—

Artsakh leaders during their sham trial in a Baku court

The release of Armenian captives by Azerbaijan will strengthen peace, said Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on Friday, explaining that the matter continues to remain an “unresolved issue” as Baku and Yerevan continue their dialogue.

Speaking at joint press conference in Yerevan with his Estonian counterpart, Margus Tsahkna, Mirzoyan reiterated Yerevan’s position that the established peace with Azerbaijan requires institutionalization. He noted that “peace exists, and we are reaping its fruits, but we also know that it needs to be preserved.”

Mirzoyan said that along with the resolved issues, such as transit and bilateral trade, there are also unresolved issues, “the most sensitive of which for the Armenian society is the issue of Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan.

“There are [Armenian] prisoners in Baku. They should be released as soon as possible, and their release will strengthen peace,” Mirzoyan said, adding that the dialogue with the Azerbaijani side is continuing.

The foreign minister added that the departure of the International Committee of the Red Cross—by decision of the Azerbaijani authorities—from Azerbaijan has complicated the situation. The problem exists, efforts are ongoing, but there is no news yet, Mirzoyan concluded, adding that the only news that could be is the release of a new group of Armenian captives by Azerbaijan.

—

CRESCENTA VALLEY – The Armenian National Committee of America –Crescenta Valley Chapter announced its endorsement of Nerses Aposhian for La Canada Flintridge City Council.

The endorsement reflects ANCA-CV’s confidence in Aposhian’s commitment to public service, community engagement, and his ability to represent the interests of all residents in La Canada Flintridge.

“Nerses Aposhian has demonstrated a strong commitment to community, civic responsibility, and thoughtful leadership,” said Dr. Alice Chalian Manoukian, Chairperson of the ANC A-CV Chapter. “We are proud to endorse his candidacy and believe he will serve the residents of La Canada Flintridge with integrity, inclusivity, and dedication.”

“I’m proud of my Armenian heritage and the values it instills–resilience, civic responsibility, and a deep commitment to community. I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the Armenian National Committee of America – Crescenta Valley Chapter, and I look forward to bringing that perspective to serve all residents of La Canada Flintridge,” Aposhian said, emphasizing the importance of civic engegament.

“To our Armenian community in La Canada, if you are eligible to vote, I encourage you to make sure you are registered and to participate in this election–whether by mail beginning on May 4 or in person on June 2. We have a real opportunity to come together, show up, and make history by electing the first Armenian ever to the La Canada Flintridge City Council,” Aposhian added.

The ANCA-CV plays an active role in encouraging civic engagement and advocating on issues important to Armenian-Americans, while supporting candidates who demonstrate a commitment to strengthening the broader community.

With the endorsement, ANCA-CV encourages residents of La Canada Flintridge to participate in the upcoming election.

The Armenian National Committee of America – Crescenta Valley Chapter is a grassroots organization dedicated to advancing the concerns of the Armenian-American community through civic engagement, public policy advocacy, and community empowerment.

—

BERGEN COUNTY, N.J. — A new Armenian Arts & Culture Workshop will debut this summer from June 22 to 26, offering children ages 3 to 8 an enriching opportunity to explore Armenian heritage through art and hands-on cultural activities.

The weeklong program – organized by Atelier of Astrid, the creative studio founded by French‑Armenian artist and educator Astrid Sarkissian, in partnership with Hye Kids Club, a cultural initiative by Taleen Babayan dedicated to Armenian children’s education, language, and creative _expression_ – will take place at St. Leon Armenian Church in Fair Lawn, N.J.

“Art plants seeds of pride and curiosity as children connect meaningfully with their roots,” said Sarkissian. “By exploring color, texture, and imagination during this workshop, each child will gain a better understanding of Armenian culture.”

Babayan added: “This program celebrates our heritage through creativity, awakening a love for Armenian art and traditions. Our goal is for each child to leave proud of their identity, inspired by the beauty of our culture, and enriched by a purposeful experience.

Children will dive into daily adventures like crafting Armenian motifs and learning folk songs and dances – activities that foster fine motor skills, cultural pride, and social bonds in a joyful, supportive environment tailored for young learners.

Guest artists will share their expertise through engaging presentations, making each day a fresh celebration of Armenia’s vibrant artistic spirit.

The workshop will take place at St. Leon Armenian Church, 12-61 Saddle River Rd, Fair Lawn, NJ, June 22 to 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All materials will be provided. The workshop is for children ages 3 to 8. Click here to register. Enrollment is limited. The deadline to register is June 1.

This inaugural workshop celebrates creativity as a bridge to cultural identity – nurturing young minds while honoring the vibrancy of Armenian art and tradition.

—

As the United States and Israeli attacks enter the six weeks, with a tenuous cease-fire in place, the State Department said that the Trump Administration remained committed to making the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity—known as TRIPP—a reality.

“The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity remains a top priority for the United States, with the potential to unleash peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus region and beyond. The Trump Administration remains committed to making TRIPP a reality,’’ the State Department spokesperson told the Armenpress, following an inquiry from the state-run news agency on Friday.

At the onset of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had lamented publically that the war would delay the TRIPP project.

The State Department spokesperson noted that TRIPP is a multimodal transit area which will connect the main part of Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, “fully respecting Armenian sovereignty and territorial integrity while providing reciprocal connectivity benefits for Armenia.”

“It will allow unimpeded international and intrastate connectivity in the region, expanding opportunities for increased economic growth and prosperity,” the spokesperson added.

“Azerbaijan will gain connectivity to its Nakhchivan exclave, while Armenia will benefit from improved regional connectivity, which will unleash the economic potential of the South Caucasus while preserving Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction,” the spokesperson said.

The State Department also noted that Armenia is working with the United States and mutually- determined third parties to implement the TRIPP.

”To help kick-start TRIPP and related arrangements, the United States has made an initial commitment of $145 million, which will unlock regional stability and economic growth. These funds will support investments in trade, infrastructure, and cross-border security in Armenia, and increase regional connectivity,’’ the State Department spokesperson said.

The spokesperson noted that on January 13, the United States and Armenia jointly announced the publication of the TRIPP Implementation Framework.

“This document outlines a concrete path to operationalize TRIPP. Reflecting the principles affirmed on August 8, it also underscores the importance of sovereignty, jurisdiction, territorial integrity, and reciprocity to the overall success of the TRIPP. As President Trump has said, TRIPP will go through “some of the most important places economically anywhere in the world,” and “will boost commercial activity on the other side of the Caspian Sea, helping nations throughout Central Asia.”

“The ultimate objectives of TRIPP are to strengthen the prosperity and security of Armenia and Azerbaijan and expand U.S. commercial opportunities by expanding regional trade and connectivity, as well as to create new transit links from Central Asia and the Caspian to Europe,’’ the spokesperson concluded.

The mention of “third parties” piqued the interest of journalists on Friday, prompting Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan to clarify the reference by the State Department spokesperson.
At a joint press conference Friday with his visiting Estonian counterpart, Margus Tsahkna, in Yerevan, Mirzoyan, insisted that “despite the not so favorable global developments in the region,” the U.S. and Armenia are continuing to work on this project.

He said preparation and approval of the necessary documents were currently underway, and the parties are constantly exchanging information on their positions on various issues.

“We hope to start construction as soon as possible. For this, we will need third parties. The agreement between Armenia and the US is bilateral. However, the participation of third countries will be necessary during the construction phase; possibly also in matters of system management,” Mirzoyan said.

“The TRIPP project will conclude in Azerbaijan at one end, and in Nakhchivan at the other, but its logical continuation is the connection with the Armenian railways through Yeraskh and the Turkish roads through Kars-Gyumri,” Mirzoyan said.

The countries of Central Asia are also interested in this project, and it was discussed during the recent visit by the minister of foreign affairs and the minister of transport of Kazakhstan to Armenia.

—

· APRIL 9, 2026

· APRIL 9, 2026

· APRIL 10, 2026

· APRIL 10, 2026