Iran said on Wednesday that it wants clarity from Yerevan on what it called “legitimate concerns” voiced about the proposed Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity.

Official Tehran has voiced its concerns about the TRIPP project since last year when documents about the creation of the route were signed at the White House by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan.

Pashinyan met with President Massoud Pezeshkian of Iran last Friday when he visited Tehran to attend funeral ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in U.S.-Israeli air strikes in February.

In a clear reference to the United States and TRIPP, Pezeshkian warned Pashinyan that “extra-regional” powers must not be allowed to interfere in Armenian-Iranian relations. Pashinyan reportedly assured him that Yerevan “will not participate in any plan, project or action that is against the interests and security of Iran.”

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Iran’s Ambassador to Armenia Khalil Shirgolami said that the agenda for Armenia-Iran should include risk management and overcoming challenges arising from the possible implementation of the TRIPP project.

The Iranian diplomat added that after the signing of a memorandum between Iran and the US, Washington has repeatedly violated its provisions.

“Therefore, Iran’s concern about the presence of Americans near its borders is completely legitimate and logical, and a clear response should follow,” added Shirgholami.

The Iranian envoy to Armenia said that the Armenian government has assured that the implementation of the TRIPP project does not pose any threat or challenge to Iran due to the presence of Americans.

“It is necessary to develop mechanisms, within the framework of which the government of Armenia will be able to realize the full potential of unblocking, but at the same time, a clear response must be given to the presence of the Americans and the possible risks and threats for Iran,” Shirgholami added.

The Iranian ambassador then emphasized the importance of signing a strategic partnership agreement between Tehran and Yerevan, saying that such a document will create a new impetus in bilateral relations. He said that such an accord would open a new window for cooperation in various areas, including politics, economic development, investment and security.

He said Tehran is committed to institutionalizing Armenia-Iran cooperation within the framework of the planned strategic partnership document.

“It is our desire and will to carry out serious and decisive work to institutionalize Armenian-Iranian cooperation within the framework of the strategic partnership document. This has been discussed at various levels, and clear statements have been made. Last week, when the Armenian prime minister met with the Iranian president, the importance of this issue and the need to achieve results as soon as possible were once again emphasized,” Shirgholami said.

He said Iran is taking consistent steps toward signing the document.

“We are working on the text and hope to finalize and complete it soon and begin the signing process. Iran would warmly welcome the visit of honorable Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to Iran, where the document will be signed. This will create a new atmosphere in Armenian-Iranian relations and open a new window for further cooperation in various fields, including politics, the economy, investment and security,” the Iranian ambassador said.

Shirgholami also said Pashinyan attending Khamenei’s funeral last week signaled the closeness between Iran and Armenia, adding that the people of Iran always have regarded Armenians and Armenia with great respect and friendship.

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Vardanyan’s Wife Appeals for International Support for Humanitarian Visit to

Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonadbend at the Aurora Prize Ceremony in Venice, Italy in 2021


Former Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan’s wife, Veronika Zonabend, issued a statement on Wednesday providing an update on her initiative to organize a humanitarian mission, with the participation of the families of Armenian hostages, to visit their relatives in Baku.

Zonabend announced the initiative last month and now, in an open letter, she is appealing to international groups and government officials to support and assist her in making the mission a reality.

In her most recent statement, Zonabend emphasized that the initiative is exclusively humanitarian in nature and is intended to facilitate a meeting with the Human Rights Commissioner of Azerbaijan, visit Armenian citizens detained in the country, and deliver letters, photographs and other permitted personal items from their families.

Among the individuals she is appealing is Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, seeking his assistance in coordination and practical support from the Armenian government. Zonbend is also calling on European Union’s Foreign Affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, seeking diplomatic attention and possible assistance from European institutions.

According to Zonabend, the initiative is being pursued through official and diplomatic channels to ensure transparency and the safety of all participants.

She stressed the importance of guaranteeing every stage of the potential visit, including entry into Azerbaijan, access to the detainees, and the safe return of the delegation.

“It is essential for the participants and their families to understand that this initiative is being prepared in an official framework and with the necessary guarantees, so that the visit does not pose a risk to anyone’s life or safety,” she said.

As part of the effort, Zonabend said she had sent open letters to several officials and institutions, including Azerbaijan’s Human Rights Commissioner, Sabina Aliyeva, asking for support in organizing the visit under the auspices of her office and in creating the necessary conditions for it to take place.

She also appealed to the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, requesting that the organization consider ways to support, advise on, or participate in the visit within the scope of its humanitarian mandate.

Zonabend said that for those held in prolonged detention, such an initiative carries profound humanitarian significance.

“Their condition, the conditions of their detention, and their connection to their families must not be left unaddressed or left to depend solely on closed and irregular mechanisms,” she said.

She added that the initiative is rooted in fundamental human rights: enabling families to know what is happening to their loved ones, to send them messages of support, and to ensure they know they have not been forgotten.

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