LOS ANGELES — The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region announced the launch of its 2026 Summer Internship Program, welcoming seven exceptional students who will embark on a transformative journey in advocacy, education, and community leadership.

“The ANCA-WR Summer Internship is one of the most important investments we make in the future of our community,” said Oshin Harootoonian, Chairman of the ANCA-WR. “This year’s cohort reflects the strength, depth, and determination of Armenian-American youth – and we are proud to provide them a platform to sharpen their skills, deepen their connection to the Armenian Cause, and grow into the advocates and leaders our community needs.”

Rooted in the ANCA-WR’s guiding motto – Educate.  Motivate. Activate. – the internship program equips young Armenian-Americans with the tools to become effective advocates within their communities and beyond. Through workshops, lectures, hands-on projects, field engagements, and community organizing, interns develop a comprehensive understanding of government affairs, public policy, media relations, and grassroots mobilization – all through an Armenian lens.

Meet the Interns

A rising sophomore at Glendale Community College, Samvel Minasyan was born in Armenia and has built an active life in the greater Los Angeles community since relocating to the United States. He currently works at the East Los Angeles College Foundation and volunteers with various civic organizations. His participation in the ANCA Rising Leaders program in Washington, D.C. inspired him to deepen his involvement with the ANCA.

“I believe this experience will help me achieve my future goals, given my strong interest in civic engagement and advocacy,” said Samvel.

A Political Science student at UCLA with aspirations of becoming an attorney, Amaras Mehrabian serves as Copy Editor for the inaugural edition of the UCLA Pre-Law Armenian Association Law Journal and is driven by a passion for justice and meaningful change.

“Growing up, I learned the importance of staying connected to my Armenian identity and giving back to the community that has shaped me. Through this opportunity, I hope to learn from dedicated leaders, build meaningful connections, and find new ways to contribute to our community. I am excited to work alongside such a passionate group of individuals and continue deepening my involvement in the Armenian community,” said Amaras.

A recent graduate of Crescenta Valley High School, Tila Shitanian is actively involved in the Armenian community through Homenetmen and community service initiatives that promote cultural awareness and civic engagement. Her passion for law, public policy, and advocacy has driven her to become more engaged in issues affecting Armenian communities.

“Through the ANCA Western Region Internship, I hope to strengthen my leadership, communication, and advocacy skills while learning about community organizing and public affairs. In the future, I plan to pursue a career in law and continue serving my community through civic engagement and public service,” said Tila.

A recent UCLA graduate with a degree in Political Science, Elizabeth Hakopian is preparing to pursue a career in law with a particular focus on criminal law and public defense. Her experience as a public defender intern has deepened her commitment to justice and her understanding of legal advocacy for underserved communities. A devoted member of the Armenian community, Elizabeth co-founded Chocolates for Charity, a community initiative that later pivoted to support Armenian families and children affected by the 2020 Artsakh War.

“My interest in law and public defense comes from a desire to advocate for communities that are often underserved. I am grateful for the opportunity to intern with the ANCA-WR this summer and contribute to work that uplifts the Armenian community,” said Elizabeth.

A Criminology, Law & Society student at UC Irvine, Mark Barsikhian was born in Syria and raised in the Armenian community. He is deeply committed to advocacy, leadership, and public service, and is actively involved in Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Armenian Student Association (ASA), and the Armenian Youth Federation. Mark has served as a mentor through Hye Hopes, translated Armenian literature for Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, interned with the Office of California Senator Anthony J. Portantino, and coached special-needs youth through Homenetmen Hrashq.

“I am excited for the opportunity to develop new skills, gain real-world experience, and find meaningful ways to give back to the Armenian community,” said Mark.

A Political Science student at California State University, Northridge with aspirations of pursuing a career in law, Maya Balmanukyan is passionate about advocacy and using her voice to drive meaningful impact. Through her academic studies, volunteer work, and involvement in public service initiatives, she has developed a deep commitment to helping others and promoting positive change.

“I am incredibly excited to learn more about my community and grow as both an advocate and as an individual while contributing to meaningful change through the ANCA-WR Summer Internship,” said Maya.

Natalie Baharian is a Political Science major at Los Angeles Pierce College, with the goal of continuing on to law school focusing on constitutionalism and legal advocacy. With an interest in public policy, she is deeply committed to encouraging civic engagement as a means to create significant and meaningful change within society. Due to her academic rigor, leadership in initiatives involving public policy, and student government, she has cultivated a more thoughtful and analytical approach to understanding complex societal issues. Natalie values informed advocacy and believes that with consistent effort, a lasting impact can be made.

“I look forward to contributing to the ANCA-WR as an intern, where I hope to deepen my understanding of my community’s identity and explore the intersection between policy and U.S. ties,” said Natalie.

This outstanding cohort of interns represents the next generation of Armenian-American advocacy. Hailing from some of the leading universities and colleges, they bring diverse backgrounds, experiences, and talents – united by a shared commitment to the Armenian Cause and to serving their community.

Visit the ANCA-WR Internship Program website to learn more.

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After Moscow insisted that it have a role in the so-called TRIPP project, Yerevan on Wednesday said that it was not currently in talks with Russia to advance the provisions of the agreement signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan last year in Washington.

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin on Monday said that the implementation of the TRIPP—Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity—which envisions the unblocking of transport routes in the South Caucasus, is faced with a number of political and geopolitical factors, and Russia’s participation would make this project more viable.

Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan told reporters on Wednesday that such discussion were on the Armenia-Russia bilateral agenda.

At the same time, however, Safaryan declined to predict the future development of this project. He merely noted that the project is being implemented within the framework of Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union, and therefore there should be no problems in interaction with Russia. Safaryan emphasized that Armenia remains a member of the EEU, and the project is being implemented in accordance with that group’s rules.

“The TRIPP project is currently in the implementation phase. Armenia is currently a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, and TRIPP will be implemented within the framework of EEU regulations. Customs regulation in the EEU is carried out by our customs authorities, so we do not see a problem here. We are interested in dialogue and continuing our relations. Contacts will be established in the near future,” said the deputy minister.

Journalists also questioned whether the project could create practical challenges, particularly if a company established to manage the transit route would require coordination between Armenian, American and Russian stakeholders.

In response, Safaryan said Armenia’s customs procedures would continue to be administered by the country’s own authorities under the EEU framework.

“The EAEU customs regulations are implemented by our customs authorities,” he said, indicating that Armenia’s customs administration would remain responsible for enforcing the bloc’s rules.

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The manuscripts from “Along the Paths of the Spiritual Map: The Art of Armenian Manuscripts”, an exhibition hosted at the National Library of Spain, have returned to the Matenadaran following the conclusion of the exhibition.

According to the Matenadaran, the exhibition attracted unprecedented public interest. Held in a single exhibition hall, it welcomed approximately 13,000 visitors over a relatively short period, highlighting growing international interest in Armenia’s manuscript heritage.

The exhibition showcased exceptional examples of Armenian manuscript art, introducing visitors to centuries of Armenian spiritual and cultural traditions preserved in the Matenadaran’s renowned collections.

The Matenadaran said it will continue to prioritize the internationalization of its collections by organizing similar exhibitions abroad and expanding global access to Armenia’s documentary heritage.

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EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan in Baku on Jul. 1

Ahead of her much-trumpeted visit to Yerevan on Thursday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday visited Baku and announced a €20 million ($22.7 million) program to promote peace in the South Caucasus region.

The “peace-fostering program” was announced by von der Leyen at a joint press conference in Baku following talks with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan. She said they seek to “help peace take root in the region, to make the benefits of peace visible in people’s everyday lives, those who live in border regions.”

“We will invest in better healthcare, for example with the procurement of ambulances. We will also focus on safety through demining,” von der Leyen said, adding that they will also invest in local economies through rural development and water management, among others, according to the Turkish Anadolou Agence.

Von der Leyen said they want to foster peace through connectivity, and the EU will invest up to €200 million ($227 million) in grants for transport, energy and digital links across the region, with the potential to mobilize up to €2 billion ($2.2 billion) in public and private investment.

She said projects could include railway connection through Azerbaijan’s autonomous Nakhchivan region or developing the Port of Baku.

She also proposed launching the EU-Azerbaijan Connectivity Partnership, taking into account the South Caucasus nation’s geopolitical position and its growing strategic importance.

“This goes hand and hand together with a High-Level Connectivity Dialogue, covering transport, energy and digital connectivity. We will also work on the organisation of a Regional Connectivity Investment Conference, preferably right here in Baku. And thus bringing together Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia,” von der Leyen said.

She added that the EU sees “enormous potential” to deepen cooperation with Baku on renewables, electricity interconnections and regional energy networks, welcoming Azerbaijan’s plans to build a green energy corridor to link the country with the 27-member-bloc.

Aliyev, for his part, said the presence of an “unprecedented dynamism” in the relationship between Azerbaijan and the EU, arguing it reflects both sides’ will to intensify their cooperation and strengthen their partnership.

Aliyev said he and von der Leyen’s delegation discussed a “very impressive” agenda, including energy cooperation, and that Azerbaijan is the EU’s main trading partner in the South Caucasus, with 70{b9e265b8c62139b529925cf6e4e49774b738647adb08d2567854b151c22ce596} of the bloc’s regional trade taking place with Baku.

He recalled that Azerbaijan and the EU signed a strategic partnership in the energy sector in 2022, adding that Baku’s natural gas exports to EU member states increased by almost 65 percent.

Aliyev said connectivity, renewables and regional security, including the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, were topics discussed in their meetings.

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