- Satenik Kaghzvantsian
A resident of Gyumri went on trial on Thursday three months after describing as a “clown” the head of an Armenian law-enforcement agency prosecuting Catholicos Garegin II and other senior clergymen at odds with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian.
The 36-year-old man, Mher Khachatrian, lambasted Investigative Committee chief Artur Poghosian in a social media post that followed the latter’s February 1 interview with Armenian Public Television. He said Poghosian is an “unprincipled clown” who “proved that he serves not the law and the people but the whims of a maniacal antichrist.”
Khachatrian also accused the Investigative Committee of executing Pashinian’s illegal orders to obstruct an upcoming episcopal conference of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Austria. Later in February, the committee stopped Garegin and six bishops from attending the gathering by bringing criminal charges against them.
The law-enforcement agency also charged Khachatrian with spreading “defamatory information” about the work of Poghosian and other investigators. Khachatrian, who avoided pre-trial arrest, will face up to five years in prison if found guilty by a local court. He said at the start of his trial that the criminal case is part of government efforts to stifle dissent in the country.
The Gyumri man has denounced Pashinian’s controversial efforts to depose Garegin that have been accompanied by arrests and prosecutions of many priests. He is a staunch supporter of the Gyumri-based Archbishop Mikael Ajapanian, who was arrested last June and subsequently sentenced to two years in prison on charges of calling for a violent regime change. Ajapahian was moved to house arrest in February.
Khachatrian is not the only person prosecuted for their anti-government statements made on social media. Armenian prosecutors have not denied reports that they are monitoring people posting angry comments about Pashinian and other state officials and have ordered criminal investigations into some of them. The total number of such criminal cases remains unknown.
Also in February, a young Yerevan resident was arrested for posting an offensive video about Pashinian on the TikTok platform. Another Pashinian critic, a 55-year-old woman from the northwestern town of Akhurian, was prosecuted for making a disparaging statement about the prime minister and his family in a private message sent online.
No political allies or other supporters of Pashinian are known to have been prosecuted for offending or voicing threats against opposition politicians. In late December, one government loyalist publicly called for the murder of Garegin, the supreme head of the Armenian Church. The Investigative Committee did not charge him.
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Armenia To Make Undisclosed Payment To Trump’s ‘Board Of Peace’
The Armenian government on Thursday pledged to make a financial contribution to U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative but declined to disclose its amount.
Armenia is one of more than two dozen nations, including Azerbaijan and Turkey, that have accepted Trump’s invitation to join the new body tasked with resolving international conflicts. Their leaders, including Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian, signed its founding charter in Switzerland in January.
Pashinian’s cabinet formally recommended parliamentary ratification of the charter during a weekly meeting. The Armenian Finance Ministry said ahead of the meeting that Yerevan will have to finance its participation in the Board of Peace.
“I believe that the Republic of Armenia must move beyond the status of a poor relative,” Pashinian told journalists.
“Armenia has no obligations, but I think we should participate and we will participate [financially,]” he said, refusing to reveal how much his government will contribute.
A participating country must pay $1 billion for permanent membership in the Board of Peace. Otherwise, it will serve a three-year term which can be renewed at Trump’s discretion.
None of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council other than the United States has joined the initiative. Other major Western nations such as Germany and Italy have also shunned it, highlighting concerns that the U.S.-led body could undermine the work of the United Nations.
Trump claims to have ended multiple international conflicts, including the Armenian-Azerbaijani dispute, since returning to power more than a year ago. The U.S. president hosted last August talks between Pashinian and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the White House which resulted in the finalizing of an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty. Also, Pashinian pledged during those talks to open a U.S.-administered transit corridor for Azerbaijan through a key Armenian region.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance lavished praise on the Armenian premier and endorsed him ahead of Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary elections when he visited Yerevan in February. Vance said Pashinian’s reelection is essential for the launch of the transit arrangement to be named after Trump.
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RFE/RL – Pashinian On Defensive Over Baku’s Demands For ‘Return Of West Azeri
- Ruzanna Stepanian
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian rejected on Thursday renewed opposition claims that he will make further concessions to Azerbaijan and, in particular, allow a mass influx of Azerbaijanis into Armenia in case of winning of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
At least two of Pashinian’s main election challengers are seizing upon Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s repeated demands for Yerevan to ensure the return of Azerbaijanis who lived in Soviet Armenia until the late 1980s. Baku has said that as many as 300,000 Azerbaijanis must now be allowed to settle in Armenia.
That is essential for ending the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, Aliyev said in December two days after Pashinian again declared that peace has already been established between Armenia and Azerbaijan as a result of their U.S.-brokered agreements reached in Washington in August.
“The issue of the return of West Azerbaijanis will not be removed from Azerbaijan’s agenda until it is resolved,” Aliyev declared last June.
Armenian opposition groups claim that having already made major unilateral concessions to Baku, Pashinian would bow to these demands as well. The issue is used by two of those groups led by businessmen Samvel Karapetian and Gagik Tsarukian as a key line of pre-election attack on the ruling Civil Contract party.
“We will make Armenia the homeland of 10 million Armenians [around the world,] while Pashinian wants to make it the homeland of 3 million Armenians and 300,000 Azerbaijanis,” Karapetian told journalists on Wednesday.
Tsarukian also makes such claims during his pre-election meetings in various parts of the country.
“They [the Armenian government] have raised the property tax,” he said earlier this week. “Are they suggesting that people sell their houses and leave so that those 300,000 Azerbaijanis come, buy them and stay here?”
Pashinian dismissed the opposition allegations as “cheap political speculation.” He hit out at Karapetian whose Strong Armenia bloc is emerging as Civil Contract’s main challenger in the June 7 elections.
“I’m 100 percent sure that the oligarch [from the Russian city of] Kaluga doesn’t understand what he’s saying and why he’s saying it,” he told a news briefing in Yerevan. “He is saying what he is instructed to say.”
The allegations picked up by some media outlets intensified on Wednesday as an Azerbaijani government delegation led by Armenian-born Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev visited Armenia for further talks on the demarcation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and establishment of bilateral commercial ties. Pashinian insisted that Aliyev’s demands for the “return of West Azerbaijanis” were not on the agenda of the talks.
“We have never discussed and are not discussing such an issue with Azerbaijan,” he said. “We are also not discussing with Azerbaijan the issue of the return of Armenians from Karabakh and Baku because discussions in both directions have a provocative effect on the current political situation and can inflame one another.”
Former President Robert Kocharian, who leads another major opposition group running in the elections, rejected this week Pashinian’s parallels between Aliyev’s demands and the Karabakh Armenians’ right to return to their homeland recaptured by Baku in 2023.
“The Artsakh issue is a totally different topic because Artsakh had a status in Soviet times and Artsakh’s self-determination was entirely within the framework of internationally accepted principles,” argued Kocharian.
Even before the unfolding election campaign, Armenian opposition leaders maintained that Baku will continue to make more demands on Yerevan despite unilateral concessions already made by Pashinian. They claimed that Aliyev’s ultimate goal is to end Armenia’s existence as a viable state.
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Two Russian citizens arrested at Yerevan airport in back-to-back cash smugglin
Two Russian citizens have been placed under house arrest in Armenia after authorities uncovered separate cases of large-scale cash smuggling at Yerevan’s Zvartnots Airport.
The State Revenue Committee, which oversees customs, said in a statement that together with National Security Service operatives it obtained information indicating that a Russian citizen identified by the initials R.T. had conspired to smuggle a large amount of cash from Russia to Armenia.
Upon arrival at Zvartnots Airport, the suspect was searched, and authorities found 65 million Russian rubles in undeclared cash, equivalent to about 321 million Armenian drams.
The case was referred to the Investigative Committee, and a court later ordered house arrest for the suspect.
One day later, authorities found an additional 7.6 million Russian rubles in undeclared cash—about 37 million drams —in the possession of a relative of the suspect who had also arrived in Armenia. The second individual, also a Russian national, was likewise placed under house arrest by court order.
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Municipal council member running for parliament on ‘Strong Armenia’ ticket sus
A member of a municipal council in Armenia’s Lori Province is suspected of facilitating financial inducements to secure attendance at a “Strong Armenia” party rally held in Yerevan on April 11, according to law enforcement agencies.
The Investigative Committee released only the suspect’s initials, V.A., who is a member of the Gyulagarak municipal council and is running for parliament on the “Strong Armenia” ticket.
To secure attendance at a “Strong Armenia” party rally in Yerevan on April 11, 2026, individuals linked to the party leadership allegedly offered money to residents of Armenia’s Lori Province. Each participant reportedly received 3,000 drams (around $8) as part of a promised payment in order to ensure they attended the event.
V.A., who was aware of the alleged scheme, is accused of helping organize it by advising the group, providing support, and removing obstacles. The suspect is also said to have helped coordinate the recruitment of participants, their transport to Yerevan, food arrangements, and payment distribution, contributing to the alleged offence.
V.A. is facing a criminal investigation for allegedly aiding and abetting the bribery scheme for rally attendance, an offence under Article 46-236(2) of the Criminal Code.
The suspect is under house arrest and subject to a travel ban amid the ongoing investigation.
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U.S. House Committee on Appropriations approves increased support for Armenia
The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations adopted the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill for 2027, which envisions expanded support for the South Caucasus, including Armenia.
“The Committee directs funds for countries in the South Caucasus to promote the strategic interests of the United States through efforts to enhance regional peace, stability, integration, and connectivity, as well as to continue robust support for active bilateral charters of strategic partnership. Within such amounts, the Committee directs funds under International Military Education and Training and Foreign Military Financing Program be made available above the prior year levels for Armenia,” the bill reads.
It further reads, “The Committee strongly supports United States efforts to advance an enduring peace in the South Caucasus and to strengthen the security and prosperity of countries in the region.”
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on funding amounts for, and actions taken and authorities used to implement, the proposed Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), according to the document.
Such report shall identify implementing partners, including any providing investment finance, and describe the current or anticipated role of other relevant federal agencies, such as DFC and the Trade and Development Agency, in helping implement the project’s construction, development, and secure its successful operation.
The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) is a connectivity project in Armenia envisaged under the U.S.-brokered Armenian–Azerbaijani joint declaration signed in Washington, D.C. The project is expected to unlock strategic economic opportunities, create long-term benefits by promoting infrastructure investment, and enhance regional connectivity. An Armenian–American joint enterprise is expected to develop the route.
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European Parliament adopts resolution supporting democratic resilience in Arme
A resolution reaffirming the EU’s support for Armenia’s democratic development, the peace process, and the reforms being carried out toward European integration was debated and adopted at the plenary session of the European Parliament.
476 MEPs voted in favor of the resolution on supporting democratic resilience in Armenia, 47 voted against, while 48 abstained.
The resolution supports the holding of free, fair, and peaceful parliamentary elections in Armenia in June 2026, emphasizing that the election results must be determined solely by the Armenian people. It stresses the importance of the independence of electoral administration, equal campaigning conditions, media pluralism, and the full protection of fundamental freedoms. It also highlights the need to combat disinformation, illegal financing, and vote-buying.
The document welcomes the development of EU–Armenia relations and Armenia’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and reforms. It positively assesses the new EU–Armenia strategic agenda, progress in implementing the CEPA agreement, the visa liberalization dialogue, and the “Resilience and Growth” plan.
The resolution places particular importance on the planned European Political Community summit and the EU–Armenia summit in Yerevan in May 2026, viewing them as a significant political signal of solidarity with Armenia.
Regarding regional security, it supports the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process and calls for a comprehensive peace agreement based on sovereignty and the inviolability of borders. It also condemns the detention of Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan and demands their immediate release.
The European Parliament additionally calls for increased EU financial and technical assistance to Armenia, particularly in the areas of energy, digital development, and economic resilience. It welcomes the expansion of the EU monitoring mission and cooperation with civil society.
Furthermore, the resolution supports the normalization of Armenia–Türkiye relations, including the opening of borders and efforts toward regional stability.
It strongly condemns foreign information manipulation and interference attempts, specifically highlighting the activities of Russia and its influence networks, including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns.
Overall, the resolution adopted by the European Parliament emphasizes Armenia’s democratic and sovereign choice, its European path, the pursuit of regional peace, and the need to resist external interference.
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EU allocates €8.55 million for education reforms in Armenia
Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport and the European Union Delegation have jointly presented the current results of reforms implemented under the “EU Support to Education in Armenia” financing agreement.
According to the ministry, one of the key areas of the programme is the development of educational infrastructure. Construction and major renovation works have already been carried out in 13 selected schools in the Kapan and Goris communities of Syunik region, achieving more than half of the targets set for 2025.
Significant progress has also been recorded in improving school management. Around 50 percent of state general education schools have transitioned to a new management system, while 346 principals have been appointed based on recommendations by professional commissions, ensuring transparency and high professional standards.
A new funding mechanism has been introduced to improve the organisation of multi-grade classes, fully meeting the target set in this area.
To support the development of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, 231 schools in the Ararat, Kotayk and Gegharkunik regions have been equipped with modern laboratories, meeting programme targets.
At the same time, around 9,000 teachers have been trained in line with new educational standards, also fully achieving the target in this area. Career guidance programmes have been introduced in all schools across Armenia for grades 8 to 11, supporting students in career orientation and informed educational choices.
As part of efforts to modernise educational content, around 27 percent of school projects focus on the green economy and climate change, meeting the established target.
A new assessment system has been introduced in schools across Armenia, ensuring full implementation of the planned results.
Based on the assessment of these targets, the European Union has allocated €8.55 million for education reforms
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to continuing education reforms to ensure quality, inclusive and modern education for all citizens of Armenia, and highlighted the importance of its close and effective cooperation with the European Union Delegation in Armenia in the successful implementation of the EU budget support programme.
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Region’s biggest data center to be built in Armenia
The Armenian government has adopted decisions to grant permission for import duty exemptions within the framework of a priority investment program.
The investment program submitted by Firebird AI aims to establish in Armenia the region’s most powerful supercomputer and data center, specializing in artificial intelligence solutions and high-performance computing.
The main areas of activity will include data processing, server hosting services, and cloud infrastructure maintenance.
The project will be implemented in Kotayk Province, with total investments of around 170 billion drams, including 5.7 billion drams for construction works, 139.8 billion drams for fixed asset acquisition, and 24.5 billion drams for raw material procurement.
The value of goods eligible for exemption amounts to 26.9 billion drams (around $72.5 million). The customs duty exemption is estimated at 2.6 billion drams.
Last year, AI startup Firebird Inc. received approval from the U.S. government to export Nvidia Corp. chips to Armenia for a supercomputer project.
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Armenpress: King Charles addresses U.S. Congress and joins Trump at state dinn
Britain’s King Charles told the U.S. Congress on Tuesday that despite an age of uncertainty and conflict in Europe and the Middle East, the UK and the U.S. will always be staunch allies united in defending democracy.
“Whatever our differences, whatever disagreements we may have, we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm, and to salute the courage of those who daily risk their lives in the service of our countries,” Reuters quoted King Charles III as saying during a rare speech to a joint meeting of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and after a prolonged standing ovation at his entrance with Queen Camilla.
In a speech that Buckingham Palace said beforehand would not be political, Charles also made references to President Donald Trump’s criticism of NATO, highlighted the importance of continued U.S. help for Ukraine in its war with Russia, the dangers of isolationism, and even a call for the safeguarding of nature, an important issue to the king for most of his life, Reuters reported.
Trump has been highly critical of NATO and European allies, most recently over their reluctance to provide military help in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. Trump has also been ambivalent about prolonged U.S. financial and military aid to Ukraine.
Charles referred to the September 11, 2001, attacks, saying, “we answered the call together, as our people have done so for more than a century, shoulder to shoulder through two world wars, the Cold War, Afghanistan and moments that have defined our shared security today. Mr. Speaker, that same unyielding resolve is needed for the defense of Ukraine, and her most courageous people.”
Later, at a state banquet at the White House, Trump said that Charles did not want Iran to have a nuclear weapon, a statement the king did not comment on.
“We’re doing a little Middle East work right now and we’re doing very well,” Trump said at the dinner. “We have militarily defeated that particular opponent, and we’re never going to let that opponent ever — Charles agrees with me even more than I do — we’re never going to let that opponent have a nuclear weapon.” In his own comments after Trump spoke, Charles did not speak about Iran or the Iran war.
Earlier, in his comments to Congress, in what appeared to be a reference to Trump’s “America First” agenda, Charles added, “I pray with all my heart that our lands will continue to defend our shared values with our partners in Europe and the Commonwealth, and across the world, and that we ignore the clarion calls to become ever more inward-looking.”
The king was only the second British sovereign to address the U.S. Congress. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, spoke to both houses in 1991.
Later Charles met with U.S. tech leaders, discussing challenges for early-stage startups as the UK touts itself as a top destination for technology firms, according to Reuters.
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