Istanbul authorities ban 24 April Armenian Genocide memorial for fifth consecu

Baghdasarian Karlen
April 22 2026
 22/04/2026

ISTANBUL — Authorities in Istanbul have banned the annual commemoration of the Armenian Genocide on 24 April for the fifth consecutive year, according to Gazette Agos.

The 24 April Memorial Platform had applied for permission to hold this year’s memorial in front of the Kadıköy Süreyya Opera House on the evening of Friday. However, the group said in a statement that authorities denied the request, continuing a pattern of refusals over the past four years.

The platform noted that it had organized 24 April memorials in public squares across several cities, particularly in Istanbul, from 2010 to 2019. These events began to be banned at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past four years, authorities have reportedly provided no official explanation for the continued prohibition.

“Commemorating on 24 April is a democratic right,” the platform said. “These memorials provide a space to express respect for the hundreds of thousands of people who were killed and to show that we have not forgotten those who were torn from their families, livelihoods, and communities. They are also a message to those living today.”

The statement added that remembering the victims is essential for strengthening democracy, fostering coexistence, and combating violence and hate speech. “To remember those we lost — the people, the culture, and the traditions — and to confront the past is fundamental,” it said. “We protest the ban and call on decision-makers to reconsider their position.”

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Armenia’s Human Rights Defender refused Vardanyan’s request to visit Azerbaija

Tatoyan Vazgen
Caucasian Knot
April 22 2026
Armenia’s Human Rights Defender refused Vardanyan’s request to visit Azerbaijan.
Convicted Karabakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan demanded the Armenian government’s involvement in the fate of Armenian prisoners and asked the ombudsman to visit Azerbaijan with a delegation of the prisoners’ relatives. Ombudsman Anahit Manasyan declined the visit, citing a lack of authority to protect Armenians outside the country.

As reported by the “Caucasian Knot,” on February 17, the Baku Military Court sentenced Ruben Vardanyan to 20 years in prison. The defendant, who headed the Karabakh government for several months during the blockade of the Lachin corridor, was found guilty of war crimes. Vardanyan declined to appeal, explaining that he does not recognize the verdict as an act of justice.

The court has been hearing the case of the former Nagorno-Karabakh state minister since January 2025.
 At the final stage of the trial, Ruben Vardanyan forbade his lawyer from speaking and delivered the closing speech himself, quoting classic Azerbaijani poetry. He explained his position by saying that “this is not a court, but a trial,” where “there were no opportunities for a normal trial.”

Manasyan explained her refusal to visit Armenian prisoners by citing lack of authority.
Armenia’s Human Rights Defender, Anahit Manasyan, responded to Ruben Vardanyan’s request by stating that she cannot conduct monitoring visits to prisons outside the country, Novosti-Armenia reported today.

“The status of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia presupposes that he cannot and does not conduct negotiations on behalf of the state, nor does he implement the state’s foreign policy. “He acts exclusively within the framework of RA legislation and international standards, within the mandate granted to the human rights ombudsman,” the publication quoted Manasyan as saying to Vardanyan.

Accordingly, according to Manasyan, the ombudsman’s powers extend exclusively to recording alleged human rights violations by state bodies and local governments in Armenia.

“The RA Human Rights Ombudsman has the authority to conduct monitoring visits to places of detention and may freely use all of his tools during such visits exclusively within the territory of the RA,” Manasyan explained in the publication.

On March 13, during a conversation with the family, Vardanyan attempted to convey a public appeal to the Azerbaijani ombudsman, Sabina Aliyeva, requesting a meeting. According to him, a month after the trials ended, neither he nor the other convicted leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh received copies of the verdicts, and it was impossible to contact the ombudsman. The Azerbaijani side disconnected the call.

Vardanyan demands that the Armenian authorities attend to the fate of Armenian prisoners
Ruben Vardanyan’s appeal to the Armenian ombudsman was conveyed during a telephone conversation with his family and published on April 21 on a Telegram channel run by Vardanyan’s representatives.

In his appeal, Vardanyan called on Anahit Manasyan to come to Baku and visit the Armenian prisoners along with their relatives. He explained that he had met with Azerbaijan’s Ombudsman, Sabina Aliyeva.

“During the conversation, the Azerbaijani Ombudsman also mentioned that the possibility of your visit to Baku had already been discussed, and the Azerbaijani side expressed its readiness to facilitate its organization. However, this initiative has not yet been realized,” Ruben Vardanyan explained in his address.

Armenian citizens have been held in Azerbaijani prisons for long periods without meetings with their families or independent monitoring, and the institution responsible for protecting the rights of Armenian citizens “demonstrates a lack of initiative,” the former Karabakh state minister emphasized.

The lack of such coordination is a de facto denial of the only humanitarian channel.

“The issues I raised with the Azerbaijani Ombudsman require coordination between the Ombudsmen of both countries. The lack of such coordination is a de facto denial of the only humanitarian channel. channel,” he said.

He asked Manasyan to publicly answer questions about whether the possibility of organizing an official visit to Baku by a delegation with relatives of Armenian prisoners is being considered, how the Armenian Ombudsman’s Office plans to coordinate with the Azerbaijani Ombudsman on humanitarian issues concerning Armenian citizens, and what measures the Armenian Ombudsman’s Office has already taken to protect the rights of Armenian prisoners since their detention.

“The Armenian government’s disregard for the interests of its citizens illegally held in Azerbaijan is incompatible with the state’s obligations to its citizens,” the publication says.

According to a statement by representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Azerbaijan officially confirms the detention of only 33 Armenian prisoners of war and civilians, but Armenian human rights activists have reported another 80 prisoners Armenians. The ICRC terminated its mission in Azerbaijan on September 3, 2025, at the request of the Azerbaijani government.

As a reminder, Ruben Vardanyan only announced his decision to renounce his Russian citizenship and move to Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2022 to support local residents who were “in a grave psychological state.” In October 2022, Vardanyan agreed to head the government, and became state minister on November 4, 2022. However, on February 23, 2023, Vardanyan was dismissed after serving as state minister for less than four months. During this period, Vardanyan was forced to seek solutions to the problems faced by the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh due to the blockade of the Lachin corridor.

Later, in a Baku court, Vardanyan’s defense pointed out that the prosecution accused him of events that occurred, among other things, many years before his arrival in Karabakh. Azerbaijani citizens recognized as victims also testified about this in court. In particular, they spoke about shelling in the Kelbajar region, which came under Baku’s control back in 2020, and in the Zangilan region, which was also occupied by Azerbaijan in 2020.

The same court, starting in January 2025, has been hearing the case of 15 former leaders and residents of Nagorno-Karabakh, detained in September-October 2023. They were charged under 20 articles of the Criminal Code, including war crimes. All defendants denied guilt, but on February 5, the court sentenced them to life and long prison terms.

The “Caucasian Knot” has prepared reports “Highlights of the Sentences of Former Nagorno-Karabakh Leaders” and “Vardanyan and 15 Karabakh Leaders: Highlights of the Baku Courts”.

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Analyst says Armenian government acting as proxy for Turkey, Azerbaijan

Jane Topchian
Panorama, Armenia
April 22 2026

Armenian political analyst Hayk Nahapetyan has accused Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s administration of serving as an instrument for Turkish and Azerbaijani interests, claiming that campaigns against the Armenian Apostolic Church and efforts to dilute recognition of the 1915 Armenian Genocide are externally driven.

Speaking at a forum organized by the Alternative Projects Group on Wednesday, Nahapetyan argued that the government is not independently motivated in its policies. “The motivation belongs to two states — Turkey and Azerbaijan — while he [Pashinyan] is merely their executor,” he said.

Nahapetyan cited what he described as a coordinated effort to undermine the Armenian Apostolic Church, which he called the only national institution resisting regional pressures. He recalled that criticism of the Church and its leader, Catholicos Karekin II, intensified after a statement by Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, head of the Caucasus Muslims Board. Days later, Karekin II convened Christian leaders in Switzerland to discuss the genocide and the future of Artsakh.

According to Nahapetyan, Ankara and Baku envision Armenia’s future without Artsakh, genocide recognition and the institutional elements that preserve historical memory. He stressed that recognition of the genocide carries the prospect of material reparations, a scenario Turkey is determined to avoid. Neutralizing the diaspora — unified largely through the Church — is therefore central to this strategy, he said.

“Turkey and Azerbaijan, through Pashinyan, are attempting to dismantle the church,” Nahapetyan asserted, framing the campaign as part of a broader effort to erase the legacy of the genocide and weaken Armenian national identity.

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Armenian President Delivers Speech at Astana Summit, Emphasizing Climate Actio

Manouk Vasilian
The Times of Central Asia
April 22 2026

Astana, Kazakhstan – Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan addressed the Regional Ecological Summit (RES 2026) today, speaking about the urgent challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and the need for strengthened international cooperation. The summit, themed “Shared Vision for a Resilient Future,” opened its sessions on Earth Day under the patronage of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

In his remarks, President Khachaturyan expressed deep gratitude to his Kazakh counterpart, the government, and the people of Kazakhstan for their warm hospitality and the excellent organization of this important event. “It is an honor to address the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana,” he stated. He praised Kazakhstan’s leadership in advancing global and regional cooperation on climate change and environmental protection, describing the event as an important platform for dialogue bringing together governments, the scientific community, civil society, and international partners.

Highlighting Armenia’s unique vulnerabilities, the President noted that, as a landlocked, developing, and mountainous nation, Armenia is already experiencing severe effects of climate change despite contributing just 0.02% of global greenhouse gas emissions. “Over the past decades, the average temperature in the country has increased by more than one degree Celsius and is projected to continue rising by mid-century,” he said. These changes have triggered more frequent extreme weather events, including floods and droughts, leading to significant ecological losses, declining precipitation, glacier retreat, and growing water scarcity — particularly affecting rural communities and mountain ecosystems.

President Khachaturyan welcomed Kazakhstan’s initiative to convene international consultations on strengthening cooperation for effective water resource management and said Armenia will actively participate.

On the climate front, he reaffirmed Armenia’s ambitious nationally determined contributions (NDCs): a 44% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 compared to 1990 levels through domestic measures, rising to 52% with international support. “Armenia undertakes these commitments with full awareness of its national capacity and the importance of international cooperation,” he emphasized, citing the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.

Turning to biodiversity, the President stressed that rising temperatures are a major driver of biodiversity loss, with profound consequences for ecosystems, human health, food security, and economies worldwide. He announced that Armenia will host the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Yerevan in October later this year. “These efforts reflect our small country’s strong commitment to promote global nature conservation,” Khachaturyan declared, inviting all participants to join the landmark gathering “to review our progress and identify ways to accelerate efforts to restore and protect the environment for present and future generations.”

The Armenian President concluded by underscoring the critical role of international cooperation, including the mobilization of financial resources, sharing of expertise, and the transfer of technology. “Armenia stands ready to cooperate with regional and international partners, to share our experience and to learn from others,” he said. “Together, we can protect our planet Earth, ensure long-term resilience and well-being for our societies.”

President Khachaturyan’s address highlights Armenia’s efforts to present itself as an active participant in global environmental diplomacy despite its modest emissions footprint, particularly through its upcoming role hosting COP17. The three-day Regional Ecological Summit continues through April 24, focusing on climate resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable development across the region.

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New EU civilian mission to be deployed in Armenia

Emil Lazarian
JAM News
April 22 2026
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

A new European Union civilian mission will be sent to Armenia, with an initial mandate of two years. The EU’s Foreign Affairs Council approved the decision on 21 April. Yerevan had requested support from Brussels in December 2025. Armenia’s foreign ministry said the mission will help counter hybrid threats and strengthen democratic resilience.

The document is not yet publicly available. However, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has obtained a copy. The outlet reports that the new structure will be called the “EU Partnership Mission in Armenia” (EUPM Armenia). It is expected to begin operating in the coming months. The mission will include 20 to 30 experts based in Yerevan.

According to the document, the mission will advise relevant Armenian ministries and agencies on countering hybrid threats. These include foreign information manipulation and interference, cybercrime, and illicit financial flows in electoral and political contexts.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports that the mission is primarily concerned about possible Russian interference in Armenia’s parliamentary elections on 7 June. However, the document itself does not explicitly mention this.

“The future of Armenia must be determined by its citizens freely and democratically, without external pressure,” the document states.

A journalist asked Arman Yeghoyan, a member of the ruling party and chair of parliament’s European integration committee, why Armenia does not name the sources of hybrid threats, while EU officials often openly point to Russia. He said the perception of threats in Armenia and the EU is the same, but the wording differs.

“There are issues where I would not use the same language as Kaja Kallas. The fact is, I am in a different position. I have different resources, and I must use them carefully and rationally. I must avoid creating new risks for Armenia and focus on neutralising existing ones,” he said in an interview with a local outlet.

The EU’s first long-term civilian monitoring mission (EUMA) began work in Armenia in 2023. It operates along the Armenian side of the Armenia–Azerbaijan border and aims to support stability in border areas.

In 2025, the EU extended its mandate until 2027. The mission now includes more than 200 personnel, who patrol specific sections of the border. Observers send the results of their monitoring to Brussels.

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Armenian foreign ministry response

Armenia’s foreign ministry has welcomed the EU Foreign Affairs Council’s decision to deploy a new civilian mission. The ministry said the move represents another joint initiative under the Armenia–EU strategic partnership agenda.

The ministry has released limited details so far. Its statement focuses on the mission’s areas of work. These include countering hybrid threats, such as disinformation, cyberattacks and illicit financial flows.

“The mission, through its activities, will contribute to strengthening institutional capacity in the above-mentioned areas and enhancing the resilience of Armenian society to modern challenges,” the ministry said in a statement.

“Brussels wants to replicate Moldova’s success”: details

Several EU diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that Brussels hopes to replicate a “successful Moldovan experience” in Armenia.

The remark refers to elections. Unlike Armenia, Moldova did not host a similar mission during its 2025 parliamentary elections. However, experts supported state institutions. They helped identify and expose Russian disinformation. As a result, pro-European forces remained in power despite sustained pressure.

“The mission will strengthen Armenia’s resilience to hybrid threats. It will provide strategic advice to relevant security structures and offer operational support,” the EU Foreign Affairs Council said in a statement.

The new mission will work in coordination with the Armenian government. It will also cooperate with “other actors” that share the goal of countering disinformation.

Reports also say the mission will support these efforts in the event of:

  • a constitutional referendum following the parliamentary elections
  • subsequent local government elections

Opinion

Arman Yeghoyan, head of parliament’s European integration committee, said the new EU mission is arriving in Armenia to address medium-term challenges:

“It is not possible to say that hybrid threats will disappear after the elections. There are reasons to believe they will continue afterwards.”

Mr Yeghoyan did not specify which countries these threats may originate from. He said Yerevan would not have sought Brussels’ support if it knew with “surgical precision” where, when, through whom, in what volume, for what purpose these campaigns are organised, and how much money is invested in them.

“The sources of disinformation can vary widely. They can be hidden behind several layers. They may originate in one place, while the ‘tail’ appears elsewhere,” he said.

As an example, he referred to numerous publications by a Turkish journalist based in Luhansk, who spread disinformation about Armenia and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

The ruling party MP said such threats are described as hybrid because they combine different tools — “information as a weapon”.

He said Armenia and the European Union may differ in their assessments and wording of threats and their sources due to differences in “position and resources”:

“We are not in a boxing ring where you say: look, he hit you, so you hit back. We succeed if we act wisely and neutralise the threat, rather than shouting about what threat we are neutralising.”

In his view, EU statements do not create new risks for Armenia.

“This is a golden mean that allows us to neutralise existing dangers. It is a balance that remains within acceptable limits,” Mr Yeghoyan said.

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EU launches new civilian mission to enhance Armenia’s resilience

David Nargizian
European Interest
April 22 2026

ByBeata Stur

EU launches new civilian mission to enhance Armenia’s resilience

Armenians are scheduled to participate in parliamentary elections in June, an event closely monitored by both the European Union and Russia. With public support for joining the EU reaching unprecedented levels, this may suggest a pivotal shift away from Moscow, which has historically been one of Armenia’s closest allies.

The elections, set for 7 June, carry significant implications for Europe, particularly as public sentiment in Armenia, traditionally aligned with Russia, is beginning to lean toward Brussels. Although official campaigning is set to commence 30 days before the elections, candidates have already begun their outreach efforts.

The leading candidate in the current polls is Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who heads the political party Civil Contract. PM Pashinyan came to power in 2018 following the Velvet Revolution, a series of anti-government protests. He is campaigning for reelection on a pro-European platform. However, there are growing concerns about potential foreign interference from the Kremlin as the election date approaches.

On 21 April, the European Council established the EU Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) to enhance Armenia’s democratic resilience and crisis management. The mission will address threats such as foreign information manipulation, cyber-attacks, and illicit financial flows.

“Armenians are facing massive disinformation campaigns and cyber-attacks. Over the next years, a new EU civilian mission will provide expert advice, capacity building for government departments and a team monitoring areas for urgent action. When Armenians go to the polls in June, they alone should choose their country’s future. The EU helps to protect Armenia’s resilience,” stated Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

EUPM Armenia will provide strategic advice and capacity building to various ministries and promote a whole-of-government approach. It will also feature a project cell for implementing concrete actions in collaboration with like-minded partners.

With an initial mandate of two years, the mission’s Operational Headquarters will be in Armenia. Stefano Tomat, Managing Director of the Civilian Operations Headquarters within the European External Action Service, will serve as the Civilian Operations Commander. A Head of Mission will be appointed soon to oversee ground operations.


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New EU mission targets foreign interference, urgent security gaps in Armenia

Maral Chavushian
Brussels Times
April 22 2026

The EU has set up a new civilian mission in Armenia to provide advice and training to help the country deal with threats including disinformation and cyber-attacks.

The mission, called the EU Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia), was established under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, the Council of the EU announced on Tuesday.

It will support Armenian ministries and national institutions by offering strategic and operational advice and capacity building, including help developing policies to address foreign information manipulation and interference, cyber-attacks and illicit financial flows.

A “project cell” will be tasked with identifying and delivering concrete actions within the mission’s mandate, working in close co-ordination with “like-minded partners”, it added.

Armenians are facing “massive disinformation campaigns and cyber-attacks”, and the mission will provide expert advice and a team to monitor areas for urgent action, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.

Two-year mandate, separate from existing EU mission

EUPM Armenia has an initial mandate of two years and will be headquartered in Armenia, the Council said.

Stefano Tomat, Managing Director of the Civilian Operations Headquarters within the European External Action Service, will serve as the mission’s Civilian Operation Commander.

A head of mission to lead operations on the ground will be appointed shortly.

The mission is being deployed at the request of the Armenian authorities and will be separate from the existing EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA), established in 2023 to observe and report on the situation on the ground and contribute to confidence building and human security in conflict-affected areas.


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NATO envoy urges deeper ties with Armenia amid regional security tensions

Emil Lazarian
The Brussels Times
April 22 2026

NATO’s new Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, Ambassador Kevin Hamilton, made his first visit to Armenia on 20 – 21 April, urging deeper relations.

Hamilton was received by Armenia’s President Vahagn Khachaturyan and met Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Defence Minister Suren Papikyan and Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan, the NATO press service announced on Wednesday.

Talks covered NATO’s partnership with Armenia, regional security including hybrid threats, connectivity and the Armenia – Azerbaijan peace process. Hybrid threats is a term used for a mix of military and non-military tactics such as cyber attacks and disinformation.

Hamilton also welcomed Armenia’s continued contributions to the NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, known as KFOR.

NATO says it is ready to deepen cooperation

Armenia’s work to modernise its armed forces and improve interoperability — the ability of different militaries to operate together — with NATO forces was also discussed, NATO said.

The alliance added it “stands ready” to further political dialogue and security and defence cooperation with Armenia.

Hamilton also met representatives of Armenian civil society and of Allied embassies in Yerevan during the trip.

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Armenpress: Trump declares Iran ceasefire extension

Mary Lazarian
Read the article in: FrançaisՀայերենRussian

U.S. President Donald Trump said he would indefinitely extend the ceasefire with Iran to allow for further talks.

Trump said in a statement on Truth Social the U.S. had agreed to a request by Pakistani ‌mediators “to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal … and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.”

However, Trump also said he would continue the U.S. blockade of Iran’s trade by sea, considered an act of war by Iran.

The Iranian Tasnim News Agency said Iran had not asked for a ceasefire extension and repeated threats to break the U.S. blockade by force.

Read the article in: FrançaisՀայերենRussian

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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Vance’s Pakistan trip postponed indefinitely

Emil Lazarian
Read the article in: FrançaisՀայերենRussian

U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s expected trip to Islamabad to lead peace talks with Iran has been called off for the day, CNN reported citing a White House official.

JD Vance was expected to lead a delegation of U.S. negotiators to Islamabad.

“In light of President Trump’s Truth Social post confirming the United States is awaiting a unified proposal from the Iranians, the trip to Pakistan will not be happening today. Any further updates on in-person meetings will be announced by the White House,” the official said in a statement, according to CNN.

President Donald Trump announced in a Truth Social post earlier today that he’d extend an existing ceasefire with Iran as the administration waits for a “unified proposal” from what he described as the “seriously fractured” government.

Iran earlier said it does not want to negotiate under threats.

The negotiations held between the United States and Iran in Islamabad on April 11–12 ended without any deal.

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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