July 5, 2026
“Pressing” in the program Satik Seyranyan the guest՝ Turkologist, doctor of historical sciences, professor Ruben Melkonyan also commented Panthuranic Corridor and “Western Azerbaijan” concept։
«There is no place in Armenia that Azerbaijanis do not consider their historical land, but when you explain this to the citizens, some do not believe. Saying death. Azerbaijanis will definitely come to say, “Wow, what happened?” Do whatever you want. Turkish-Azerbaijani programs are static programs and are carried forward for decades,” said Ruben Melkonyan.
According to him, “Zangezur Corridor” is the same Panturan corridor, just what Erdogan does not say, Devlet Bakhceli says, without diplomatic packaging.
He observed: The state program “West Azerbaijan” is operating in Azerbaijan.
«It’s not just the “return”, it’s the Corridor, place names, religious issues, Armenian identity, everything… This is a serious state-funded concept under the auspices of the President of Azerbaijan, which they are promoting with these Armenian authorities,” said the Turkish expert.
He also referred to the “return of Azeris” and the annulment of the rights of Artsakh citizens by the Armenian authorities. He considered it an unacceptable and intentional step.
“Throughout the Soviet period, Artsakh was called the autonomous region of Nagorno Karabakh. Was there an autonomous region of Masis or Noyemberyan in Armenia? How can the return of Artsakh residents to Artsakh be compared with the arrival of Azerbaijanis here? Or that a person wants to go and live somewhere, does he do it aggressively? When Azerbaijanis go to a place, they first demand from that state to open a school, then to open a mosque, then other demands come forward… The arrival of Azerbaijanis to Armenia means the invasion of Armenia by soft power. This is not a fantasy, but a theory. The so-called “return” is fixed in the “Western Azerbaijan” concept,” said Ruben Melkonyan.
Details in the video.
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Tiktok is Zibilanos. The dirtiest thing is that the artist is used politically
July 5, 2026
“Randevu”-the guest of the regular issue screenwriter, humorist, poet and author of many famous projects Vardan Zadoyan is.
Zadoyan, who has presented himself to the public mainly with his works for years, this time spoke not only about art, but also about society, modern media, the value of family and the responsibility of the creator.
At the very beginning of the conversation, he explained why he avoided crowd interviews for years.
“The creator should not talk, but should create. Let my deeds speak for me.”
He emphasizes that he is not fond of talking, because he is sure that a person should be appreciated by what he has created, not by self-promotion.
Referring to the insults and comments spread on social networks, he noted that he was never particularly affected by them.
“If bad comments are constantly being written about a person, maybe you should think about what you are doing. I didn’t hurt anyone, that’s why I don’t have such a problem.”
The humorist is convinced that bringing an artist into the political field is a wrong approach.
“An artist cannot be asked about politics, just like a politician can be asked about painting. Everyone should do their own thing.”
Vardan Zadoyan also spoke about the Armenian KVN, noting that the main reason for its decline was language changes.
“Today it is already difficult to find those young people who can play KVN in Russian. But it is not bad. It’s time for us not to play other people’s games, but for others to play ours.”
Regarding modern humor, he made a rather harsh assessment, noting that today, projects that are easy to consume, rather than high-quality, are often successful. That is why he created the “Green Wolf” initiative, the goal of which, as he says, is to create “bright projects”.
“People who promote drugs, violence or immorality cannot work for us. We want to leave value for Armenia.”
Zadoyan is convinced that the path to quick success is dangerous.
“There are two rooms. One has the words “Quick and Easy” with the devil sitting on it and the inside is full of people. On the other is written, “Hard and Slow,” where God sits, but the room is empty. I chose the second one.”
Referring to the modern media, he noted with regret that the information flow is almost entirely based on negative news, and art has been pushed to the background.
“Today you turn on the TV: murder, war, disaster… But there is almost nothing about art.”
According to his belief, the basis of the state is culture, and today the attitude towards art is wrongly formed even in families.
“We created the phrase “starving artist” ourselves. When a parent tells his child, “Go study medicine, don’t suddenly become an artist”, it already predetermines the future of the artist.
During the program, Vardan Zadoyan also spoke about censorship, emphasizing that during the years of KVN, all speeches went through strict control.
“Censorship has always existed. If a joke was offensive or could cause a problem, it was simply removed. And it was natural,” he says.
In his opinion, today free speech is often confused with irresponsibility.
“People have freedom of speech, but they don’t understand that there is responsibility after speech.”
A special reference was also made to the exhibition of the personal lives of celebrities. According to Zadoyan, the obsession with publicity takes away the mystery of the star.
“The star must be unattainable. When you show where you are, what you eat, what you do all day long, you stop being a star.”
When talking about the family, he again refused personal topics.
“Family is a sacred space for me. It should remain closed.”
During the conversation, the cooperation with “Dorians” group for many years was also mentioned. Zadoyan denied the rumors that there were disagreements between him and the group members.
“There was never a conflict between us. All the songs, all the works were done on the basis of friendship, without any profit.”
During the blitz question-and-answer session of the program, Vardan Zadoyan admitted that he has not been able to forgive himself until today, and the biggest loss, which he still gets emotional when thinking about it, is the loss of his father.
“I would like to tell my father one more time that I love him.”
When asked which character trait he would like to change, he answered: patience.
“They abuse a lot. And I continue to persevere.”
Details in the video.
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Why did the Georgian opposition’s strategy of giving up mandates fail?
July 5, 2026
Narek Karapetyan writes on his Facebook page
“In 2024, the opposition of Georgia decided to boycott the parliament and not take its mandates, trying to create a crisis of legitimacy for the government that received 53%.
However, the result was the opposite. the homogeneous parliament and the absence of opposition did not weaken, but rather strengthened the ruling power, whose approval rating reached a record 56% in 2026.”
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168: I heard and was horrified. Is Armenia a testing ground… God forbid they apply it to Ukraine?
July 5, 2026
Satik Seyranyan’s “Lessons” program the guest Former Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to various countries Sergey Manasaryan is.
Sergey Manasaryan 1993-1994․ RA: of the Prime Minister staff the boss was, 1994-1996the․: RA of the government secretary–the minister, 1996-1999: RA Deputy Foreign Minister, 1999-2004: RA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Egypt, 1999-2004․ togetherness in order RA: the ambassador was in Algeria, 2000-2005the․in Morocco RA: ambassador, 2001-2004the․in Ethiopia RA: ambassador, 2001-2004the․in Libya RA: des:Pan, 2003-2005․in Sudan RA: ambassador, 2003-2012the․in Oman RA: ambassador, 2005-2010the.՝ in Bulgaria RA: emergency and: authorized ambassador, 2010-2016the․: RA external affairs of the minister Deputy, 2016-2024the.՝ in China RA: emergency and: authorized ambassador (նստավայրը՝ Beijing), 2016-2024: RA Ambassador to Mongolia, 2018-2024: RA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Thailand (residence: Beijing). During his career, he received a number of awards and decorations, including the 1st class medal “For Services to the Fatherland”, the highest Bulgarian order “Stara Planina”.
The main theses of the interview are below.
Why have China and Russia not congratulated Nikol Pashinyan on the occasion of the elections?
- Armenia’s membership in the anti-Chinese organization was a surprise for many, including the employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But we managed to convince China that we would not join any anti-Chinese project, and they accepted with difficulty. I don’t think this could be an obstacle to congratulate Pashinyan.
And not congratulating Russia was a response to the collective support of the West. By the way, the Russian president was the only one who openly did not support anyone during the pre-election period. As for the Russian sanctions, both sides officially say the problem is technical, related to phytosanitary issues. Of course it isn’t. Let’s wait and see what happens.
To remind, in 2019 Armenia joined the International Anti-Chinese Alliance for Religious Freedom.
- Until today, Armenia receives Russian grain, it is true, in different ways, including from Azerbaijan, but the grain is Russian. As for replacing Russian grain with Ukrainian grain… as they say, let them say, isn’t it money? Will they be able to provide supplies for a long time? In the same way, the authorities say that we will bring gas from another place. If they mean Azerbaijani gas, then Azerbaijan does not have that much gas, Europe also uses Russian gas through Azerbaijan, with Azerbaijani packaging, in the conditions of this confrontation and sanctions against Russia.
- Changing economic markets is a very complex and perhaps painful task. There are logistical and financial problems. It can be done, but not before 5-7-10 years. And those 5-7-10 years should still be able to live. I feel sorry for our villagers, but it’s geopolitics.
- When Bulgaria entered the European Union, within 1-2 years, Bulgarian agriculture was simply destroyed. I remember, on the Sofia-Varna road, there were huge fields of sunflowers, on which the crops were rotting, they were not harvested, because there was no market for consumption. The same happened with Poland. Ursula von der Leyen’s statement that Europe’s 450 million market is open for Armenia is a lie. Armenia should forget about it, because Europe will not change its sanitary-technical conditions for Armenia:
- There was one more thing that Ms. Ursula announced, and I was horrified when she said that we will apply the experience of Moldova and Ukraine. God forbid… There are rumors that von der Leyen came to convince Armenia to give up Russian energy carriers, but what alternative they offer us, what serious consequences will there be, there is no talk about it.:
- American modular nuclear power plants are nowhere to be found, they have not been tested, not even in America. And I don’t want little Armenia to become a testing ground for them. The Chinese have modular nuclear power plants, but they work with completely different technology, unlike the American one. If we close the Metsamor nuclear power plant and rely on American technologies, it means that we will not have a nuclear power plant in the next 10-15 years.
- I wouldn’t say that Putin’s words were addressed to the Armenian people, rather they were addressed to the international community, so that the latter would understand and fix Russia’s position, the public would know about it, so that there would be no speculations in the future.
- I am neither pro-Russian nor pro-European. I am Armenian. Any statesman must protect the interest of his state. It used to be said about Yevgeny Primakov that he is strongly anti-Armenian. That was a mistake. Primakov promoted the interests of his state, Russia.
- A multipolar world is emerging. Armenia’s times of pursuing a complementary, multi-vector policy are over. It is necessary to have a clear position, otherwise any small state can become a victim of regional problems. And we are very close to it now. We are standing between several poles and do not know where to go:
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s hasty visit to Armenia was completely incomprehensible. 2 agreements and a memorandum were signed. The memorandum was about the rare minerals of Armenia, which did not imply any obligations, and the agreements were unimportant. So it was unclear. As for TRIPP, my opinion is the same: if the interests of regional states are not taken into account, no TRIPP will work. So, there cannot be any development in that regard in the near future.
- We live in a time when international law does not apply. Now there are 3 rights: the rights of the strong, the rights of the weak and international law. The right of the weak is equivalent to international law.
- Who will oversee TRIPP, no one knows. Will it operate under EAEU rules?
- What does it mean: we will take the railway from the Russians? Let them try. It’s not that easy. It is not about a private company, it is about the state. Ukraine has a very bitter experience with China in that respect:
- I can only hope that the government’s statements that there is no plan for Armenia to withdraw from the EAEU are true. Leaving the EAEU is not in our interests.
- When we decided to export Armenian honey to China, it took two years before we could achieve it. But honey from all of Armenia could only meet the demand of a few districts of an average Chinese city.
- In our case, the regional pole is Turkey, and whether we like it or not, we have to take this into account if we want to go to Europe.:
- The most sensitive issue for China is the question of the Turanian Corridor, which reaches as far as Xinjiang. The Chinese, understanding its goals very well, will not be in a hurry to express a position, but they will prevent the creation of that Corridor in every possible way.
The concept of Great Turan Corridor, “Turanian Corridor” (or Zangezur Corridor) refers to the supposed transport route connecting Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan, which is discussed in geopolitical circles as part of the larger “Middle Corridor” (Trans-Caspian) connecting Eurasia and China. This project aims to bypass Russia and Iran. Beijing is wary that it could expand pan-Turkish influence near the borders of its separatist Xinjiang province.
- What does it mean to be a non-aligned state, and how can Armenia compare with Azerbaijan? Azerbaijan has long been considered by the world as a proxy state of Turkey, even though it is not in any alliance. Historically, for a long time, Switzerland presented itself as a neutral state, but now it can be said that Switzerland is a non-aligned or neutral state. Switzerland joined the anti-Russian sanctions and thereby lost its neutrality.
- If the 102nd Russian military base leaves here, “the holy place will not remain empty,” right? Which state will fill that empty place? there is Iran, Azerbaijan and Turkey.
- If Iran loses the Iran-US war, TRIPP’s relevance will disappear, and if it wins, Iran will not allow any Corridor to exist unless it has a presence there.
- The Russian side is trying to secure its interests, the West is trying to draw Armenia to its side, having some interests…
Recently, Orientalist and Iranologist Karine Gevorgyan expressed a very correct idea, with which I definitely agree. he said: dear Armenians, dear compatriots, understand that for Russia, the issue of Armenia is not only the issue of Armenia, but first of all, it is the issue of Russia’s security. Definitely agree with him. This is it, and it is very simple. Yes, similarly, it is a red line for Iran, everyone has their own interests. And where is the interest of Armenia?
- The concepts of the Jewish people and the State of Israel are completely different things. Israel has become quite a cynical and aggressive state. I repeat, I am not talking about the Jewish people. Before this attempt, there were 10 attempts to recognize the Armenian Genocide in the Knesset. If it is recognized now, one can try to take advantage of it, but the Armenian Foreign Ministry has already announced that it has abandoned the agenda of international recognition of the Genocide…therefore, there is no need to wait. If the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country announces that it has abandoned the agenda of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, then there is no need to expect that they will respond. I say this as a diplomat. But as a citizen, I will say that the state of Israel should not mention the word “genocide” frequently, because first of all it committed genocide in Gaza, and besides, the Netanyahu government has no right to come close to that issue, because the hands of the Israeli government and Netanyahu himself are soaked up to the elbows in the blood of Armenians. The 44-day war is a witness:
To remind: On June 28, the Israeli government unanimously approved the project presented by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide. Nikol Pashinyan stated that he does not see the need to react to Israel’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide, because he believes that “not entering into the issue of the weaponization of the Armenian Genocide is in the interests of the Republic of Armenia.” Turkey and Azerbaijan made statements in this regard.
- Azerbaijan made an obvious pro-Turkish statement after the Israeli government’s decision, although it would have been more beneficial for it to remain silent, but perhaps the pressure from Turkey was strong.
- If the rapprochement towards Europe continues, we are in for some very difficult days. Russia may impose financial sanctions, ban money transfers, and this will be disastrous for our citizens. In addition, there is a danger of Turkish expansion in that case, as happened in Ajaria. Staying in the EAEU will be economically beneficial, but it will automatically mean freezing with Europe, which is also not good. We have now put ourselves in a position where being with one means being against the other.
Turkey’s expansion towards Adjara took place through “soft power”, economic investments and cultural-religious programs, which led to a gradual increase in Turkish influence.
Turkish capital accounts for about 80-90% of Adjara’s foreign investments. In the center of Batumi and on the coast of the Black Sea, there are hotels, casinos and shopping centers built with Turkish investments. Cafe-restaurants, hotels and all other businesses belong to Turkish businessmen. The Department of Religious Affairs of Turkey (Diyanet) actively supports the Muslim community of Adjara. Mosques are built or renovated with Turkish funding, educational programs are implemented, which causes certain concerns in Georgia. Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other figures do not even hide their territorial ambitions from Georgia. The issue of obtaining Georgian passports by thousands of Turkish residents of Adjara was discussed.
- In the history of Armenia, starting from the Middle Ages, even if we talk about our last Armenian kingdom, the kingdom of Cilicia, peace has never come from the West. There is no such example that the West helped us in any matter, even in the last days of the Kingdom of Cilicia, Europe did not come to help, they ran away, having a friendly king, they did not help. Or let’s remember the Genocide. How did Europe or America help us in these matters? US Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire Henry We can remember Morgenthau, or that the people of Mount Musa were taken out by a French ship, but these are small episodes, elements… At the same time, German and British officers were serving in the Ottoman and Turkish armies. Was it… Yes! The Russians shed blood in our region, yes, they didn’t shed it for our beautiful eyes, it’s obvious, they had their own interests, but we don’t have any other example, who fought for us? No one. That is the reality, that is our history, which should not be forgotten. Now we have come, do we want to get peace from Europe? Excuse me, but where has Europe brought peace in general? Nowhere. There are still problems around the world where there were British mandates.
Details in the video.
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EU tells Armenia ‘you can count on us’ as Russia keeps up economic pressure
July 2 2026
EU tells Armenia ‘you can count on us’ as Russia keeps up economic pressure
By Reuters
July 2 (Reuters) – The European Union pledged an additional €18 million in economic support for Armenia on Thursday and liberalised some export rules for its goods as Brussels seeks to shore up support for the South Caucasus country amid Russian trade pressure.
Russia accused the West of interfering in the vote, and joined Armenia’s opposition in alleging election violations.
“I know Armenia is still facing significant economic pressure from Russia,” von der Leyen said. “But rest assured: when pressure mounts on our partners, the EU steps up… You can count on us.”
The €18 million disbursement announced on Thursday is part of a broader €52 million package the EU drew up for Armenia in early June.
Moscow imposed wide-ranging trade restrictions on Armenia in the lead-up to a parliamentary election in June, which saw the incumbent Civil Contract party clinch 49.8% of the votes.
Russia accused the West of interfering in the vote, and joined Armenia’s opposition in alleging election violations.
The €18 million disbursement announced on Thursday is part of a broader €52 million package the EU drew up for Armenia in early June.
Azerbaijani Jewish community calls on Israeli Parliament not to recognise Arme
Three Azerbaijani Jewish community leaders have called on members of the Israeli Parliament not to support the initiative to recognise the Armenian Genocide. The move comes after the Israeli government approved a bill to officially recognise the genocide.
The leaders of three Jewish communities — the Baku Mountain Jewish Community, the Baku Ashkenazi Jewish Community, and the Baku Sephardic Jewish Community — stated that the recognition of the Armenian Genocide could ‘negatively impact the process of establishing peace and stability’.
The pro-government media outlet APA the appeal was signed by Milikh Yevdayev, Aleksandr Sharovsky, and Zamir Isayev.
Noting that the country’s Jewish community has long existed in ‘peace and security, and mutual respect on Azerbaijani soil’, the letter argued that relations between Azerbaijan and Israel ‘are based on the principles of strategic partnership, mutual trust, and friendship’.
They noted ‘with regret’ the Israeli government’s steps to recognise the genocide, referring to it as ‘the events that took place 111 years ago’.
The letter drew attention to the timing of the Israeli efforts, noting they came after the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict ‘after many years of tension’.
The Jewish community leaders claimed that sensitive historical events should be researched by historians, not be the subject of political decisions, and argued that ‘politicising this issue’ could spark ‘unnecessary tensions’.
On 28 June, Israel’s government voted to officially recognise the Armenian Genocide after the measure was brought forward by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who said recognising the genocide ‘is both a moral and historical duty’.
The Israeli government’s decision was criticised by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, as well as the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, which expressed ‘serious concern’ over the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
On 29 June, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry stated that ‘such steps do not contribute to reconciliation and mutual understanding’, but ‘deepen existing contradictions’ and pose a threat to the establishment of ‘lasting peace and reconciliation in the region’.
OC Media has contacted the Chabad of Baku but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
Interviews and statements with the country’s Jewish communities are primarily conducted by Azerbaijani pro-government media, especially when the topic touches on sensitive issues such as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the Armenian genocide.
The Jewish community in Azerbaijan numbers only a few thousand, far below its peak of 40,000 in Soviet times. As with other places in the former Soviet Union, including other Muslim majority countries such as Uzbekistan, the vast majority of Jews have left in the recent decades. In this regard, Azerbaijan’s remaining Jewish community, estimated to be around 6,000, is not particularly unique, nor is it especially isolated — neighbouring Iran, which is also one of Israel’s archenemies, has a larger Jewish population, roughly around 9,000.
Nonetheless, the Azerbaijani government has also used the presence of its small Jewish community to further its own narrative that it is a bastion of ethno-religious tolerance — as well as a rhetorical tool to bolster its information war against Armenia.
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Von der Leyen opens EU market access for Armenia to counter “Russian coercion”
Tariffs lifted on 80 per cent of exports. “Following her meeting with Prime Minister Pashinyan, the Commission President announced support for connectivity, peace and the diversification of trade in the Caucasian country.”
Brussels – The proposal to remove tariffs on 80 per cent of products exported from Armenia to the European Union and to provide 18 million euros – the final tranche of the 52 million euro package announced in early June – to support trade diversification. The European Commission keep seizing the moment – also endorsed by the 7 June re-election of the centrist party of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, which seeks to deepen ties with the West – to forge ever closer relations with the small South Caucasus country. The European Commission announced yesterday a 200 million euro fund for connectivity in the South Caucasus and a 20 million euro fund for peace initiatives – ranging from mine clearance to the development of local businesses.
“On 7 June, the people of Armenia spoke clearly. They chose democracy. The rule of law. They chose reform and peace. They chose an open, welcoming, and inclusive society. And they chose to partner with the European Union. And together, we must now turn their aspirations into results,” said the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, speaking from Yerevan, where she met with Prime Minister Pashinyan alongside the Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos. “Armenia is carrying on the path of democracy, reform, peace, and a closer partnership with Europe. And I am here to tell you: you can count on us,” she stressed.
Within this cooperation framework, von der Leyen announced “a new €200 million Global Gateway package for peace through connectivity.” This EU support is for projects in the transport, energy, and digital connectivity sectors, aimed at unlocking the economic benefits of lasting peace in the region and promoting cooperation between its peoples. “With our financial partners, we aim to mobilise up to €2 billion for strategic transport, energy, and digital projects all across the South Caucasus. In Armenia, it could support projects currently under preparation, including border crossing points and road infrastructure,” von der Leyen explained. In addition, there is a further allocation of 20 million euros for the “peace-fostering programme,” which includes investments in healthcare, mine clearance, skills development and local businesses.
But it is on the economic and trade front that the EU is focusing its attention, aiming to free the country from Moscow’s grip. “I know Armenia is still facing significant economic pressure from Russia. Nothing short of economic coercion, actually. But rest assured: when pressure mounts on our partners, the EU steps up,” von der Leyen said. In this regard, the President explained that the country will “soon receive a further €18 million to help strengthen and diversify your trade.” These are the remaining funds from the 52 million euro support package for Armenia agreed at the beginning of June. Brussels has already disbursed 34 million euros, and the remaining 18 million euros will arrive in Yerevan shortly. These funds will be able to “contribute to the creation of an export promotion agency and boost the export capacity of Armenian businesses,” she noted.
Secondly, the Commission will present measures on trade autonomy. “They will liberalise almost 80% of Armenian exports to the EU. That means 80% of your trade with us will now be tariff-free. With this, we can re-route products that currently still rely heavily on the Russian market and send them to the European Union Single Market of 450 million consumers,” the President explained. This is a move that will “open the European doors to almost 99% of Armenia’s fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants that used to be exported to Russia. And it will open the door of the European Union Single Market to more than 90% of your exports of beverages and spirits.” In this way, according to Brussels, the country will have the means to diversify its trade flows. And, to do so swiftly, the European Commission will send experts to Armenia by mid-July to work directly with producers and exporters. “These missions will help businesses identify new market opportunities, meet EU standards, strengthen their export capacity and gain greater access to the EU single market,” the EU executive stated.
An assessment of all this work will take place by the end of the year, when the EU and Armenia will hold a high-level dialogue in Yerevan to jointly review the progress made on reforms under the Multisectoral Budget Support Programme for Armenia.
English version by the Translation Service of Withubhttps://www.eunews.it/en/2026/07/02/von-der-leyen-opens-eu-market-access-for-armenia-to-counter-russian-coercion/
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EU extends Ukraine-style trade relief to Armenia
The package would open the bloc’s market to roughly 80 percent of Armenian exports.
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‘Stop making democracy selective,’ Armenian protesters tell von der Leyen
At a rally held outside the Armenian government building on Thursday, Anna Kostanyan, a board member of the Hayakve civic initiative, read out a letter addressed to visiting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The full text of the letter is provided below.
“Ms. Ursula von der Leyen,
The European Union itself is built upon unwavering adherence to the fundamental values: respect for human dignity, the rule of law, political pluralism, and the protection of fundamental rights.
You have arrived in Yerevan from Baku, where you spoke about a bright future in the South Caucasus. Today, you are here to support Armenia’s democratic development, economic cooperation, infrastructure modernization, energy resilience, and regional peace and stability. This is quite touching, however, we, the citizens of Armenia, expect from Europe not just statements, but political consistency and genuine commitment to the values it proclaims—and not double standards.
Today, Armenia is experiencing a serious deterioration of democratic standards. Opposition civil activists, political leaders, and public figures are increasingly subjected to criminal prosecution that is widely perceived as politically motivated. Armenian prisons now hold an unprecedented number of political prisoners. Opposition politicians and government critics face criminal charges under what we describe as a system of selective justice. The recent detention of HayaQve National Civil Union Coordinator Avetik Chalabyan is yet another indication that political competition in Armenia is becoming increasingly dangerous, where political thoughts are suppressed, voices are silenced, and equal opportunities for political actions are being undermined.
You should be concerned that under a government presented as Europe’s partner, opposition figures are being imprisoned just because of their political views or civic activities. Has any European delegation visited these political detainees in recent years? In 2008, such visits were freely taken place. Why is Europe silent today? What has changed?
It is equally unacceptable that the European Union continues to provide unconditional political support to Armenia’s current non-legitimate authorities while disregarding widespread public concerns about human rights violations, politically motivated prosecutions, restrictions on freedom of _expression_, and the findings of local and international human rights organizations and election observation missions. At this very moment, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia is still reviewing legal challenges filed by opposition political parties concerning the results of the recent parliamentary elections. Nevertheless, several EU Member States have already rushed to congratulate recent Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his unconditional victory. What is this, if not disrespect towards Armenia’s constitutional institutions and its citizens? It creates external political legitimization while the country’s highest constitutional authority has yet to deliver its final judgment.
You have come to Armenia from Baku, where you met with your other partner, Ilham Aliyev. For years, international organizations have documented political prisoners and repression against opposition voices in Azerbaijan. You are also undoubtedly aware that for more than 1,000 days, the political leadership of Artsakh, along with other Armenian civilians, has remained imprisoned in Azerbaijan, deprived of fundamental guarantees of due process and the right to a fair trial. At the same time, politically motivated prosecutions are taking place in Armenia against Armenian citizens. The result is deeply troubling: two governments that the European Union engages with are going through anti-democratic practices, undermining the very democratic values that Europe publicly advocates.
The European Union must not apply double standards to different countries. If human rights are truly a European value, they must be defended consistently, regardless of temporary political interests or favorable geopolitical calculations. The European Union frequently warns about the dangers of external interference in Armenia’s political processes. Yet the substantial financial assistance provided immediately before the elections, together with high-level political support for Armenia’s recent authorities, is widely and publicly perceived as a direct form of external political intervention. If foreign interference is unacceptable, then that principle must apply equally to everyone, including the European Union, regardless of where such influence originates.
The citizens of Armenia do not expect Europe to support any particular government. They expect Europe to support the Republic of Armenia, its democracy, an independent judiciary, free and fair elections, and genuine political pluralism. If the European Union, under your leadership, wishes to remain a true union of values, then today you must have the courage to raise these questions directly with your partner, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. These are the questions of Armenian citizens and political forces. Recognize that your political support has had consequences. It risks strengthening a government that is guilty for restricting freedom of _expression_, undermining political competition, and weakening democratic institutions.
STOP MAKING DEMOCRACY SELECTIVE!
European values cannot be defended only where it’s politically convenient or economically favorable.”
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Armenpress: Armenian PM sends congratulatory messages to US President and Vice
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent congratulatory messages to US President Donald Trump and US Vice President J.D. Vance on the occasion of the national holiday, Independence Day.
The message to President Trump reads:
“Dear Mr. President,
I extend my warmest congratulations to you, your family, and the friendly people of the United States of America on the occasion of Independence Day.
This year’s celebration is of particular significance as it marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, a historic milestone that reflects the vitality of the values of freedom and independence laid down by the Founding Fathers at the foundation of the United States. At the same time, Independence Day symbolizes the strong spirit and resilience of the American people, thanks to which the United States plays a key role in modern international relations and important global processes.
The Republic of Armenia and the United States of America are united not only by common interests, but also by a long-standing friendship aimed at strengthening peace, stability, and prosperity. In this context, I consider it appropriate to emphasize the importance of your steadfast leadership in the peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity initiative, the implementation of which is being carried out by our two countries, will certainly be an important guarantee of this peace and will pave the way for a more peaceful, interconnected, and prosperous region.
Speaking of peace, I cannot help but mention the Peace Council initiated by you and Armenia’s membership in it as a founding member, which is yet another proof of the shared vision of the Republic of Armenia and the United States aimed at establishing lasting peace. I note with satisfaction that the comprehensive strategic partnership formed between the Republic of Armenia and the United States of America has acquired new content, encompassing many new areas of mutual interest.
I am confident that the consistent implementation of our joint agenda will contribute to the further strengthening of bilateral relations for the benefit of our two peoples. I wish you good health and new successes, and peace, prosperity, and progress to the people of the United States of America.
Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
The message addressed to the Vice President, in particular, reads:
“Honorable Mr. Vice President,
Please accept my warmest congratulations and best wishes on the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America.
July 4th is another occasion to value the fundamental ideas of freedom and independence. These values not only form the basis of American identity, but also serve as the ideological foundation anchorded on which the United States has continuously made its important contribution to international peace and security, as well as to building solid ties with partner countries.
Mr. Vice President,
I warmly recall your visit to Armenia in February of this year, which was of great importance for the further deepening and strengthening of the partnership formed between our countries. In addition to boosting the partnership between Armenia and the United States in the economic, energy, defense, and other areas, your visit became a testament to high-level political dialogue and mutual trust between Armenia and the United States, creating new opportunities for expanding our ties in various areas.”
Published by Armenpress, original at
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