Yerevan will host the Global Conference on Medical Tourism, “Travel for Care, Stay for Healing: When Patients Become Guests,” in September, the Tourism Committee has announced.

Expected to take place on September 21–23, 2026, the event is organized by the Tourism Committee of Armenia in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

“The Conference will bring together leaders from healthcare, tourism, international organizations, insurance, investment, and the private sector to explore trends, share best practices, and strengthen cooperation in medical tourism,” the Tourism Committee said in a press release.

More information on the programme, speakers, and registration will be announced soon.

Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract parliamentary faction has nominated lawmaker Arusyak Julhakyan as a candidate for chair of the Parliamentary Committee on State and Legal Affairs.

The parliament is debating the Civil Contract MP’s candidacy in a plenary session ahead of a confirmation vote.

The ruling Civil Contract faction’s candidate for chair of the parliamentary Committee on State and Legal Affairs, MP Arusyak Julhakyan, said on Tuesday that organizing discussions on a new Constitution should be one of the committee’s key upcoming tasks.

Speaking in parliament during the debate on her candidacy, she said the committee discusses issues related to the organization of the state and political system, constitutional and electoral systems, the activities of political parties, the judiciary, the law enforcement system, as well as criminal, administrative and civil legislation.

“For me, this committee is not simply a body that discusses bills. The committee is a platform where the legal architecture of the state is shaped, democratic institutions are strengthened, and the legal guarantees on which citizens’ trust in the state is built are created,” Julhakyan said.

She singled out reforms in the justice sector as one of the committee’s main areas of activity, noting that despite the work carried out, problems related to the duration of judicial proceedings, court caseloads and the predictability of judicial decisions continue to exist.

According to Julhakyan, another important area is the fight against corruption. She said political will is a necessary but not sufficient condition for an effective fight against corruption.

The MP noted that the committee’s priorities should include monitoring the activities of anti-corruption bodies, assessing the effectiveness of law enforcement and, when necessary, initiating prompt legislative amendments.

Julhakyan also addressed the law on confiscation of property of illicit origin, describing it as one of the most important laws adopted in recent years.

“It is already in effect and is producing results, albeit slowly,” she said, noting that the problems identified during the application of the law and the positions of the Constitutional Court have been addressed, and relevant amendments will be submitted to the National Assembly in the near future.

Addressing the proposed new Constitution, Julhakyan emphasized that democratic legitimacy must receive full constitutional _expression_.

“We must have a Constitution whose author is truly the people, a Constitution whose public legitimacy will no longer be called into question, a Constitution that will become not a document belonging to any one political force, but a document of general agreement among the citizens of the Republic of Armenia,” she said.

According to her, the new Constitution should strengthen human dignity as a key value of the constitutional order, more clearly define the limits of state power, ensure an effective system of checks and balances, as well as the stability of public administration and democratic oversight.

Julhakyan also listed strengthening the independence of the judiciary, improving access to justice, enhancing the quality of legislation and conducting post-legislative scrutiny of laws already adopted among the committee’s other priorities.

She assured that, if elected, she is ready to cooperate with all parliamentary factions and lawmakers, regardless of their political positions.

“The establishment of a state governed by the rule of law transcends party interests,” Julhakyan concluded.

Civil Contract MP Vilen Gabrielyan, nominated to chair the parliament’s Defense and Security Affairs, has urged opposition factions to consider allowing their members a free vote on his candidacy.

Addressing representatives of the Strong Armenia and Hayastan (Armenia) factions in parliament, Gabrielyan said some opposition MPs might personally support his candidacy despite their factions’ potential decision to vote against him.

He pledged to work constructively with the opposition, saying legitimate concerns raised by opposition MPs should be addressed rather than dismissed.

The United States of America, the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan have issued a joint statement marking the one-year anniversary of the Peace Summit held at the White House on August 8, 2025.  

According to Armenpress, the statement reads:

One year ago, President Trump hosted a historic White House summit with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia where President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan signed the Joint Declaration for peace.  Witnessed by the three leaders, the draft “Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Inter-State Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan” was initialed by the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers. On this first anniversary, there is deep pride in what our countries have achieved together and great resolve to build upon the foundation that ended decades of conflict and put the South Caucasus on a path towards a more prosperous future.  In recognition of these historic and tremendous efforts to secure peace, President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan jointly nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Joint Declaration provided a concrete roadmap for Armenia and Azerbaijan, with the support of the United States, to strengthen peace, achieve prosperity, and deepen partnership.  In the year since these courageous leaders gathered, the countries have laid the groundwork for continued success.

• Armenia and Azerbaijan maintained stability along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, and the two sides are taking concrete steps to normalize relations, delimit borders, and build confidence through measures essential to lasting stability.

• The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) – a multimodal transit route – is moving from vision to reality, with concrete progress such as the U.S.-Armenia agreement to form the TRIPP Development Company to lead infrastructure development.  Engineering surveys in Armenia are already underway.  Azerbaijan has nearly completed in its territory a highway and railroad to connect to TRIPP in Armenia. The three countries also support the building of an electricity transmission line through the TRIPP.

• The United States granted $201 million to the Trans-Caspian Enterprise Fund to help bring private sector investment to the Trans-Caspian Trade Route (Middle Corridor) in the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

• The United States has deepened ties with both Armenia and Azerbaijan, signing charters outlining new, bilateral strategic partnerships, as well as Memoranda of Understanding on energy security, border infrastructure and security, AI and semiconductor innovation, and critical minerals, which are investments in the long-term prosperity of all three nations and have already produced tangible results.

• Following the spirit of the White House peace summit, Azerbaijan has unilaterally lifted all transit restrictions with respect to Armenia.  Within one year, close to 60,000 tons of goods have been transported to and from Armenia through Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan also supplied 20,000 tons of oil products supplied by Azerbaijan to Armenia. The two countries continue to work to increase bilateral trade.

• Telecom operators in the two countries signed an internet agreement that will diversify regional connectivity routes, enhance reliability and resilience in the South Caucasus, and support infrastructure development in Eurasian telecom networks.

• The OSCE Minsk Group and related structures were dissolved at the joint request of Armenia and Azerbaijan – a recognition that the era of unresolved conflict is over.

• Upon the invitation of the United States, Armenia and Azerbaijan joined the Board of Peace, demonstrating that they stand side by side with the United States in efforts to create a more peaceful and prosperous world.

The United States, Armenia, and Azerbaijan reaffirm their unwavering support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction of both Armenia and Azerbaijan within their internationally recognized borders. 

The three states remain committed to the full implementation of the August 8 Joint Declaration in both letter and spirit, as well as unlocking the extraordinary economic potential of the region.  Additionally, the United States remains committed to the full implementation of the bilateral Charters and Memoranda of Understanding signed with Armenia and Azerbaijan and to strengthening its bilateral relationships with both countries.

True peace is never achieved in just one day, but as President Trump says – Promises Made, Promises Kept.  Azerbaijan and Armenia’s steps toward a lasting peace are a model for the world – and we look forward to the region’s bright and prosperous future.

The case involving Armenian Apostolic Church Catholicos Karekin II and other high-ranking clergymen has been assigned to Judge Serzh Rushanyan of the Armavir Regional Court of First Instance of General Jurisdiction after the initial judge withdrew from the case, citing a potential conflict of interest related to the lawyer representing the Catholicos, according to online court documents. 

The initial hearing in the trial of Karekin II and six other high-ranking archbishops — members of the Supreme Spiritual Council — began last week in a court in Vagharshapat, a city in Armavir Province that is home to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Shortly after the hearing began, Judge Hakob Manukyan withdrew from the case. He cited as the basis for his recusal the fact that he had received his license to practice law from lawyer Ara Zohrabyan, who at the time was serving as president of the Chamber of Advocates of Armenia. Zohrabyan is representing Karekin II in court.

Catholicos Karekin II has been charged with obstructing the enforcement of a legally binding court ruling by using his official powers in his capacity as both Catholicos and Chairman of the Supreme Spiritual Council.

On January 10, 2026, by order of Karekin II, Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, the Primate of the Diocese of Masyatsotn, was removed from his position as diocesan leader.

Bishop Gevorg Saroyan challenged the decision to remove him from office in court. On January 17, the court ruled that he should be reinstated as Primate of the Diocese until a final judicial decision is issued in the case.

Charges have been brought against the Catholicos and six bishops for failing to comply with the court’s ruling. The clergy members have denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the court does not have jurisdiction over such matters.

Seven people were injured in a road accident in the town of Kapan on Tuesday and were taken to Kapan Medical Center, Armenia’s Interior Ministry said.

According to preliminary information, a HOWO truck collided with a parked GAZelle minibus serving the Syunik village–Kapan route in Kapan’s Baghaberd district.

The injured individuals were reported to be in moderately serious condition.

Police officers were dispatched to the scene.

The circumstances of the accident are being investigated.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has congratulated Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his Civil Contract party’s victory in Armenia’s parliamentary elections.

The letter, published by the Armenian Prime Minister’s Office, reads:

“Your Excellency,

On behalf of the government and people of Australia, I warmly congratulate you and the Civil Contract party on your success in Armenia’s parliamentary elections held on June 7, 2026.

Australia welcomes the participation of the Armenian people in this democratic process and recognizes the significance of these elections for Armenia’s future.

Australia highly values the historic progress made toward achieving comprehensive and lasting peace with Azerbaijan. I encourage continued efforts to reach a signed and ratified agreement.

I also welcome Armenia’s continued efforts toward reform and cooperation with international partners in support of economic prosperity, democratic governance and sovereignty.

Australia values its relationship with Armenia, which has been enriched by the Armenian community in Australia and its contribution to our multicultural society. I look forward to strengthening cooperation between our two countries in the coming years.

I wish you and your government every success in your important work.”

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan spoke by phone with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

The Ukrainian foreign minister congratulated Mirzoyan on his reappointment as Armenia’s foreign minister, according to a readout.

The foreign ministers discussed issues related to the bilateral agenda between Armenia and Ukraine.

They also exchanged views on the regional situation and recent developments.