Newsfeed – CIVILNET “We are living in hell, 25% of our Armenian Quarter is gone” – PART 1 Jun 09, 2023 10:14 pm As CivilNet continues its coverage of the Cows’ Garden or Goveru Bardez issue in Jerusalem, we unpack this complex issue and the protest movement that started, after it came to light that 25% of the… Read more... Court finds woman guilty of attempting to kidnap prime minister’s son Jun 09, 2023 10:05 pm Two U.S. senators have introduced a resolution condemning Azerbaijan’s blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh, now approaching its sixth month.A State Department spokesperson declined to say when a high-level… Read more... Explainer: Jerusalem’s Armenians rally against ‘fraudulent’ land deal Jun 09, 2023 8:21 pm By Mark Dovich In recent weeks, members of Jerusalem’s Armenian community have repeatedly rallied against a controversial land deal that will see roughly a quarter of the holy city’s Armenian Quarter… Read more... Russia is becoming hostage to Turkey and Azerbaijan Jun 09, 2023 7:35 pm Georgi Derluguian, Professor of Historical Sociology at New York University Abu Dhabi, sits down with CivilNet Editor-in-Chief Karen Harutyunyan to talk about recent developments in Armenia’s wider… Read more... Armenia-Azerbaijan summit in Washington postponed by Baku Jun 08, 2023 10:05 pm Azerbaijan has provided information to the European Court of Human Rights on the two Armenian servicemen allegedly abducted last month.Armenian foreign minister and newly elected Turkish foreign minister… Read more... Celebrating 100 episodes of Insights with Eric Hacopian Jun 08, 2023 8:05 pm As we mark the 100 episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric and the team would like to thank all our viewers for joining us on this journey. In this special episode, we are doing something a little… Read more... EU border mission to double number of ‘operational hubs’ in Armenia Jun 07, 2023 10:05 pm The European Union said it will double the number of “operational hubs” for monitors deployed to the Armenian side of the border with Azerbaijan.Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan spoke with… Read more... Diaspora: Armenia’s “black gold” for economic development Jun 07, 2023 8:05 pm Diana Sarumova, executive director at the European Business Association in Armenia, sits down with CivilNet’s Mark Dovich to talk about Armenia’s improving business environment, the challenges facing… Read more... Trial against Azerbaijani soldier accused of murdering Armenian civilian to start this week Jun 06, 2023 10:05 pm The trial against the Azerbaijani soldier accused of murdering an Armenian civilian in southern Armenia in April will begin on Friday, the Prosecutor General’s Office said.Azerbaijani Ombudsperson Sabina… Read more... Foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan to meet in Washington next week Jun 05, 2023 10:05 pm The foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan will meet in Washington next week for another round of peace talks.Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said that Armenia “has no right” to negotiate… Read more... Jerusalem’s Armenian community continues protests against controversial land deal Jun 05, 2023 9:13 pm As we continue to bring you on-the-ground coverage from Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter, CivilNet’s team spoke with Hagop Djernazian, a young Jerusalemite Armenian activist who has been organizing weekly… Read more... Armenia’s largest gold mine partially closed over shelling from Azerbaijan Jun 05, 2023 7:51 pm By Mark Dovich The Russian company that owns Sotk, Armenia’s largest gold mine, said last week it had indefinitely suspended open-pit operations at the site, citing shelling from Azerbaijan. “Further… Read more... Leading Armenian mobile network operator takes stake in Georgia: Business Week Armenia Jun 03, 2023 8:05 pm Team Telecom, one of Armenia’s leading mobile network operators, struck a deal to take a 30% stake in the Georgian telecommunications company SkyTel.The owner of Sotk, Armenia’s largest gold mine,… Read more... Pashinyan-Aliyev talks in Moldova end without agreement Jun 02, 2023 10:05 pm Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s latest round of peace talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Moldova ended without any new agreements reached.Pashinyan and Aliyev are set to hold… Read more... Pashinyan to attend Erdoğan’s inauguration on first visit to Turkey Jun 02, 2023 6:35 pm By Mark Dovich Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will attend newly reelected Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s inauguration Saturday in Ankara, marking the first visit by an Armenian leader… Read more... Azerbaijan resorts to hostage-taking amid ‘peace talks’ with Armenia Jun 01, 2023 8:05 pm In the latest episodes of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric discusses Azerbaijan’s apparent abduction of two Armenian soldiers from Armenian territory last week and the fallout from the latest round… Read more... Armenians accused of selling babies still work in hospitals and government Jun 01, 2023 3:39 pm This investigation was conducted by openDemocracy.net and irpiMedia Revealed: Members of alleged illegal adoption gang that sold babies to Italy keep high-profile jobs despite charges By Tatev Hovhannisyan… Read more... European court requests information from Azerbaijan on detained Armenian soldiers May 31, 2023 10:05 pm The European Court of Human Rights requested that Azerbaijan provide information on the condition of two Armenian soldiers apparently abducted late last week.Armenia called on the United States to “adequately… Read more... Wine Days in Armenia May 31, 2023 9:05 pm Mary Badalyan, cofounder and executive director of Yerevan Wine Days, sat down with CivilNet’s Mark Dovich to talk about how she helped start one of Armenia’s most anticipated annual street festivals.… Read more... ‘Refrain from maximalist positions,’ Michel urges ahead of Moldova talks May 30, 2023 10:05 pm European Council President Charles Michel called on Armenia and Azerbaijan “to refrain from maximalist positions and aim for dialogue” as the two countries’ leaders prepare to meet for a fresh round… Read more... Armenia appeals to European court over soldiers’ apparent abduction May 29, 2023 10:05 pm Armenia has appealed to the European Court of Human Rights over Azerbaijan’s apparent abduction last week of two Armenian soldiers from Armenian territory.Russia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed plans… Read more... AND IN OTHER NEWS: Erdoğan wins in Turkey May 29, 2023 6:11 pm NEW: #Turkiye has closed its airspace to #Armenia over the unveiling of the Nemesis monument, Turkish Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu tells local TV channel NTV.Only the Speaker of the Armenian Parliament… Read more... Baku will have to overcome several obstacles before it can double its gas sales to Europe May 28, 2023 3:08 pm The article was published in the World Energy Weekly (May 29 issue), a publication of a French think-tank specializing in energy issues. If Azerbaijan is to double its exports to the European Union, it… Read more... US blacklists Armenian chemical importer for Russia ties: Business Week Armenia May 27, 2023 8:05 pm The United States sanctioned one of Armenia’s largest industrial and laboratory chemical importers for doing business in Russia.Tbilisi denied Yerevan’s announcement that Armenian companies could… Read more... What does “winning” mean in Karabakh? May 27, 2023 6:05 pm Gaïdz Minassian, a journalist at Le Monde in France, a scholar, and a political analyst joins CivilNet to discuss how Armenian journalists can and should cover the Karabakh conflict ethically and effectively,… Read more... Despite lack of progress, Kremlin says Armenia, Azerbaijan close to peace deal May 26, 2023 10:05 pm The latest round of peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan ended in Moscow Thursday after just 20 minutes without any apparent progress made to resolve the countries’ decades-long conflict. In the… Read more... TURKEY VOTES: The Armenian and Kurdish Factor May 26, 2023 9:05 pm As Turkey’s presidential election heads to a runoff, slated for Sunday, Aras Publishing House Editor-in-Chief Rober Koptaş joins CivilNet to discuss what a victory for President Erdoğan or the opposition… Read more... Post-Soviet Media: Money and Freedom May 26, 2023 8:22 pm Thomas Kent, the former President of Radio Free Europe, and Standards Editor at the Associated Press sat down with CivilNet to discuss the challenges facing independent media in Armenia and the region,… Read more... Latest Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks end in Moscow without progress May 26, 2023 12:18 pm By Mark Dovich The latest round of peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan ended in Moscow Thursday after just 20 minutes without any apparent progress made to resolve the countries’ decades-long… Read more... Pashinyan-Aliyev-Putin meeting set for Moscow, as speculation about peace deal swirls May 25, 2023 10:05 pm Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has arrived in Moscow to take part in a meeting with the Azerbaijani and Russian Presidents, Ilham Aliyev and Vladimir Putin. The latest figures from Armenia’s… Read more... Would peace on Azerbaijan’s terms last in Karabakh? May 25, 2023 8:05 pm In the latest episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric discusses the latest reforms made in the Armenian military to allow women to enlist in a six month volunteer program. Eric also explains… Read more... Stepanakert reacts to Pashinyan’s proposed peace deal with Azerbaijan May 25, 2023 3:26 pm By Mark Dovich While Nagorno-Karabakh’s current and past officials have strongly rebuked Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for indicating his readiness to recognize Azerbaijan’s claims to the… Read more... Armenia now most democratic country in region, says Freedom House May 24, 2023 10:05 pm Nagorno-Karabakh President Arayik Harutyunyan slammed Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for saying he is ready to recognize Azerbaijan’s claims to the region.In this year’s Nations in Transit… Read more... TURKEY VOTES: ‘Aliyev is becoming a tool against Turkish democracy’ May 24, 2023 8:05 pm As Turkey heads to the polls on Sunday for a second round of presidential elections, former candidate Sinan Oğan announced over the weekend that he is endorsing incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.… Read more... Opinion: Nikol Pashinyan does not have a mandate to hand over Artsakh to Azerbaijan May 24, 2023 2:38 pm By Karen Harutyunyan, Editor-In-Chief It is evident that Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan believes that his party’s landslide victory in the 2021 snap parliamentary elections has given him… Read more... Pashinyan’s solution will not bring peace, says former Armenian minister May 23, 2023 10:05 pm Artsakh’s parliament convened an extraordinary session today regarding Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s remarks Monday, where the latter said he would accept Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan.… Read more... 2023 to be record-breaking year for tourism in Armenia May 23, 2023 9:05 pm Sisian Boghossian, head of Armenia’s Tourism Committee, sits down with CivilNet to discuss the country’s latest tourism figures. Boghossian also talks about strategies to increase tourism, including… Read more... “We have fallen, but we will rise. We cannot break”, Hon. Gassia Apkarian May 23, 2023 7:05 pm Hon. Gassia Apkarian sits down with Lara Tcholakian to share her role and achievements as Judge of the Superior Court of Orange County in California, and the achievements that the Center for Truth and… Read more... TURKEY VOTES: Armenian ancestry weaponized in Turkish political smear campaigns May 23, 2023 6:05 pm As Turkey’s presidential election heads to a runoff, slated for Sunday, Aras Publishing House Editor-in-Chief Rober Koptaş joins CivilNet to discuss whether the elections are truly free and fair and… Read more... Stepanakert rebukes Pashinyan for floating possibility of Azerbaijani control May 23, 2023 5:26 pm By Mark Dovich Nagorno-Karabakh’s current and past officials have strongly rebuked Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s comments referring to his readiness to recognize that Azerbaijan’s territory… Read more... Withdrawal from Russia-led security treaty still on the table, says Armenian prime minister May 22, 2023 10:05 pm Armenia’s possible withdrawal from the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a Russian-led military alliance, is still on Armenia’s agenda, said Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a press conference… Read more... Pashinyan says Armenia ready to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan May 22, 2023 8:51 pm By Mark Dovich Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Monday he is prepared to recognize that Azerbaijan’s territory includes Nagorno-Karabakh, provided that guarantees are made for the rights and security… Read more... Financing for Amulsar mine depends on environmental audit, lender says May 22, 2023 1:54 pm By Mark Dovich A key regional development bank has signaled that its decision to finance a large portion of the funds needed to put Armenia’s Amulsar gold mine into operation will depend on the findings… Read more... Development bank financing for Amulsar to hinge on environmental assessment: Business Week Armenia May 20, 2023 8:05 pm In this week’s edition of CivilNet’s business digest: The Eurasian Development Bank said it will decide to move forward with financing Armenia’s Amulsar mine only after an environmental impact assessment… Read more... Foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan note ‘some progress’ in peace talks May 19, 2023 10:05 pm Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held a tripartite meeting today in Moscow with his Azerbaijani and Russian counterparts, Jeyhun Bayramov and Sergey Lavrov. Mirzoyan noted that the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh… Read more... #ՄաքրաՊատում – Invigorating Armenia’s anti-littering drive May 19, 2023 8:05 pm Armenian citizens regularly express concerns about the state of littering in the country. From cigarette buds to large household items, countless streets, parks, and areas of natural beauty have been… Read more... Pashinyan confirms new meeting next week with Aliyev, Putin, despite border tensions May 18, 2023 10:05 pm Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said today that he had accepted a proposal from Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet with him and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev next Thursday in Moscow.An Armenian… Read more... Did Armenia’s army give Aliyev’s forces a hammering in Sotk? May 18, 2023 8:05 pm In the latest episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric discusses Azerbaijan’s latest aggressive actions around the Armenian village of Sotk, as well as reports that Azerbaijani forces suffered greater… Read more... US trying to push Russia out of Armenia, Russian foreign minister says May 17, 2023 10:05 pm Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the United States of working to destabilize the situation in the South Caucasus and encouraging Armenia to drive Russia out of the country.Lavrov also said… Read more... Did Armenia’s 2018 Velvet Revolution upset the geopolitical architecture of the region? May 17, 2023 9:05 pm Nerses Kopalyan, professor of political science at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, sits down with CivilNet as Armenia marks five years since the Velvet Revolution that catapulted Prime Minister Nikol… Read more... TURKEY VOTES: Erdoğan, Turkish opposition and Armenia normalization May 17, 2023 8:05 pm In the run-up to the second round of Turkey’s presidential elections, Aras Editor-in-Chief Rober Koptaş joins CivilNet to discuss the potential foreign policy approaches of both President Erdoğan… Read more... Critical reservoir in Karabakh dries up amid Azerbaijan’s blockade May 16, 2023 9:05 pm Sarsang, located in the Martakert region, is the largest reservoir in Karabakh. Its water volume has reached a critical level, and residents and local authorities fear the reservoir will completely dry… Read more... Azerbaijan’s influence on Turkish elections May 16, 2023 7:05 pm With less than two weeks until the second round of Turkey’s presidential election, Rober Koptaş, Aras Publishing House Editor-in-Chief, joins CivilNet to discuss Azerbaijan’s leverage over and influence… Read more... Azerbaijan to release more Armenian POWs, says EU official May 15, 2023 10:05 pm Azerbaijan will release more Armenian prisoners of war in the coming weeks, European Council President Charles Michel said at a press conference after meeting with the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan… Read more... What came out of Pashinyan and Aliyev talks in Brussels? May 15, 2023 9:05 pm Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a meeting in Brussels Sunday with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and European Council President Charles Michel. This comes following multi-day talks in… Read more... TURKEY VOTES: Turkish election goes to run-off as opposition disappoints in the polls May 15, 2023 7:05 pm As Turkey’s presidential election heads to a runoff, slated for May 28, Aras Publishing House Editor-in-Chief Rober Koptaş joins CivilNet to discuss what turned out to be a disappointing night for… Read more... Leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan agree to more talks as violence flares on border May 15, 2023 6:27 pm By Mark Dovich The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to hold at least another two summits in the near future after meeting in Brussels Sunday with the European Union’s top official. Following… Read more... Yazidi victims of ISIS genocide in Iraq still cannot return home May 15, 2023 1:21 pm By Vicken Cheterian Barzan Jurdo is 29 years old. He has already spent nine of those years in a refugee camp. We are sitting in front of a plastic tent – his temporary home – in Qasr Nisrin, Iraq.… Read more... Is Armenia’s demographic decline reversible? May 14, 2023 8:49 am Op-ed by Karen Harutyunyan, editor-in-chief The permanent population of Armenia, defined as people with permanent residency, was 2,928,914 as of October 2022. This is according to preliminary results… Read more... Investments in Azerbaijan hydrocarbons have decreased since 2018 and will continue to trend downwards: Petrostrategies May 13, 2023 8:45 am The article was published in World Energy Weekly (May 8 issue), a publication of Petrostrategies, a French think-tank specializing in energy issues. A recent paper by Rystad Energy presents an outline… Read more... Azerbaijani drone strike injures two servicemen in Armenia May 12, 2023 10:05 pm An Azerbaijani drone strike in the vicinity of Sotk village in Armenia’s eastern Gegharkunik Region has injured two Armenian servicemen earlier today. The Armenian Defense Ministry reported that one… Read more... Villages in Artsakh face a ‘double blockade’ May 12, 2023 8:05 pm Azerbaijan’s new checkpoint in the Lachin corridor near the border with Armenia has left four Armenian villages in Nagorno-Karabakh – Lisagor, Yeghtsahogh, Mets Shen and Hin Shen – in a double blockade.… Read more... TURKEY VOTES: The Kurdish-Backed Party and Turkey’s Armenians May 11, 2023 8:35 pm In the run-up to Turkey’s general elections on May 14, Aras Editor-in-Chief Rober Koptaş joins CivilNet to discuss the third major force in Turkish politics - the HDP, the pro-minority People’s Democratic… Read more... Renewed Azerbaijani aggression is an attempt to ‘nullify’ peace talks, says Armenian prime minister May 11, 2023 8:19 pm Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire on Armenian positions near Sotk Village in Armenia’s eastern border at around 6am this morning, according to the Armenian Defense Ministry. Four Armenian servicemen… Read more... Aliyev trashes Blinken’s peace talks ‘progress’ May 11, 2023 8:05 pm In the latest episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric discusses the ongoing illegal blockade of Artsakh and the emerging water crisis. Eric also talks about the multi-day negotiations which took… Read more... Pashinyan to attend Victory Day events in Moscow May 08, 2023 10:05 pm Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev are set to meet in Brussels later this week with European Council President Charles Michel, the Financial Times reported.Pashinyan’s… Read more... ‘ICC membership has a deterrence role,’ says former court chief May 08, 2023 7:05 pm In the aftermath of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, Armenian legal teams have been working to find new ways to hold Azerbaijan accountable for abuse and war crimes committed against Armenian servicemen… Read more... Analyzing the Washington talks: Baku and Yerevan’s views diverge on 3 major issues May 08, 2023 10:34 am Op-ed by Tigran Grigoryan The foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan led their respective delegations in four-day talks that concluded in Washington last Thursday. The negotiations were carefully… Read more... Delays at key border crossing for Armenia’s trade with Russia to be reduced: Business Week Armenia May 06, 2023 8:05 pm In this week’s edition of CivilNet’s business digest: Lengthy delays at the border crossing between Georgia and Russia, reportedly due to malfunctioning X-ray machines, are expected to be reduced… Read more... Pashinyan to head to Moscow as Armenia-Azerbaijan talks conclude in US May 05, 2023 10:05 pm After multiday peace talks in the United States between delegations from Armenia and Azerbaijan, the two countries’ foreign ministries released identical statements noting that their positions on a… Read more... Do Pashinyan’s predecessors share the responsibility for the 2020 war defeat? May 05, 2023 9:05 pm Armenia’s former education minister and Republican Party member, Armen Ashotyan, sat down with CivilNet to reflect on the 5th anniversary of the 2018 Velvet Revolution, which catapulted Nikol Pashinyan… Read more... ‘Huge differences’ remain between Yerevan, Baku despite ‘progress’ in US talks May 05, 2023 8:42 pm By Mark Dovich Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan acknowledged Friday that a wide gulf remains between Armenia and Azerbaijan’s positions in peace talks, while recognizing that some progress had been achieved… Read more... TURKEY VOTES:Who is Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu? May 05, 2023 8:35 pm In CivilNet’s latest interview with Aras Editor-in-Chief Rober Koptaş in the run-up to Turkey’s general elections, Koptaş discussed the leader of Turkey’s main opposition coalition, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu,… Read more... ‘A document is on the table’: US-brokered Armenia-Azerbaijan talks enter final day May 04, 2023 10:05 pm Today is expected to mark the tentative final day of talks in Washington, D.C., between Armenian and Azerbaijan’s foreign ministers. This comes as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confirmed yesterday… Read more... TURKEY VOTES: Erdoğan Faces Strongest Opposition in Years May 04, 2023 9:53 pm Turkey is gearing up to elect a new president and parliament in less than two weeks. In the run-up to that crucial vote, CivilNet will be airing a new segment each day with Rober Koptaş, the editor in… Read more... The end of the Aliyev and Erdoğan love story? May 04, 2023 8:05 pm In the latest episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric discusses the ongoing peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Washington, D.C., and their probable outcomes. Eric also gives his take on… Read more... Turkey closes airspace to Armenian planes over new Operation Nemesis monument in Yerevan May 03, 2023 10:05 pm Turkey has closed its airspace to Armenian airliners traveling to third countries due to the unveiling of a monument to the participants of Operation Nemesis last week in Yerevan, Foreign Minister Mevlüt… Read more... ARMENIA’S STOCK EXCHANGE: WHO NEEDS IT? May 03, 2023 8:05 pm Konstantin Saroyan, Secretary General at the Yerevan-based Federation of Euro-Asian Stock Exchanges, joined CivilNet’s Mark Dovich to talk about the importance of Armenia’s sole stock exchange and… Read more... AND IN OTHER NEWS: Turkey Responds to Armenian Genocide Commemorations May 03, 2023 7:54 pm Armenians around the world marked another anniversary of the 1915 genocide, made even more emotional by the very real current threat of ethnic cleansing under way in Nagorno-Karabakh. Here’s the latest… Read more... Armenia has ‘highest expectations’ for Washington talks with Azerbaijan, says lawmaker May 02, 2023 10:05 pm U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken launched multi-day negotiations in Washington with Foreign Ministers Ararat Mirzoyan of Armenia and Jeyhun Bayramov of Azerbaijan.Voice of America’s Armenian service… Read more... Armenia’s population below 3 million according to new census May 02, 2023 8:52 pm By Mark Dovich A new census suggests Armenia’s population has fallen below 3 million people for the first time since the country gained independence from the Soviet Union. That stands in stark contrast… Read more... What happens if Aliyev’s maximalist demands are actually met? May 02, 2023 8:05 pm CivilNet host and analyst Eric Hacopian discussed Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s maximalist demands for the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and what would happen if a new conflict in the region… Read more... ‘I seized the opportunity to grow and to give in Gyumri’ – Sarah Stites May 02, 2023 7:05 pm Sarah Stites sat down with Lara Tcholakian to share her role and achievements as the Development Officer at the Emily Aregak Center and at the Caritas Aregak Foundation in Gyumri, Armenia’s second city.… Read more... Armenia to increase stake in Russian-led development bank: Business Week Armenia Apr 29, 2023 8:05 pm In this week’s edition of CivilNet’s business digest: Armenia’s parliament approved a deal to buy out a portion of Russia’s shares in the Eurasian Development Bank, taking Armenia’s stake to… Read more... Only Russia has and should have control over Lachin corridor, says Pashinyan Apr 27, 2023 10:05 pm A new meeting will be held in Russia between the foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia, according to Maria Zakharova, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry… Read more... Pashinyan’s problematic peace process approaches Apr 27, 2023 8:05 pm In the latest episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric discusses Azerbaijan’s move over the weekend to establish a military checkpoint on the only overland route between Armenia and Artsakh, “finalizing”… Read more... Russia to appoint new Nagorno-Karabakh commander, state media says Apr 26, 2023 10:05 pm Colonel-General Alexander Lentsov will take over Russia’s peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh, Sputnik Armenia reported. Moscow has not officially confirmed the news.Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan… Read more... How has the tech industry transformed Gyumri – and what comes next? Apr 26, 2023 8:05 pm Todd Fabacher, Co-Founder of Digital Pomegranate, sat down with Gevorg Safaryan, host of CivilNet’s #Businessմենք program, to discuss Gyumri’s economic potential, his move to Armenia, and what… Read more... ‘No country is ready to pressure Azerbaijan to remove the military checkpoint’ Apr 26, 2023 6:05 pm Regional analyst Benyamin Poghosyan sat down to discuss Azerbaijan’s move over the weekend to set up a military checkpoint on the Lachin corridor, in effect completing its blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh,… Read more... 4 Armenian villages completely isolated as Azerbaijan installs new checkpoint Apr 25, 2023 8:05 pm Azerbaijani border guards moved on Sunday to block the Hakari bridge, which lies within the Lachin corridor close to the border with Armenia, and set up a checkpoint there, dramatically escalating tensions… Read more... AND IN OTHER NEWS: Dehumanization of Armenians Continues in Azerbaijan Apr 24, 2023 9:09 am https://twitter.com/CaucasusHW/status/1643998007333994496 The important Caucasus Heritage Watch project which used satellite imagery to demonstrate the essential and complete erasure of all Armenian culture… Read more... ‘Turkey spends billions on global Armenian Genocide denial campaign’ – A talk with Suren Manukyan Apr 23, 2023 9:05 pm Suren Manukyan, the Head of the Department of Comparative Genocide Studies at the Armenian Genocide Museum and Institute, sat down with CivilNet’s Emilio Cricchio to discuss how the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh… Read more... Regional Security in Peril: Azerbaijan’s Checkpoint in Lachin Corridor Apr 23, 2023 8:49 pm Op-ed by Tigran GrigoryanOn April 23, Azerbaijani forces blocked the Hakari bridge, which is situated at the end of the new route of the Lachin corridor near the Armenian border, and established a checkpoint… Read more... Azerbaijan sets up checkpoint along Lachin corridor Apr 23, 2023 8:22 pm By Mark Dovich Azerbaijan on Sunday moved to set up a checkpoint along the Lachin corridor, effectively fulfilling one of its longstanding demands and dramatically escalating tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh… Read more... Business Week Armenia: Government expands tax breaks for IT sector Apr 22, 2023 8:05 pm In this week’s edition of CivilNet’s business digest: The government approved plans to expand a scheme providing tax breaks for IT firms, bringing the total amount of pledged support under that program… Read more... Pashinyan’s cabinet greenlights plans for women to serve in army Apr 21, 2023 10:05 pm Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s cabinet approved a proposal allowing women to serve for six months in Armenia’s army on a voluntary basis in exchange for about $2,600 in compensation.The cabinet… Read more... What will an Erdoğan defeat mean for Armenia – A talk with Garo Paylan Apr 21, 2023 6:05 pm Garo Paylan, a member of Turkey’s parliament, spoke to CivilNet about the news that he will not be running for reelection in May’s general elections. Paylan also discussed the decision by his party,… Read more... Armenia begins process to construct customs post on Turkey border Apr 20, 2023 10:05 pm Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that Armenia is ready to accept border observers from the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a Russian-led security bloc.The European Union nominated… Read more... RISK MANAGEMENT FOR CENTRAL BANKS Apr 20, 2023 9:05 pm Armen Nurbekyan, Deputy Governor at Armenia’s Central Bank, sat down with CivilNet’s Mark Dovich to talk about the state of Armenia’s economy and what the Armenian government is doing to tackle… Read more... A message for USAID chief Samantha Power Apr 20, 2023 8:05 pm In the latest episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric discusses some of former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan’s remarks about high-level corruption in Nagorno-Karabakh. Eric also talks about the… Read more... “Karabakh Armenians must accept Azerbaijani citizenship or leave,” says Aliyev Apr 19, 2023 10:05 pm Armenia’s Prosecutor General’s Office charged Huseyn Akhundov, an Azerbaijani soldier who crossed into Armenia earlier this month, with murdering a security guard working at a mine in southern Armenia.Armenia’s… Read more... Austrian, Armenian scientists sign agreement to study Armenia’s Mars-like terrain Apr 19, 2023 6:05 pm The Armenian Aerospace Agency signed a memorandum of understanding over the weekend with the Austrian Space Forum regarding the AMADEE-224 Mars Analog Mission, which is set to be held in Armenia. The… Read more... Azerbaijani soldier who crossed into Armenia murdered Armenian civilian, says ruling party MP Apr 18, 2023 10:05 pm Narek Ghahramanyan, an Armenian lawmaker from the ruling Civil Contract party, told reporters today in parliament that one of the Azerbaijani servicemen who was arrested in Armenia after crossing the… Read more... Armenia arrests 2 Azerbaijani soldiers who crossed border Apr 17, 2023 10:05 pm The two Azerbaijani servicemen who crossed into Armenia last week have been arrested and formally charged, according to Armenia’s Prosecutor General’s office. Azerbaijani units fired on Armenian… Read more... Fleeing war, Russian emigres build new lives in Armenia and Georgia Apr 17, 2023 7:40 pm By Anya Eganyan and Tata Shoshiashvili When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, tens of thousands of Russians fled to Georgia and Armenia. Over a year on, many have stayed, finding new… Read more... Expanding labor unions and workers’ rights in Armenia Apr 17, 2023 7:05 pm Shawna Bader Blau, the executive director of the Solidarity Center, joined CivilNet to discuss how she and her team aim to create a global labor movement, including by cooperating with labor unions in… Read more... Business Week Armenia: Government watchdog blocks sale of country’s biggest telecoms company Apr 15, 2023 9:05 pm In this week’s edition of CivilNet’s business digest: An Armenian government watchdog blocked MTS, Russia’s biggest mobile network operator, from selling off its Armenian subsidiary, citing national… Read more... AUA announces new public affairs master’s degree Apr 15, 2023 7:05 pm Uroš Prokić, assistant professor of political science at the American University of Armenia, sat down with CivilNet to discuss the university’s new Master of Public Affairs degree program, job prospects… Read more... Azerbaijan has occupied at least 215 square kilometers of Armenian territory since 2020 Apr 14, 2023 10:05 pm After Armenia’s defeat in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, Azerbaijani forces have taken steps to occupy Armenia’s sovereign territory on a number of occasions. The latest advance took place just last… Read more... Azerbaijan’s policy of aggressive borderization and its main objectives Apr 14, 2023 2:35 pm Op-ed by Tigran Grigoryan On April 11, a deadly fighting broke out between Azerbaijani and Armenian armed forces in the vicinity of Tegh village in Armenia’s Syunik region. As can be clearly seen in… Read more... Second Azerbaijani soldier detained in Armenia, suspected of murdering civilian Apr 13, 2023 10:05 pm A second Azerbaijani serviceman was found and detained today near the city of Kapan in Armenia’s southernmost Syunik region, according to Aram Torosyan, a spokesman for the Armenian Defense Ministry. The… Read more... Aliyev’s thugs terrorize Artsakh’s separated families Apr 13, 2023 8:05 pm In the latest episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric discusses the tightening of Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh. Eric also talks about this week’s clashes between Armenian and Azerbaijani… Read more... Armenia’s Tegh village reels from deadly clashes with Azerbaijan Apr 12, 2023 7:36 pm Relative calm had returned to the Armenia-Azerbaijan border by Wednesday morning, according to Armenia’s Defense Ministry, after a firefight near the Armenian border village of Tegh Tuesday afternoon… Read more... Azerbaijan spins Armenia clashes amid declining global reputation Apr 12, 2023 5:35 pm CivilNet host and analyst Tigran Grigoryan sat down to unpack the firefight yesterday near the village of Tegh in Armenia’s southernmost Syunik region, which left at least four Armenian servicemen and… Read more... Deadly firefight breaks out along Armenia-Azerbaijan border in major escalation Apr 11, 2023 7:51 pm By Mark Dovich A firefight broke out between Armenian and Azerbaijani troops near the Armenian border village of Tegh Tuesday afternoon local time, leaving a number of soldiers on both sides dead and… Read more... Fatalities reported as Azerbaijani troops open fire on Armenian positions Apr 11, 2023 7:21 pm The authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh submitted a proposal today to hold a meeting with the Azerbaijan side with the mediation of the Russian peacekeeping contingent, according to the state-run Artsakh… Read more... ‘We must reinvigorate nuclear physics in Armenia’: Ani Aprahamian Apr 11, 2023 7:05 pm Ani Aprahamian sat down with Lara Tcholakian to share her role and achievements as the director of Yerevan’s Alikhanyan National Science Laboratory. She discussed how applied sciences and quantum physics… Read more... AZERBAIJAN’S BLOCKADE: ECONOMIC IMPACT Apr 11, 2023 6:05 pm Azerbaijan’s ongoing blockade of the Lachin corridor, now beyond its 120th day, is inflicting daily losses of about $1.9 million to Nagorno-Karabakh’s economy. That is according to a new report by… Read more... Azerbaijani soldier detained in Armenia after crossing border Apr 10, 2023 10:05 pm Armenian authorities arrested one Azerbaijani serviceman today after he apparently crossed into Armenian territory from the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhichevan. The search for a second Azerbaijani soldier… Read more... ‘We are fully committed to this region’: An interview with US Assistant Commerce Secretary Apr 10, 2023 7:05 pm Arun Venkataraman, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, sat down with CivilNet’s Mark Dovich to discuss efforts to advance… Read more... Turkey moves to strengthen its role on the international gas market: Petrostrategies Apr 08, 2023 9:35 pm The article was published in World Energy Weekly (April 10 issue), a publication of Petrostrategies, a French think tank specializing in energy issues. Turkey’s next President (whose name will probably… Read more... Business Week Armenia: Preparatory work underway on partial border reopening with Turkey Apr 08, 2023 9:05 pm In this week’s edition of CivilNet’s business digest: The Armenian government is beginning preparatory work to ensure that customs procedures can be applied on the Armenia-Turkey border if or when… Read more... Armenia to participate in US-led military exercises this year Apr 07, 2023 10:05 pm Armenian servicemen will participate in two U.S.-led military exercises in Europe later this year, according to Aram Torosyan, the spokesperson of the Armenian Defense Ministry. Armenian Prime Minister… Read more... WINE CULTURE REVITALIZED Apr 07, 2023 9:05 pm “In terms of winemaking, we couldn’t have made up a better story than the one that we have.” That is how Victoria Aslanian, CEO of Golden Grape ArmAs winery, describes Armenia’s storied history… Read more... Armenia begins preparatory work for partial border opening with Turkey Apr 06, 2023 10:05 pm “Certain problems, as well as the misreading of maps, caused Azerbaijani forces to set up posts within Armenia’s territory,” says Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The dates for a possible deployment… Read more... Protecting Armenian interests while not antagonizing Russia Apr 06, 2023 8:05 pm In the latest episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric discusses recent reports in the Russian media citing an unnamed source at the country’s Foreign Ministry warning of “extremely negative”… Read more... The plight of Armenian prisoners of war and the people of Artsakh Apr 06, 2023 12:05 pm InIn the latest edition of Frontlines, hosts Karnig Kerkonian and Garo Ghazarian are joined by journalist Uzay Bulut, Armenia’s former Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan, Linda Euljeckjian, whose husband… Read more... 4 Karabakh Armenians hospitalized after Azerbaijanis block convoy to Stepanakert Apr 05, 2023 10:05 pm Videos have emerged online appearing to show a group of Armenian women fainting after a confrontation with Azerbaijanis, as they were being escorted from Armenia to their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh by… Read more... AND IN OTHER NEWS: Baku doubles down on violent rhetoric Apr 05, 2023 6:43 pm It’s been a month since the International Court of Justice called upon Azerbaijan to ensure open traffic along the blockaded Lachin corridor which caused many to hope that the crisis would be coming… Read more... Spitting, Brawling and Armenian Politics Apr 04, 2023 10:05 pm A debate has been raging amongst Armenians after Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan was accused on Sunday of spitting in the face of a member of the general public after he was heckled and called a “traitor.”… Read more... Deepening Czech-Armenian relations: A talk with Ambassador Piruncik Apr 04, 2023 7:05 pm Petr Piruncik, the Czech Republic’s newly appointed Ambassador to Armenia, sat down with CivilNet’s Emilio Cricchio to discuss Prague’s position onAzerbaijan’s ongoing blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh… Read more... Water conflict looms in Nagorno-Karabakh as key reservoir dries up Apr 03, 2023 10:05 pm The Sarsang reservoir, located in Karabakh’s northern Martakert region, provides 40-60% of Nagorno-Karabakh’s electricity. Due to Azerbaijan’s blockade, which has included significant energy disruptions,… Read more... DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF ARMENIA Apr 03, 2023 8:35 pm “It’s here in Armenia, it’s already happening.” That’s how Artyom Shamtsyan, Chief Innovation and Digital Officer at Ameriabank, describes the country’s digital transformation. Artyom sat… Read more... Dissecting Azerbaijan’s reaction to the ICJ’s Nagorno-Karabakh blockade order Apr 03, 2023 7:05 pm International human rights lawyer Sheila Paylan sat down with CivilNet to discuss Baku’s reaction to the International Court of Justice’s ruling last month ordering Azerbaijan to take all measures… Read more... Business Week Armenia: Russia considering ban on Armenian dairy products Apr 01, 2023 9:05 pm In this week’s edition of CivilNet’s business digest: Russia’s food safety agency, Rosselkhoznadzor, said it is considering a ban on Armenian dairy products.*Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan set a… Read more... Azerbaijan sets up posts 300 meters into Armenian territory, alarming local residents Mar 31, 2023 10:05 pm Armenia’s National Security Service reported yesterday that Azerbaijani forces had advanced 100-300 meters into Armenia’s sovereign territory near the village of Aravus in Armenia’s southernmost… Read more... Towards the Centennial of the Turkish Republic: A Panel Discussion Mar 31, 2023 4:05 pm AUA College of Humanities and Social Sciences has organized a panel discussion entitled "Towards the Centennial of the Turkish Republic: Imperial Continuities and Ruptures." 2023 marks the centennial… Read more... Azerbaijani forces again fire at Armenian farmers in Karabakh Mar 30, 2023 10:05 pm Azerbaijani forces have blocked the Goris-Stepanakert highway, between the villages of Aghavno and Tegh, in the early hours of this morning. Nagorno-Karabakh’s Interior Ministry reported today that… Read more... Aliyev – Pokerface or Bluff Mar 30, 2023 8:05 pm In the latest episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric discusses news over the weekend that Azerbaijani forces had again advanced their positions in Artsakh. Eric also talks about Russia’s role… Read more... EU works to de-escalate Armenia-Azerbaijan tensions Mar 30, 2023 7:06 pm Andrea Wiktorin, the head of the European Union Delegation to Armenia, sat down with CivilNet’s Emilio Cricchio to discuss the EU’s recently deployed civilian mission to the Armenian side of the border… Read more... EU mission a success if Azerbaijan doesn’t attack Armenia this spring, mission chief says Mar 29, 2023 10:05 pm “Many Armenians believe there'll be a spring offensive by Azerbaijan. If this doesn't happen, our mission is already a success,” Markus Ritter, the head of the EU civilian mission on the Armenia-Azerbaijan… Read more... Are Governments Spying on Us? Mar 29, 2023 8:05 pm Media consultant Artur Papyan sat down with CivilNet to discuss recent reports about the alleged use of spyware software to target journalists, dissidents and politicians in Armenia. Papyan also talked… Read more... Stepanakert calls for dialogue, Baku insists on ‘reintegration’ agenda Mar 28, 2023 10:05 pm An unnamed source in Russia’s Foreign Ministry told the Russian state-run news agency TASS that Moscow has warned Yerevan of “extremely severe” consequences if Armenia becomes a member of the International… Read more... Trauma has shaped me to commit to doing something useful: Noubar Afeyan Mar 28, 2023 7:05 pm Noubar Afeyan sat down with Lara Tcholakian to share his historical narratives and the role that his great aunt Armenouhi had on him and his brothers as children. The Armenian genocide has helped… Read more... Azerbaijan again advances troops in Karabakh, spelling fears of renewed conflict Mar 27, 2023 10:05 pm The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh remains tense after Azerbaijani forces crossed the line of contact Saturday in the Shushi region, taking control of a secondary dirt road. As a result, the Armenian villages… Read more... Will Turkey survive if the opposition wins the election? A conversation with Cengiz Aktar Mar 27, 2023 8:05 pm Renowned Turkish political scientist and activist Cengiz Aktar sat down with CivilNet’s Eric Hacopian to talk about Turkey’s upcoming general election, the country’s continued de-Westernization,… Read more... Business Week Armenia: Government plans first dry port in Gyumri Mar 25, 2023 9:05 pm In this week’s edition of CivilNet’s business digest, we take a look at the devastating impact of Azerbaijan’s blockade on Nagorno-Karabakh’s economy, Armenia’s growing trade with Turkey, and… Read more... US congresspeople call for end to military aid to Azerbaijan Mar 24, 2023 10:05 pm Armenia has moved a step closer to ratifying the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court after the country’s Constitutional Court ruled today that the statute is compatible with Armenia’s… Read more... Biden invites Pashinyan to Democracy Summit, Aliyev not invited Mar 23, 2023 10:05 pm An Armenian soldier was killed yesterday afternoon by Azerbaijani forces near the village of Yeraskh on the Armenian border with the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhichevan, according to the Armenian Defense… Read more... A message for Washington’s Louis Bono Mar 23, 2023 8:05 pm In this week’s episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric discusses the humanitarian consequences of Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh, which has now stretched past its 100th day. Eric also gives… Read more... Blinken phones Pashinyan, Aliyev as tensions spiral Mar 22, 2023 10:05 pm U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held separate phone calls with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.Azerbaijan again blocked the sole pipeline supplying… Read more... Key moments from Azerbaijan’s 100-day-long blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh Mar 21, 2023 10:05 pm As Azerbaijan’s blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh entered its 100th day Tuesday, CivilNet looks back at the key developments of the past three months that have led the region to a point of crisis. Credits:… Read more... Lavrov compares Karabakh to Kosovo and Donbas, stressing need for rights and security Mar 20, 2023 10:05 pm There is no section of the 2020 Karabakh ceasefire statement that Azerbaijan has not violated, said Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan today prior to a press conference with his Russian counterpart,… Read more... GYUMRI DRY PORT COMING SOON Mar 20, 2023 8:05 pm Late last year, Armenia’s Economy Ministry put forward a proposal to set up a dry port in Gyumri, envisaging the creation of a large industrial park and special economic zone in the city. Charle Malas,… Read more... Business Week Armenia: Ukraine war migration to Armenia tops 100,000 Mar 18, 2023 8:05 pm In this week’s edition of CivilNet’s business digest: Ukraine war migration to Armenia tops 100,000, Yerevan saysViva-MTS, Armenia’s biggest telecoms firm, may go up for saleStill no date for fresh… Read more... Armenian, Russian foreign ministers to hold talks as tensions with Azerbaijan rise Mar 17, 2023 10:05 pm Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan will travel to Moscow next week for talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.Armenia’s Foreign Ministry accused Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev… Read more... Educating Armenia’s next generation of environmentally conscious professionals Mar 17, 2023 6:05 pm Alen Amirkhyan is the director of the American University of Armenia’s Acopian Center for the Environment. Amirkhanyan sat down with CivilNet to discuss a new bachelor’s degree in Environmental and… Read more... AND IN OTHER NEWS: Azerbaijani Media Look Towards A New War Mar 17, 2023 4:44 am This month, a lot has changed and a lot hasn’t. The International Court of Justice’s demand that Azerbaijan ensure freedom of transit through the Lachin Corridor had left us with the expectation that… Read more... Pashinyan suggests Russia appeals to UNSC if obligations can’t be met Mar 16, 2023 10:05 pm Armenia and Azerbaijan entered a fourth round of talks over a peace treaty after Yerevan received new proposals from Baku.Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Russia should appeal to the… Read more... Armenia-Turkey – A thawing relationship? Mar 16, 2023 9:05 pm In late 2021, Armenia and Turkey appointed special envoys for talks, launching another round of normalization efforts. Consecutive Armenian and Turkish administrations have made their shots at securing… Read more... Why does Aliyev portray Azerbaijan as a ‘neutral actor’? Mar 16, 2023 8:05 pm CivilNet host and analyst Eric Hacopian sat down with reporter Emilio Cricchio to discuss Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s remarks at a conference in Baku last week. Eric also talks about reports… Read more... Ex-NATO chief lambasts Azerbaijan’s ‘illegal’ blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh Mar 15, 2023 6:05 pm The ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh’s Armenians would be a “red line” for the West, said former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen during a meeting with Armenian reporters and policy… Read more... ‘Very high likelihood’ of new Azerbaijani attacks, Pashinyan warns Mar 14, 2023 10:05 pm Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan warned of a “very high likelihood” of new Azerbaijani attacks on Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia in a lengthy and wide-ranging press conference Tuesday. It was… Read more... Jack Youredjian: ‘Giving and serving others bring meaning to my life’ Mar 14, 2023 8:05 pm Jack (Hagop) Youredjian, in conversation with Lara Tcholakian, speaks about the importance of education and his life purpose to support efforts related to educational and social development programs.… Read more... Connectivity, climate, cooperation: Exploring ADB’s work in Armenia Mar 14, 2023 7:05 pm Paolo Spantigati, country director for Armenia at the Asian Development Bank, sat down with CivilNet’s Mark Dovich to talk about ADB’s efforts to support the Armenian government’s growth and reform… Read more... Ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh would be ‘red line’ for West: Rasmussen Mar 14, 2023 2:16 pm By Mark Dovich Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen arrived in Armenia Monday for talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and other senior officials, as well as to visit the… Read more... Azerbaijan invites Nagorno-Karabakh officials to Baku to discuss ‘reintegration’ Mar 13, 2023 10:05 pm Former NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen held talks with Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan in Yerevan. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed… Read more... Armenia’s first-ever citizens’ assembly debates country’s challenges Mar 13, 2023 7:05 pm As Armenia grapples with a number of challenges, 200 people from Armenia, Karabakh and the diaspora gathered in Yerevan for the inaugural Future Armenian Convention to participate in the country’s… Read more... Cheryl Thomas: ‘Women’s rights are both facing steps backward and forward’ Mar 13, 2023 6:05 pm Cheryl Thomas is the Founding Director of Global Rights for Women. Since 1993, Cheryl has worked with partners around the world to promote women’s rights and achieve effective systemic and legal reform… Read more... After the War in Ukraine… Four Scenarios of Russian Gas Export to Europe Mar 11, 2023 8:22 pm By Thierry Bros As we enter the third year of the EU energy crisis and the second year of the war in Ukraine, there are four possible hypothetical scenarios for pipeline exports of Russian gas… Read more... Business Week Armenia: Telecom executives buy luxury Yerevan hotel Mar 11, 2023 8:05 pm In this week’s edition of CivilNet’s business digest: Team Telecom Armenia owners Aleksandr and Hayk Yesayan inked a deal to take over Grand Hotel Yerevan, a luxury hotel in the center of the capital.The… Read more... US says Azerbaijan’s military pressure meant to advance goals in talks with Armenia Mar 10, 2023 10:05 pm Azerbaijan’s calibrated military pressure is a means to advance its goals in ongoing peace talks with Armenia, according to the latest edition of the U.S. intelligence community’s Annual Threat Assessment… Read more... Washington ‘not considering’ sanctions against Baku, says US envoy Mar 09, 2023 10:05 pm Freedom House released the latest edition of its annual Freedom in the World report today, maintaining Armenia’s “partly free” status, while slightly lowering the country’s overall score and warning… Read more... Aliyev cornered and lashing out in Artsakh Mar 09, 2023 8:05 pm In the latest episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric discusses Azerbaijan’s attack last Sunday that left three Armenian police officers dead in Nagorno-Karabakh. Eric explains why Azerbaijan is… Read more... AVC’s new drive to bring senior volunteers to Armenia Mar 08, 2023 8:05 pm Arina Zohrabian, the executive director of the Armenian Volunteer Corps, sat down with CivilNet to discuss the program’s new drive to bring senior volunteers to the country. Zohrabian also talked about… Read more... Baku warns of ‘tougher’ steps if Karabakh refuses integration into Azerbaijan Mar 07, 2023 10:05 pm Azerbaijani officials have warned of “tougher and sharper steps” if Nagorno-Karabakh doesn’t accept integration into Azerbaijan, said Karabakh President Arayik Harutyunyan.The Russian peacekeepers… Read more... Azerbaijani claims debunked as video of ambush on Karabakh police released Mar 06, 2023 10:05 pm An attack by Azerbaijani forces in Nagorno-Karabakh on Sunday morning left three Armenian police officers dead and one seriously injured. Baku said two of its soldiers were killed in the incident. Karabakh’s… Read more... Aliyev continues torpedoing the Karabakh peace process Mar 06, 2023 8:05 pm Azerbaijani forces ambushed a vehicle in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) Sunday morning, leaving three Armenian police officers dead and one seriously injured. Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry later reported… Read more... Azerbaijani sabotage leaves 3 Armenian policemen dead, 1 injured in Artsakh Mar 05, 2023 4:53 pm A subversive attack by Azerbaijani forces in Artsakh on Sunday morning has left three Armenian police officers dead and one seriously injured. Artsakh’s Interior Ministry reported that the incident… Read more... Is Russia selling large amounts of oil at prices far above Western caps? Mar 04, 2023 11:05 pm In December 2022, the European Union agreed to a plan to prohibit seaborne imports of Russian oil and establish a price cap of $60 per barrel. An article published by World Energy Weekly (March 6, 2023… Read more... Business Week Armenia: Nor Zovq supermarket chain heads charged with tax evasion Mar 04, 2023 8:05 pm In this week’s edition of CivilNet’s business digest: The owner of the Armenian supermarket chain Nor Zovq has been detained on tax evasion charges.Lebanese Armenian businessman and former Viva-MTS… Read more... What’s next for Armenia-Turkey normalization? Mar 04, 2023 6:05 pm Richard Giragosian, the director of the Regional Studies Center, sat down with CivilNet to discuss Armenia’s historic decision last month to send rescue teams and humanitarian aid to earthquake-affected… Read more... Germany calls for Nagorno-Karabakh settlement on basis of self-determination Mar 03, 2023 10:05 pm German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to be reached with the principles of territorial integrity and self-determination for the citizens of Nagorno-Karabakh… Read more... Territorial integrity and self-determination ‘equal’ in Karabakh conflict, Germany says Mar 03, 2023 11:10 am By Mark Dovich The competing principles of territorial integrity and self-determination are “equal” in the Karabakh conflict, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said at a press conference Thursday alongside… Read more... Key Karabakh reservoir’s water levels drop amid blockade Mar 02, 2023 10:05 pm Water levels in Nagorno-Karabakh’s largest reservoir, Sarsang, have dropped significantly due to Azerbaijan’s ongoing blockade. The Armenian government has given the green light to a proposal… Read more... Aliyev loses in the World Court Mar 02, 2023 8:05 pm In the latest episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric discusses the International Court of Justice’s ruling last week to order Azerbaijan to lift its blockade of Artsakh (Karabakh), now past its… Read more... Establishing a citizens’ assembly in Armenia Mar 02, 2023 7:05 pm Richard Wilson, the CEO of the ISWE Foundation, sat down with CivilNet to discuss a joint project with the Future Armenian initiative to establish citizens’ assemblies in Armenia. Wilson explained what… Read more... Sarsang reservoir Mar 02, 2023 5:18 pm CivilNet's Artsakh team visited the Sarsang reservoir, where the water level has dropped sharply in recent weeks due to the release of large amounts of water to power hydroelectric stations and meet the… Read more... 2 dozen Armenian NGOs lambast government over gold mine deal Mar 01, 2023 10:05 pm Representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan and the Russian peacekeeping contingent met again to discuss the restoration of unimpeded travel along the Lachin corridor.More than two dozen non-governmental… Read more... Russia rejects Azerbaijan’s demand for Lachin corridor checkpoints Feb 28, 2023 10:05 pm Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan announced that Yerevan and Baku have reached a “consensus” on a number of “internationally accepted” points in a possible peace agreement.Russian Foreign… Read more... AND IN OTHER NEWS: Armenia-Turkey Relations at the Forefront Feb 27, 2023 11:18 pm February has been an extremely busy month of Armenian-related developments in social media. From the human tragedy of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and subsequent political gestures, to the fast… Read more... Russian migrants to stay in Armenia for another year at least, S&P expects Feb 27, 2023 10:05 pm Russia’s peacekeepers in Karabakh convened direct talks Saturday between the Azerbaijani and Karabakh Armenian authorities, with the two sides reaching an agreement to restore the region’s supplies… Read more... Will US support Armenia in case of Azerbaijani aggression? ChatGPT responds Feb 27, 2023 4:24 pm Questions by Karen Harutyunyan A number of Armenian commentators and politicians claim that the United States would provide support to Armenia in the case of Azerbaijani military aggression. Some of them… Read more... Jermuk still awaiting tourists, months after Azerbaijan’s attack Feb 26, 2023 6:05 pm After Azerbaijan’s unprecedented attack on Armenia last September, the famed resort town of Jermuk in eastern Armenia experienced a steep decline in visitors. But in the months since, buildings and… Read more... Business Week Armenia: Armenia’s GDP hits all-time high Feb 25, 2023 8:05 pm In this week’s edition of CivilNet’s business digest, we take a look at Armenia’s unprecedented GDP growth last year and the country’s soaring trade with the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union.… Read more... Pashinyan discusses Karabakh blockade with Putin, UN chief Feb 24, 2023 10:05 pm Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held separate phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss Azerbaijan’s blockade of Karabakh.U.S.… Read more... US: Next round of Armenia-Azerbaijan talks may take place in ‘coming days’ Feb 23, 2023 10:05 pm Karabakh President Arayik Harutyunyan dismissed State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, replacing him with former Prosecutor General Gurgen Nersisyan.A State Department spokesperson said negotiating teams from… Read more... Should Armenians fear Russia’s threats? Feb 23, 2023 8:05 pm CivilNet host and analyst Eric Hacopian sat down to unpack Russian Parliament Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin’s meeting last week with his Azerbaijani counterpart, where he suggested that countries appealing… Read more... Vardanyan dismissed as Karabakh state minister Feb 23, 2023 5:52 pm By Mark Dovich Karabakh President Arayik Harutyunyan issued a decree Thursday dismissing State Minister Ruben Vardanyan and replacing him with Prosecutor General Gurgen Nersisyan, putting an end to weeks… Read more... Armenia greenlights long-stalled gold mine operations Feb 22, 2023 10:05 pm The Armenian government signed an agreement with the mining company Lydian Armenia to greenlight operations at the long-stalled, controversial Amulsar gold mine.Armenia rejected an Azerbaijani proposal… Read more... Armenia gives surprise go-ahead to Amulsar, takes stake in lucrative gold mine Feb 22, 2023 8:19 pm By Mark Dovich In a surprise move, the Armenian government signed a $250 million memorandum of understanding Wednesday with the mining company Lydian Armenia, greenlighting operations at the long-stalled… Read more... Iran ‘ready’ to organize 3+3 summit in region Feb 21, 2023 10:05 pm Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has again accused the West of attempting to oust Russia from its leading role in the South Caucasus.Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Hossein Abdollahian… Read more... As Armenia-EU trade blooms, Armenian exporters look to new opportunities Feb 21, 2023 8:05 pm Armenia’s bilateral trade with the European Union topped $2.3 billion last year, making the bloc one of Armenia’s biggest and most important economic partners. Experts CivilNet spoke with agreed that… Read more... Azerbaijan hopes to become an energy-exporting country instead of relying on oil. Petrostrategies Feb 21, 2023 3:11 pm The article was published in the World Energy Weekly (February 20 issue), a publication of Petrostrategies, a French think-tank specializing in energy issues. Azerbaijan hopes to eventually become an… Read more... EU formally launches civilian mission along Armenia-Azerbaijan border Feb 20, 2023 10:05 pm The European Union’s 100-strong civilian mission to Armenia was launched today. Armenia’s gross domestic product grew by 12.6% in 2022, according to the country’s Statistical Committee, marking… Read more... Business Week Armenia: Government launches program to promote textile production Feb 18, 2023 8:05 pm In this week’s edition of CivilNet’s business digest, we explore new developments in Armenia’s textile and IT industries, two sectors that the government is prioritizing as future drivers of growth.… Read more... NASA astronaut boycotts Baku conference over aggression against Armenia Feb 17, 2023 10:05 pm Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is in Germany to attend this year’s Munich Security Conference. Today, he had an informal meeting with European Council President Charles Michel.The OSCE Minsk… Read more... Georgia: From a beacon of democracy to growing authoritarianism Feb 17, 2023 2:58 pm By Mariam Nikuradze It feels like just yesterday that in Georgia, we were celebrating our new visa-free regime with the EU and the signing of the association agreement and the DCFTA. There was a time… Read more... Armenia-Turkey border could partially open by ‘tourist season,’ says Mirzoyan Feb 16, 2023 10:05 pm Armenia and Turkey aim to open their border to third-country citizens and diplomatic passport holders before the start of this year’s tourist season, according to Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.The… Read more... EU visa process remains humiliating for many Armenians Feb 16, 2023 9:05 pm Armenia is seeing new flight routes open for the country. Just two weeks ago, Hungarian budget airline Wizz Air announced new flights between Armenia and Germany, Poland, Czech Republic and Bulgaria.… Read more... Erdogan plays politics with Turkey earthquake Feb 16, 2023 8:05 pm In the latest episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric discusses the worsening humanitarian crisis in Artsakh and the European Parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee’s latest Armenia report… Read more... Armenia, Turkey mull border opening amid accelerating ‘earthquake diplomacy’ Feb 15, 2023 10:05 pm Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Turkish counterpart, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said at a joint press conference today that they had reached an agreement to take steps to facilitate the opening… Read more... Mirzoyan heads to Turkey as Armenia sends second batch of aid Feb 15, 2023 10:43 am By Mark Dovich Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan will travel to Turkey Wednesday, as the two countries’ border opened for just the second time in decades the evening before to deliver another… Read more... Russian Duma Speaker lambasts European involvement in South Caucasus Feb 14, 2023 10:05 pm Armen Grigoryan, the head of Armenia’s Security Council, told reporters today that a reference to an “internationally visible mechanism” for Karabakh may be included in a draft peace treaty between… Read more... Thoughts about the Armenian army from a former US serviceman Feb 14, 2023 8:05 pm Joe Kassabian is an author, podcaster and former U.S. serviceman who took part in several tours of Afghanistan. Kassabian sat down with CivilNet to discuss his move to Armenia, give his take on the Taliban’s… Read more... ‘Earthquake diplomacy’ heightens momentum for Armenia-Turkey normalization Feb 13, 2023 10:05 pm Aid trucks from Armenia crossed the border into Turkey on Saturday, marking the first time the border between the two countries has opened in decades. Richard Giragosian, the director of the Regional… Read more... Karabakh president proposes major constitutional change as political crisis deepens Feb 13, 2023 8:14 pm By Mark Dovich Karabakh President Arayik Harutyunyan issued a proposal Monday to change the constitution to allow the legislature to appoint a new president if the office is vacated, a sign of the region’s… Read more... Heightened momentum for Armenia-Turkey normalization Feb 13, 2023 5:49 pm By Richard Giragosian In the aftermath of the deadly earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on 6 February, the Armenian government rapidly responded to the emergency, deploying a disaster response… Read more... Business Week Armenia: Major investment plan for Yerevan airport unveiled Feb 11, 2023 8:05 pm In this week’s edition of CivilNet’s weekly business digest, we take a look at a newly unveiled investment package for Yerevan’s Zvartnots airport and Armenian government plans to boost tourism… Read more... Armenia-Turkey bridge opens for first time in decades to send earthquake aid Feb 11, 2023 1:55 pm By Mark Dovich Aid trucks from Armenia entered Turkey overland Saturday, marking the first time the two countries’ border has been opened in decades. “Trucks with humanitarian aid have crossed the… Read more... Pashinyan laments over corruption, despite cases against own government members Feb 10, 2023 10:05 pm Armenia has slipped three places in Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index. Every year, the Berlin-based non-governmental organization releases a report ranking countries by… Read more... Armenia to create voluntary military service program for women Feb 09, 2023 10:05 pm Work is underway to set up a meeting between the foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia, according to a senior official at Russia’s Foreign Ministry. Armenia has delivered more than… Read more... Artsakh under blockade: Does the EU care? Feb 09, 2023 8:05 pm In the latest episode of Insights, Eric Hacopian discusses Azerbaijan’s ongoing blockade of Artsakh, the worsening relations between Baku and Tehran, and EU officials’ lackluster response to the plight… Read more... Pashinyan calls Assad and Erdogan, as Armenia sends rescue teams to disaster zone Feb 08, 2023 10:05 pm In the aftermath of Monday’s devastating earthquake in Syria and Turkey, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held separate telephone conversations yesterday evening with Turkish President Recep… Read more... Armenia says it received more peace proposals from Azerbaijan Feb 07, 2023 10:05 pm French President Emmanuel Macron has once again called for the Lachin corridor, the only route between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh to be reopened. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock too called… Read more... Are the US and EU trying to oust Russia from the South Caucasus? Feb 07, 2023 9:05 pm Paul Stronski, a senior fellow in Carnegie's Russia and Eurasia Program, spoke to CivilNet about the EU’s decision last month to deploy a two-year monitoring mission to the Armenian side of the border… Read more... Armenia to send rescue teams to Syria, Turkey after devastating quake Feb 07, 2023 7:27 pm By Mark Dovich A spokesperson for Armenia’s Foreign Ministry announced Tuesday the country would be sending search and rescue teams to Syria and Turkey after a devastating earthquake in the region left… Read more... AND IN OTHER NEWS: Armenians In Karabakh Under Siege Feb 06, 2023 10:35 pm https://twitter.com/cher/status/1618358945650970624 Armenians around the world continue to bring attention to the blockade, including the superstar Cher through an op-ed in Newsweek. President Aliyev’s… Read more... Pashinyan expresses condolences to Turkey-Syria earthquake victims, offers assistance Feb 06, 2023 10:05 pm Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan offered Syria and Turkey assistance today after a powerful earthquake struck the Syria-Turkey border overnight, leaving at least 1,500 people dead and 3,000 more… Read more... The BBC’s Armenian problem Feb 06, 2023 8:05 pm As Azerbaijan’s blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh continues, a number of Western media outlets have been covering the latest developments around the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. CivilNet host and analyst… Read more... Business Week Armenia: Armenia leads region in economic growth Feb 04, 2023 8:05 pm In this week’s edition of CivilNet’s weekly business digest, we take a look back at how Armenia’s economy fared last year — and what we can expect in the coming one. We also explore the Central… Read more... Karabakh blockade deprives 20,000 children of right to education Feb 03, 2023 10:05 pm As Azerbaijan’s blockade of the only road connecting Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh stretches beyond its 50th day, schools in the region are being forced to close their doors to about 20,000 students.… Read more... CSTO mission to Armenia still on the table, insists Russian foreign minister Feb 02, 2023 10:05 pm U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken appointed senior foreign service officer Louis Bono as Washington’s new senior advisor for Caucasus negotiations and Minsk Group co-chair. A proposal from… Read more... EU monitors head to Armenia, despite Moscow and Baku’s anger Feb 02, 2023 8:05 pm In the latest episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric talks about Armenia’s new state budget and economic growth rates in the country. Eric also discusses the European Union’s decision to deploy… Read more... Russia ready to facilitate fresh talks between Armenia, Azerbaijan Feb 01, 2023 10:05 pm Russia has reiterated its readiness to facilitate another round of talks between the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers regarding a future peace treaty between the two countries. Criminal proceedings… Read more... Action Request to End the Blockade of Artsakh Feb 01, 2023 9:56 am Since 12 December 2022, Azerbaijan has imposed a blockade on the only road, a lifeline, between Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) through the Lachin Corridor, isolating some 120,000 Armenians in… Read more... What can be done to avoid a new war between Armenia and Azerbaijan? Jan 31, 2023 10:05 pm The Brussels-based International Crisis Group has published a new report warning of a high probability of a new round of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan and providing a number of recommendations… Read more... “If our people become united, no one will be able to break us”, Hayk Margarian Jan 31, 2023 8:05 pm Hayk Margarian sits down with Lara Tcholakian to discuss the importance of having a purpose and mission in life, and his role as a public leader. After having spent most of his life leading organizations… Read more... Armenia v. Azerbaijan hearings kick off at the World Court Jan 30, 2023 10:05 pm Armenia’s Foreign Ministry released a statement expressing concern after the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem reported an attack by Jewish extremists. Initial trial hearings in the Armenia v.… Read more... Could Egypt mediate between Armenia and Azerbaijan? Unpacking Sisi’s historic visit Jan 30, 2023 8:05 pm Over the weekend, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el Sisi made a historic trip to Armenia, becoming the first Egyptian leader to visit the country. Yerevan described the trip as historic and productive,… Read more... Is it time for Azerbaijan to face international sanctions? Jan 26, 2023 8:05 pm Welcome back to Insights with Eric Hacopian. In the latest episode, Eric discusses last week’s fire at a military barracks in eastern Armenia, which left 15 Armenian servicemen dead, and the fundamental… Read more... Azerbaijan spreads ‘fake news’ about Karabakh evacuation Jan 25, 2023 10:05 pm Azerbaijani special services have been spreading false information online about evacuating Stepanakert residents, according to Karabakh’s National Security Service.The U.S. State Department has once… Read more... How to make 2023 a record-breaking year for tourism in Armenia? Jan 25, 2023 9:05 pm Sisian Boghossian has been the head of Armenia’s Tourism Committee for almost exactly one year. Boghossian sat down with CivilNet to break down how Armenia’s tourism sector fared in 2022 and discussed… Read more... AND IN OTHER NEWS: World Reacts to Lachin Corridor Blockade Jan 24, 2023 10:22 pm Since our last round-up, the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh has gotten more precarious, as has the efficacy of Azerbaijani propaganda trying to prove that there isn’t an ongoing blockade. Whereas last… Read more... Blinken urges Aliyev to lift Karabakh blockade Jan 24, 2023 10:05 pm Azerbaijan’s blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh has entered its 44th day.Yesterday evening, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a telephone conversation with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, urging… Read more... Is Aliyev getting closer to crossing the international community’s redlines? Jan 24, 2023 12:35 pm In the latest edition of Frontlines, hosts Karnig Kerkonian and Garo Ghazarian spoke to Karabakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan about the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Vardanyan… Read more... EU agrees to send 2-year mission to Armenia, in bid to stave off Azerbaijani aggression Jan 23, 2023 10:05 pm As Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh continues, Azerbaijan has once again completely cut off the gas supply to Artsakh. As temperatures in Stepanakert hit -5, the Karabakh Information Center described… Read more... Armenian FM to meet with NATO head, as Azerbaijan continues Karabakh blockade Jan 20, 2023 10:05 pm As the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan enters its 39th day, the gas supply has been partially restored, after Azerbaijan cut off the supply for the third time since the blockade began. The… Read more... Israeli academics and activists call on government to pressure Azerbaijan to lift blockade Jan 20, 2023 9:05 pm A group of Israeli academics, journalists and activists have addressed a letter to the new Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, calling on the government to help prevent a humanitarian disaster in Nagorno-Karabakh.… Read more... Artsakh children on return to Stepanakert: ‘We thought Azerbaijanis would take us hostage’ Jan 20, 2023 3:05 pm On January 17, 19 minors - boys and girls - returned to Stepanakert, accompanied by Russian peacekeepers, after a forced 37-day stay in Goris, the southern Armenian town halfway between Yerevan and Stepanakert.… Read more... Azerbaijan’s blockade of Karabakh separates Armenian children from their parents Jan 19, 2023 8:05 pm As Azerbaijan continues its blockade of Karabakh, numerous families have found themselves separated from one another. The Russian peacekeepers mediated the transfer of 19 teenagers back to their families… Read more... 15 Armenian servicemen killed in military barracks fire Jan 19, 2023 6:54 pm 15 Armenian servicemen were killed after a fire broke out in a military barracks in Armenia’s eastern Gegharkunik region. The European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Azerbaijan’s… Read more... 15 Armenian soldiers perish in fire, whilst the government dodges taking responsibility Jan 19, 2023 1:24 pm By Karen Harutyunyan, editor-in-chief On the night of January 19, 15 servicemen died as a result of a fire in one of the military barracks in Armenia’s Gegharkunik region. At a cabinet meeting on Thursday,… Read more... Azerbaijanis harass teenage Armenians returning to families through Karabakh roadblock Jan 18, 2023 10:05 pm As Azerbaijan’s blockade enters its 38th day, 19 teeangers, who were in Armenia and separated from their families for more than a month due to the blockade, were returned home to Nagorno-Karabakh via… Read more... ECHR rejects Azerbaijan’s claims against Armenia Jan 17, 2023 10:05 pm The gas supply to Nagorno-Karabakh has once again been cut off by Azerbaijan spelling worries of a deteriorating humanitarian crisis as temperatures in Stepanakert hit below zero. Meanwhile, the European… Read more... “It was important for me to help instill a sense of purpose to my colleagues during and after the war”, Jan 17, 2023 8:08 pm Irina Seylanyan sits down with Lara Tcholakian to discuss the role and importance of being a motivational and authentic leader, and the qualities that she developed with time and experience to set the… Read more... 3,400 people lose jobs in Karabakh due to Azerbaijan’s blockade Jan 16, 2023 10:05 pm As Azerbaijan’s blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh continues, the Karabakh Information Headquarters reported today that due to the difficult economic situation caused by the blockade, at least 3,400 people… Read more... Azerbaijan cuts internet supply to Nagorno-Karabakh Jan 13, 2023 10:05 pm As Azerbaijan’s blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh enters its second month, internet connection in Nagorno-Karabakh has been interrupted. According to the Internet operator in Nagorno-Karabakh, the cable… Read more... Food & medicine shortages, closed preschools – Karabakh blockade enters second month Jan 12, 2023 10:05 pm The humanitarian crisis in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) is worsening as Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin corridor enters its second month. The corridor is the only route that gives Nagorno-Karabakh… Read more... Those who don’t want Azerbaijani citizenship can leave Karabakh, says Aliyev Jan 11, 2023 10:05 pm 2023 is the last chance for Armenia to sign a peace treaty, said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during a press conference yesterday. He stated that he had hoped for a peace treaty 2022’s end, adding… Read more... Pashinyan criticizes Russia at press conference amid Karabakh blockade Jan 10, 2023 10:05 pm There has been no official offer for Armenia to join the Russian-led Union State, said Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a press conference today, adding that the independence and sovereignty… Read more... Why are Azerbaijan’s demands in Karabakh unacceptable for Armenians? Jan 10, 2023 8:05 pm CivilNet contributor Tigran Grigoryan sat down with Emilio Cricchio to discuss the ramifications of Azerbaijan’s month-long blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh. Grigoryan explains what exactly Azerbaijan wants… Read more... Armenians continue to rule out any status for Karabakh within Azerbaijan, new poll finds Jan 10, 2023 10:42 am As the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh nears the one month mark, the Caucasus Research Resource Center, in collaboration with the Civilitas Foundation, has published its findings from its latest poll. The… Read more... Food shortages in Artsakh cause kindergartens to shut their doors Jan 09, 2023 10:05 pm Azerbaijan’s blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh has entered its 29th day. The region's 120,000 residents are unable to travel to Armenia, while facing shortages of foodstuffs and medicine. Nurseries and kindergartens… Read more... Azerbaijan’s blockade, Russia’s inaction and American overtures Jan 09, 2023 7:05 pm As the blockade of Artsakh, or Nagorno-Karabakh, by Azerbaijan, enters its 29th day, an unprecedented humanitarian crisis is unfolding. CivilNet host and analyst Eric Hacopian spoke to Emilio Cricchio… Read more... Connecting the youth of Armenia and the diaspora in times of crisis Jan 09, 2023 6:05 pm In the latest edition of #Frontlines, hosts Karnig Kerkonian and Garo Ghazarian speak to students from Armenia and the diaspora in the United States. The students from Artsakh, and some who are stranded… Read more... Start your 2023 with some Armenian golden oldies and classics Jan 01, 2023 12:05 am Anais Gyulbudaghyan and Zach Asdourian have been cataloguing Armenian classics, searching through the record shops of California, Armenia and beyond. Their record label, Discotchari, seeks to showcase… Read more... Azerbaijan’s blockade spells danger for patients in Artsakh’s ICUs Dec 30, 2022 10:05 pm Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh has entered its nineteenth day, with the Armenian population still unable to freely move between Armenia and Artsakh. Moreover, access to medicine and foodstuffs remain… Read more... Investing in the Future: The IMF in Armenia Dec 30, 2022 8:05 pm Dr. Mehdi Raissi, the International Monetary Fund resident representative in Armenia sat down with CivilNet’s Mark Dovich to talk about the new $171 million arrangement for Armenia, the country’s… Read more... Is Russia unwilling or unable to lift the Artsakh Blockade? Dec 30, 2022 7:05 pm As the blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan enters its 19th day, CivilNet host and analyst Eric Hacopian talks about how the Armenian diaspora can help bring attention to this issue and internationalize… Read more... Families separated in Artsakh skip out on holiday celebrations Dec 30, 2022 6:35 pm “I have two children, my son is waiting for his sister to come back so that he can decorate the Christmas tree. We will not celebrate the New Year until she comes back”. Due to the blockade of the… Read more... AND IN OTHER NEWS: Azerbaijan’s Infowar Dec 30, 2022 5:42 am https://twitter.com/PowerUSAID/status/1603488582840246296 Social media has been a back-and-forth battleground, to what President Aliyev himself admitted is an “infowar”, between Armenians bringing… Read more... Armenia and Russia exchange accusations over crisis in Artsakh Dec 29, 2022 10:05 pm Azerbaijan’s seizure of the Lachin corridor, the only route linking Artsakh to the outside world, stretches into the 18th day. As this story is becoming repetitive, the shelves of shops and groceries… Read more... What Can the Armenian Economy Expect in 2023? Dec 29, 2022 9:05 pm Economist and Associate Professor at the American University of Armenia, Aleksandr Grigoryan, sat down with CivilNet’s Mark Dovich to discuss Armenia’s economic performance within wider regional… Read more... Karabakh Sees Worsening Food and Medical Supply Shortages Dec 28, 2022 10:05 pm Armenia’s Human rights defender Kristine Grigoryan urged the UN Human Rights Commission to send a fact-finding mission to the Lachin corridor. The corridor, which is the inly road connecting Karabakh… Read more... Exporting from Armenia to the world: Thermorex leads the way Dec 28, 2022 8:05 pm The Armenian company Thermorex has grown to become an industry leader in the production of bimetallic thermostats, specialized temperature-measuring devices with a wide range of applications in mechanical… Read more... Pashinyan reminds Putin of the Russian peacekeeping responsibility in the Lachin corridor Dec 27, 2022 10:05 pm The blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan has entered its 16th day exacerbating the humanitarian situation of the 120 000 people who remain besieged in their homeland.Armenia's security council chief decries… Read more... Large rally in Karabakh capital draws tens of thousands Dec 26, 2022 10:05 pm Tens of thousands of people in Artsakh marched to Stepanakert's central square on Sunday in a rally demanding the opening of the Lachin Corridor. The corridor, which is the only route connecting Artsakh… Read more... Baku demands exodus of Ruben Vardanyan from Karabakh Dec 23, 2022 10:05 pm On the 12th day of the Karabakh blockade, Azerbaijan is demanding that Ruben Vardanyan leave Karabakh. Vardanyan assumed the position of Artsakh State Minister last November. Read more... Day 12: The siege of Artsakh leaves children without basic medication Dec 23, 2022 8:05 pm Azerbaijani blockade of the Goris-Stepanakert highway enters the 12th day. 120,000 people, including 3,000 children, are completely cut off from the rest of the world. Families remain separated. The shelves… Read more... Yerevan makes a demarche against Russia dismissing the ministerial meeting in Moscow Dec 22, 2022 10:05 pm Azerbaijan’s closing of the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia enters its 11th day.Artsakh officials warn about the shortage of fuel, sugar, and vegetable produce in Karabakh.In Artsakh, store… Read more... Deepening humanitarian crisis in Artsakh: A call for action Dec 22, 2022 8:05 pm In this week’s episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric discusses the ongoing crisis in Artsakh and calls on the Armenian government, the opposition, the diaspora, the church and civil society to… Read more... Lachin corridor closed even for Russian peacekeepers Dec 22, 2022 5:05 pm Azerbaijan declares that the Lachin corridor was actually closed by Russian peacekeepers. Russia’s representative told at the UN Security Council Session that the traffic in the Lachin Corridor has… Read more... Artsakh remains in blockade for the 10th day as UNSC calls on Azerbaijan to open road Dec 21, 2022 8:10 pm Azerbaijan’s blockade of the only route linking Artsakh to Armenia has entered its ninth day․ 120,000 people in the region remain under a blockade, with deepening shortages of food, fuel and medical… Read more... 10th day of blockade in Artsakh: Food and medicine shortage deepens Dec 21, 2022 6:33 pm On December 12, a group of Azerbaijanis dubbing themselves as “environmental activists”, blocked the Lachin corridor - the only route that connects Artsakh with Armenia and the outside world. Humanitarian… Read more... Hospital patient dies in Artsakh as blockade enters 9th day Dec 20, 2022 9:04 pm The blockade of the only road linking Artsakh to Armenia by self-proclaimed Azerbaijani environmentalist protesters enters its ninth day.Azerbaijan closed the Lachin Corridor to carry out ethnic cleansing… Read more... Blockade prevents 12-year old girl from reuniting with her family in Artsakh Dec 20, 2022 3:42 pm 12-year-old Maral Apelian has been separated from her family in Artsakh since the blockade of the Goris-Stepanakert highway. Maral came to Yerevan for eye surgery and is now unable to reunite with her… Read more... Humanitarian crisis in Karabakh worsens, Azerbaijan continues region’s blockade for 8th day Dec 19, 2022 9:00 pm For the 8th consecutive day, a group of Azerbaijanis posing as so-called environmentalists continue blockade the Lachin corridor, which is the only road connecting Karabakh to Armenia and thus, to the… Read more... ‘An essential service’: Armenia’s Women’s Support Center works to respond to domestic violence Dec 19, 2022 7:05 pm Ani Jilozian is the director of development at the Women’s Support Center, Armenia’s leading organization working to respond to and prevent domestic and intimate partner violence. Ani sat down with… Read more... Questing Shirak: Play and Discover Dec 19, 2022 4:05 pm Kasa Foundation developed quests thanks to which you can discover Shirak region; culture, history, people. The quests invite participants to tackle different challenges and think outside the box to search… Read more... “Karabakh’s air connection with the world must be restored,” Zohrab Mnatsakanyan Dec 16, 2022 8:39 pm CivilNet political commentator Eric Hacopian sat down with Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Armenia’s former foreign minister (2018-2020), to talk about the reasons behind Azerbaijan’s coercive policy against… Read more... Is Baku testing Moscow in the Lachin corridor – or cooperating with it? Dec 16, 2022 5:50 pm Dr. Laurence Broers, an Associate Fellow at Chatham House, spoke to CivilNet about the role of the Russian peacekeepers in Azerbaijan’s ongoing blockade of the only route between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.… Read more... Gas restored in Karabakh, highway remains closed Dec 16, 2022 9:46 am By Mark Dovich Karabakh’s natural gas supply was restored Friday morning three days after it was cut, though the only road connecting the region with Armenia and the outside world remained closed. State… Read more... Azerbaijan’s genocidal blockade of Artsakh Dec 15, 2022 8:05 pm In this week’s episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric discusses the ongoing crisis in Karabakh, as Azerbaijan’s blockade of the region entered its fourth day today. Eric stresses the need for… Read more... Russia says it is ‘concerned’ as Karabakh blockade stretches into fourth day Dec 15, 2022 7:19 pm A Russian government spokesperson said today Russia is “concerned” about the closure of the only road connecting Armenia and Karabakh, which is now in its fourth day under Azerbaijani blockade. The… Read more... Artsakh does not oppose mine checks by international specialists: Facts versus Azerbaijan’s propaganda Dec 15, 2022 6:29 pm Ani Grigoryan, #CivilNetCheck One of the main demands of the Azerbaijanis posing as environmentalists who have blocked the only road connecting Artsakh with the outside world is gaining access for… Read more... Understanding the larger context behind Aliyev’s Lachin corridor provocation Dec 15, 2022 5:05 pm CivilNet political commentator Eric Hacopian sat down with Georgi Derluguian, historical sociologist and professor at the New York University Abu Dhabi, to talk about the larger context behind Azerbaijan’s… Read more... A new charity exhibition for 44-day war veteran Dec 15, 2022 4:05 pm The Vahe Meliksetyan Foundation and the Insurance Foundation for Servicemen have started a charity exhibition through the ARTFOR’s platform. All proceeds from the sale of paintings will go to the foundations.… Read more... Frontlines: Artsakh in crisis and the threat of genocide Dec 15, 2022 1:05 pm As the 120,000 residents of Karabakh (Artsakh) remain isolated from the outside world amid Azerbaijan’s closure of the Goris-Stepanakert highway, a humanitarian crisis is quickly unfolding. In the latest… Read more... Ceasefire violation accusations on Armenia-Azerbaijan border and in Karabakh, as UN chief urges de-escalation Dec 15, 2022 11:08 am By Mark Dovich Yerevan and Baku exchanged ceasefire violation accusations Thursday, as the United Nations chief urged de-escalation in Karabakh, now entering its fourth day under Azerbaijani blockade.… Read more... Chief of Staff to US President George H W Bush involved in Azerbaijani deal to take over Artsakh mine Dec 14, 2022 11:16 pm By Mkrtich Karapetyan The Azerbaijani government signed a deal with the British Anglo Asian Mining Company last July, handing over the operation of a number of mines to the company in exchange for $3… Read more... Karabakh reels from gas cut as blockade enters third day Dec 14, 2022 9:10 pm Karabakh is reeling today after the authorities there reported last night that Azerbaijan had cut the region’s natural gas supply. Azerbaijan’s blockade of the only road connecting Karabakh and Armenia… Read more... Beglaryan warns of possible genocide, urges UN to act Dec 14, 2022 7:04 pm Artak Beglaryan, advisor to Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, began a sit-in in front of the United Nations building in Yerevan on December 14, the third day of Azerbaijan’s blockade. Beglaryan… Read more... Karabakh is not Ukraine: Hypocritical silence of the international media and community Dec 14, 2022 12:50 pm By Karen Harutyunyan, editor-in-chief I was having a video call with my relatives living in Artsakh yesterday evening. Children there did not go to school today because there is no heating anymore: Baku… Read more... Who really are Azerbaijan’s ‘environmental activists’ blockading Karabakh? Dec 14, 2022 11:49 am Ani Grigoryan, CivilNetCheck The only road connecting Karabakh to the outside world has been closed for three days now. Several hundred Azerbaijani citizens posing as “environment activists” began… Read more... Kristina Kvien confirmed as new US ambassador to Armenia Dec 14, 2022 11:42 am By Mark Dovich On Tuesday, the Senate confirmed by voice vote President Joe Biden’s appointment of career foreign service officer Kristina Kvien to be the next U.S. ambassador to Armenia. Kvien previously… Read more... Brussels, Washington lead calls for Azerbaijan to end Karabakh blockade Dec 14, 2022 9:54 am By Mark Dovich On Tuesday, the European Union and United States urged Azerbaijan to reopen the only road connecting Armenia and Karabakh. The blockade had stretched beyond 48 hours as of Wednesday morning… Read more... Stepanakert, Yerevan denounce ongoing blockade of Karabakh-Armenia highway Dec 13, 2022 7:35 pm As Azerbaijan’s blockade of the only road connecting Armenia and Karabakh stretches into a second day, officials in Stepanakert and Yerevan are denouncing the closure and demanding international intervention… Read more... “Choose what you love, and the rest will follow”, Dr. Sharon Chekijian Dec 13, 2022 4:05 pm Sharon Chekijian sits down with Lara Tcholakian to discuss the role and importance of being authentic, leading a life full of meaning and purpose, and finding a career or profession that speaks to one’s… Read more... Tigran Grigoryan: Azerbaijan’s blockade of Armenia-Karabakh road threatens humanitarian catastrophe Dec 13, 2022 4:05 pm Political analyst Tigran Grigoryan sat down with CivilNet’s Mark Dovich to talk about yesterday’s blockade of the only road connecting Armenia and Karabakh, what it means for the Russian peacekeepers’… Read more... Artsakh ombudsman warns of humanitarian disaster as the region’s only route remains closed Dec 13, 2022 1:20 pm Artsakh Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan delivered a video message on December 13 warning the international community that Azerbaijanis blocking Artsakh’s only route to the outside world will… Read more... Armenia-Karabakh road closure enters second day Dec 13, 2022 11:01 am By Mark Dovich The closure of the only road connecting Armenia and Karabakh has entered into a second day, after a group of Azerbaijanis in civilian clothing began blocking the route Monday morning. The… Read more... The Ukraine war as an ‘inflection point’ and what it means for Armenia Dec 12, 2022 8:05 pm Writer, publicist, and economist Vahan Zanoyan sat down with journalist and novelist David Ignatius to talk about his Armenian roots and his award-winning career in journalism, which has taken him on… Read more... Special report: Azerbaijan blocks Armenia-Karabakh highway for second time Dec 12, 2022 7:05 pm A group of Azerbaijanis wearing civilian clothing began blocking the Goris-Stepanakert highway at around 10:30 this morning, marking the second time this month that the only overland route between Armenia… Read more... Goris-Stepanakert highway again blocked by Azerbaijanis Dec 12, 2022 12:05 pm By Mark Dovich A group of Azerbaijanis wearing civilian clothing has again blocked the Goris-Stepanakert highway, the authorities in Karabakh said Monday, marking the second time this month that the only… Read more... Money transfers to Armenia double amid fallout from Ukraine war: Business Week Armenia Dec 10, 2022 7:05 pm Money transfers to Armenia double amid fallout from Ukraine warInflation in Armenia hits decade high of nearly 9%Armenia hits 1.5 million visits amid surging Russian interestKaren Martirosyan: How can… Read more... Prosecutor General’s office opens corruption investigation following CivilNet report Dec 09, 2022 10:05 pm Armenia’s Prosecutor General’s Office launched an investigation after CivilNet published a story alleging illicit enrichment by Artyom Smbatyan, the deputy head of the country’s State Revenue Committee.Armen… Read more... Bringing repats and refugees in Yerevan together for a Christmas market Dec 09, 2022 5:35 pm Tim Straight, the founder of the Homeland Development Initiative Foundation, sat down with CivilNet to discuss an upcoming Christmas market bringing together repats, refugees and all those who wish to… Read more... Armenia’s security chief says Yerevan will respond to Baku’s peace plan ‘soon’ Dec 08, 2022 10:05 pm Armenia will send Azerbaijan a response to a peace proposal recently put forward by Baku “soon,” Security Council head Armen Grigoryan said.Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said he is “not… Read more... What does the war of words between Baku and Moscow mean for Karabakh? Dec 08, 2022 8:05 pm In this week’s episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric discusses the recent war of words between Baku and Moscow over place names in Karabakh, a resolution passed by the French Senate calling for… Read more... Russia ready to host new Pashinyan-Aliyev meeting, Kremlin says Dec 07, 2022 10:05 pm Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia is ready to host another meeting between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan.The deputy prime ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia met in Moscow… Read more... Provisions backed by Armenian American groups axed in new US defense budget Dec 07, 2022 2:50 pm By Mark Dovich The House and Senate Armed Services Committees released the compromise language for the United States’ annual defense budget on Tuesday, axing provisions backed by Armenian American groups… Read more... No Azerbaijani checkpoint to be set up on Armenia-Karabakh route, says Stepanakert Dec 06, 2022 10:05 pm A possible meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, or of the two countries’ foreign ministers, may take place before the end of the year, according… Read more... ‘Oxygen’ for the economy: How can Armenia reach its full export potential? Dec 06, 2022 9:05 pm “It’s like oxygen for the economy.” That’s how Karen Martirosyan, founding member of the Export Armenia association and partner and shareholder at Avenue Consulting Group, describes Armenia’s… Read more... Cutting off Artsakh’s Armenians from the outside world Dec 06, 2022 8:05 pm In the latest edition of #Frontlines, hosts Garo Ghazarian and Karnig Kerkonian are joined by former Artsakh State Minister and Human Rights Defender Artak Beglaryan for a discussion about the current… Read more... 30 years on, HALO Trust continues clearing landmines in Karabakh Dec 06, 2022 7:05 pm HALO Trust has been working for almost three decades to clear Nagorno-Karabakh of landmines. The First Karabakh War left large swaths of the region riddled with these silent killers, while the consequences… Read more... Armenia hands over remains of 10 people presumed killed in First Karabakh War to Baku Dec 05, 2022 10:05 pm The highway connecting the cities of Goris in southern Armenia and Stepanakert, the capital of Karabakh, was fully reopened after a group of Azerbaijanis blocked the key road for several hours on Saturday.Armenia… Read more... Using filmmaking to bring attention to the Armenian Genocide Dec 05, 2022 8:05 pm Filmmaker Atom Egoyan sat down with Levon Afeyan, founder and CEO of Seatply Products, to discuss how he was introduced to his Armenian roots, growing up in a Canadian town with no other Armenians. Egoyan… Read more... Armenia to pay Gazprom $350 million in return for low gas prices: Business Week Armenia Dec 03, 2022 7:05 pm Armenia agrees to pay Gazprom millions to keep prices lowArmenian government to cover cost of water price hikePlans for Gyumri tax-free zone suspended indefinitelyBreaking down myths about the European… Read more... Armenia and Hungary: What caused the 10-year rift and reconciliation? Dec 02, 2022 10:05 pm Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held a historic meeting on Thursday with his Hungarian counterpart, after which their two ministries issued a joint statement announcing their decision to restore… Read more... A Christmas bazaar to fund school renovations in rural Armenia Dec 02, 2022 8:05 pm The International Women’s Association of Yerevan, a non-profit working to renovate schools in Armenia’s rural areas, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Founding member Armine Sargsyan sat down with… Read more... Mirzoyan reiterates commitment to peace, says Armenia will mend ties with Hungary Dec 02, 2022 11:36 am By Mark Dovich Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said Thursday that Armenia “has shown political will and has been taking decisive steps to open a new era of peace and stability in the South Caucasus,”… Read more... French parliament urges sanctions against Azerbaijan, more support for Armenia Dec 01, 2022 10:05 pm France’s National Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution calling for sanctions against Azerbaijan, among other provisions in support of Armenia.Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held talks… Read more... Will Armenia be punished for the CSTO summit debacle? Dec 01, 2022 8:10 pm In the latest edition of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric talks about the recent summit of the CSTO, a Russian-led military alliance, in Yerevan. Eric examines the possibility Armenia may face repercussions… Read more... Moscow and Baku exchange tense statements over Karabakh place names, as fears of new conflict grow Nov 28, 2022 10:05 pm Since late last week, Russia’s and Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministries have exchanged a series of tense statements over place names in Karabakh, as fears of a new round of conflict in the region, this… Read more... What needs to happen for the Armenian nation to regroup and remobilize? Nov 28, 2022 7:05 pm James Tufenkian, the founder of the Tufenkian Foundation, sat down with writer and economist Vahan Zanoyan to discuss his Armenian roots and what motivated him to create the foundation. Tufenkian also… Read more... Armenian government proposes higher taxes for gambling companies: Business Week Armenia Nov 26, 2022 7:05 pm As Armenia’s gambling industry grows, government mulls raising taxesArmenia’s economic boom continues, Statistical Committee saysArmenia’s trade ties with Iran bloom, despite sanctionsEastern Partnership… Read more... Fears of new attack as Aliyev threatens to forcibly open corridor through Armenia Nov 25, 2022 10:05 pm Worries of a new escalation of conflict and a large-scale military attack by Azerbaijan have been raised after Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said Armenia will not be able to stop the opening of the… Read more... Yerevan to import 87 German buses next year Nov 24, 2022 10:05 pm A major summit of the leaders of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a Russian-led military alliance, ended in Yerevan without an agreement on providing defense aid to Armenia after Prime Minister… Read more... Mehriban Aliyeva says goodbye to UNESCO Nov 24, 2022 8:05 pm In the latest edition of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric talks about the recent passage of a resolution in the French Senate calling for sanctions against Azerbaijan. Eric also discusses the planned… Read more... Russian military alliance summit ends without agreement on aid to Armenia Nov 24, 2022 1:11 pm By Mark Dovich A major summit of the leaders of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a Russian-led military alliance, ended in Yerevan Wednesday without an agreement on providing defense aid to… Read more... Putin arrives in Armenia for CSTO summit, as protests take place against alliance Nov 23, 2022 10:05 pm The leaders of the member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization have arrived in Yerevan for a summit of the Russian-led military alliance. During a closed-door CSTO meeting, a live… Read more... Diasporan children learn Armenian online through new initiative Nov 23, 2022 8:05 pm The MAM educational initiative is providing free online courses in Armenian studies to children in the diaspora, usually aged 6-12. Students from Armenian communities around the world just need to have… Read more... Nearly all Karabakh ministers dismissed in major shake-up Nov 23, 2022 3:35 pm By Mark Dovich Karabakh President Arayik Harutyunyan dismissed nine of Karabakh’s 11 ministers from their positions on Wednesday after reaching an agreement with State Minister Ruben Vardanyan on a… Read more... Azerbaijan’s strategy to terrorize Syunik’s Armenian population Nov 23, 2022 12:35 pm In the latest edition of Frontlines, hosts Karnig Kerkonian and Garo Ghazarian continue unpacking their fact-finding mission to Armenia’s southernmost Syunik region with Arman Tatoyan, the director… Read more... Azerbaijani forces fire at tractor in Karabakh’s Machkalashen village Nov 22, 2022 10:05 pm Azerbaijani forces shot at a tractor in Machkalashen village in Karabakh, according to a statement from Artsakh Defense Army. No casualties were reported. Japan donated 39 new ambulances to Armenia. France… Read more... Eastern Partnership Trade Helpdesk: A new platform to support Armenia’s exporters Nov 22, 2022 8:05 pm Karen Gevorgyan, National Project Manager for Armenia at the International Trade Center, sat down with CivilNet’s Mark Dovich to discuss the launch of the Eastern Partnership Trade Helpdesk, a European… Read more... AND IN OTHER NEWS: Tracking Azerbaijani Troll Farms on Social Media Nov 22, 2022 9:14 am The topic on social media lately has been… well social media itself, with one of its biggest platforms Twitter thrust into an existential crisis with the sudden takeover by a certain rogue billionaire.… Read more... Armenia to host CSTO summit, despite bloc’s failure to respond to Baku’s incursions Nov 21, 2022 10:05 pm Armenia to host Collective Security Treaty Organization summit this week, with Russian President Vladimir Putin among visiting leaders. Yesterday evening at around 9, Azerbaijani forces once again fired… Read more... Armenia and its remarkable talent pool Nov 21, 2022 7:05 pm Vahe Andonians, founder of Cognaize and an artificial intelligence specialist, sat down with Dr. Ara Abrahamyan to talk about his upbringing as an Armenian in Austria, Andonians also discusses how he… Read more... How Azerbaijan’s President Lied About, Then Admitted to Starting the 2020 War Nov 19, 2022 1:27 am By Hovhannes Nazaretyan, #CivilNetCheck In his speech commemorating Azerbaijan’s victory in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev spoke in the town of Shushi (Shusha), where… Read more... The Armenian villages within the scopes of Azerbaijani soldiers Nov 18, 2022 8:05 pm In the latest edition of Frontlines, hosts Karnig Kerkonian and Garo Ghazarian continue unpacking their fact-finding mission to Armenia’s southernmost Syunik region with Arman Tatoyan, the director… Read more... Vardanyan hits back at Aliyev, insists he can negotiate for Karabakh Armenians Nov 18, 2022 1:41 pm By Mark Dovich Karabakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan hit back Thursday at comments earlier in the day by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev dismissing the philanthropist as being “sent there from… Read more... Armenia favors ‘framework model’ for peace treaty, says Pashinyan Nov 17, 2022 10:05 pm Armenia is in favor of a “framework model” for a peace treaty with Azerbaijan, which would outline the areas where both sides are in agreement but not go into specific details, said Prime Minister… Read more... Life in Jermuk slowly returning after Azerbaijan’s attack Nov 17, 2022 9:05 pm Life in Jermuk in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region is slowly coming back to normal. The mountain town is known as a tourist hotspot due to its many hotels and spas. Azerbaijan’s major attack in September,… Read more... Aliyev’s pipeline politics is about politics, not energy security Nov 17, 2022 8:12 pm In the latest edition of Insights With Eric Hacopian, Eric talks about Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s speech in the city of Shushi in Karabakh. Eric also discusses Aliyev’s demands for a corridor… Read more... US officials project optimism for Armenia-Azerbaijan peace at Senate hearing Nov 17, 2022 3:25 pm By Mark Dovich Senior U.S. officials involved in facilitating ongoing peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan projected optimism Wednesday at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, even while… Read more... Armenian citizens required to declare incomes starting next year Nov 16, 2022 10:05 pm France’s Senate voted nearly unanimously to adopt a resolution calling on Paris to impose sanctions on Baku.Armen Grigoryan, the head of Armenia’s Security Council, will travel to India for a working… Read more... Subsidizing salaries to attract highly qualified specialists to Armenia Nov 16, 2022 9:04 pm Hovsep Patvakanyan, the head of the Investment Council of Armenia, sat down with CivilNet to discuss a new government program subsidizing salaries for highly qualified specialists up to 70%, meant to… Read more... In day-to-day life, Syunik’s border villagers face challenges created by Azerbaijan Nov 16, 2022 8:05 pm In the latest edition of Frontlines, Karnig Kerkonian and Garo Ghazarian continue unpacking their fact-finding mission to Armenia’s southernmost Syunik region with Arman Tatoyan, the director of the… Read more... French Senate condemns Azerbaijan’s September attack, calls for sanctions on Baku Nov 16, 2022 4:21 pm By Mark Dovich France’s Senate voted nearly unanimously Tuesday to adopt a resolution condemning Azerbaijan’s unprecedented attack on Armenia in September and calling on Paris to impose sanctions… Read more... Armenia in favor of Russian peace proposals, Pashinyan tells Russian envoy Nov 15, 2022 10:05 pm Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken agreed in a phone call to continue steps to increase security and stability in the region. Armenia supports proposals… Read more... Smoking bans, nutrition policies, diaspora professionals and Armenia’s health care system Nov 15, 2022 8:05 pm Dr. Kim Hekimian is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Human Nutrition at Columbia University in New York and an advisor to the Armenian Health Ministry. Dr. Hekimian sat down with CivilNet to… Read more... “An educated society is the future for Armenia”, Suren Aloyan Nov 15, 2022 7:05 pm Suren Aloyan, in conversation with Lara Tcholakian, shares his journey and goal to improve the education system and education technologies both in Armenia and abroad. He speaks about his experience in… Read more... Armenian foreign minister expresses condolences over Istanbul blast Nov 14, 2022 10:05 pm Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan expressed his condolences over an explosion in central Istanbul that left at least six dead and 81 injured.Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will meet with… Read more... How to market Armenia more effectively on the global stage Nov 14, 2022 8:05 pm Tech analyst and freelance journalist Raffi Elliott and his brother, Patrick Elliott, the director and co-founder of IBCCS Tax Armenia, sat down together with Levon Afeyan, the founder and CEO of Seatply… Read more... The economy is still booming, but how to sustain it? BUSINESS ARMENIA Nov 12, 2022 8:47 pm Russian influx contributes to real estate boomArmenian banks post record profitsTourism surges after two years of pandemic and warTrade grows, but role of Russian re-exports remains unclearSuccess and… Read more... Pashinyan reiterates readiness to reach peace deal with Azerbaijan Nov 11, 2022 11:40 pm By Mark Dovich Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reiterated his administration’s readiness to enter into substantive peace talks with Azerbaijan in a primetime interview on public television Friday… Read more... Azerbaijani troops fire mortars on Armenian positions, despite pledge not to use force Nov 11, 2022 9:05 pm Azerbaijani units opened fire atf Armenian positions last night using mortars, according to the Armenian Defense Ministry.Members of parliament for the I Have Honor bloc will return to parliament next… Read more... 2 years on from the 2020 war, Syunik’s residents remain in dire straits Nov 11, 2022 11:48 am In the latest edition of Frontlines, Karnig Kerkonian and Garo Ghazarian spoke with Arman Tatoyan, Director of the Tatoyan Foundation and Armenia’s former Human Rights Defender, about their recent fact-finding… Read more... Aliyev preparing to cut Karabakh off from Armenia, warns Pashinyan Nov 10, 2022 9:45 pm Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said today during a cabinet meeting that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is attempting to create grounds to block or close the Lachin corridor, the only land… Read more... Overcoming the Armenian government’s strategic communication issues Nov 10, 2022 9:05 pm Raffi Niziblian, the founder and creative director of DEEM Communications, sat down with CivilNet to discuss issues around strategic communications in Armenian government agencies, as well as in Armenia’s… Read more... Armenia triangulating between Russia, the West and Iran Nov 10, 2022 8:06 pm In the latest edition of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric talks about Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s recent visit to Iran, examining how Armenia should try to navigate its relations with… Read more... US Armenian groups hail Mehmet Oz’s Pennsylvania defeat Nov 09, 2022 10:05 pm Republican Senate candidate and former TV doctor Mehmet Oz is projected to lose a much-followed race in Pennsylvania.Azerbaijani troops opened fire once again at Armenian positions last night, according… Read more... Tourism boom sees 1.4 million visitors to Armenia so far this year Nov 08, 2022 10:05 pm Armenia has welcomed 1.4 million tourists so far this year in a post-pandemic, post-war boom, according to the country’s Tourism Committee.The Armenian government will form a special working group to… Read more... A fact-finding mission to Armenia’s southern border villages Nov 08, 2022 8:05 pm Garo Ghazarian, an attorney, co-host of the Frontlines show, and advisor at the Tatoyan Foundation, spoke to CivilNet about his visit to Armenia’s southernmost Syunik region as part of a fact-finding… Read more... US welcomes ‘courageous steps’ by Yerevan and Baku, calls for ‘direct dialogue’ Nov 08, 2022 12:51 pm By Mark Dovich U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks in Washington Monday with the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, saying he welcomes the two countries’ “courageous steps”… Read more... Azerbaijani soldiers open fire at Armenian tractor driver, Karabakh Interior Ministry says Nov 07, 2022 10:05 pm Azerbaijani soldiers shot at an Armenian tractor driver near the village of Khramort in eastern Karabakh, the region’s Interior Ministry said. The driver was not injured.Armenia’s opposition staged… Read more... Ensuring that Armenia’s education system prepares for the future Nov 07, 2022 8:05 pm Mary Papazian, the former president of San Jose State University in California, sat down with Alice Petrossian to talk about making Armenia’s education system more innovative and forward-thinking, engaging… Read more... Vardanyan takes up post of Karabakh state minister Nov 04, 2022 10:05 pm Billionaire businessman Ruben Vardanyan formally took up the post of Karabakh state minister with expanded powers.Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met in Yerevan with the head of the European… Read more... Is Azerbaijan selling Russian gas to Europe? Nov 04, 2022 12:40 pm The article was published in World Energy Weekly (October 31 issue), a publication of Petrostrategies, a French think-tank specializing in energy issues. “Azerbaijan is selling us Russian gas disguised… Read more... Court rules in CivilNet’s favor in major freedom of information case Nov 04, 2022 9:47 am By Mark Dovich CivilNet, alongside Transparency International Armenia, scored a major legal win Wednesday, with Armenia’s Administrative Court holding that the Armenian government must hand over information… Read more... Justice restored after a 20-year struggle: CivilNet Special Nov 04, 2022 4:39 am By Gevorg Tosunyan Yerevan resident H’s 20 year-long legal struggle has finally paid off. The state will compensate her roughly $22,000 for property rights violations. Her case had dragged on for years… Read more... Armenia may restore relations with Hungary, French Senate to debate sanctioning Azerbaijan Nov 03, 2022 10:05 pm Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan says he will meet with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington “in the next few days.” Foreign… Read more... Armenia and the Russian tightrope Nov 03, 2022 8:16 pm In the latest edition of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric talks about Armenia’s relations with Russia and how the relationship can be both advantageous and disadvantageous for Armenia. Eric also discusses… Read more... Armenian, Azerbaijani foreign ministers to meet in Washington, Mirzoyan says Nov 03, 2022 4:47 pm By Mark Dovich Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said Thursday he would hold talks in Washington with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken “in… Read more... Russia floats indefinitely postponing Karabakh status issue Nov 02, 2022 10:05 pm Armenia proposed extending the mandate of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Karabakh during talks in Sochi with Azerbaijan, said Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The third meeting of the joint… Read more... “Peace is a necessity for Armenia, not for its neighbors” – A talk with Garo Paylan Nov 02, 2022 8:05 pm Garo Paylan, a Turkish Armenian member of the Turkish parliament, sat down with CivilNet to talk about Turkey’s general elections next year and what they could mean for Armenia and Armenians. Paylan… Read more... What came out of the Putin-Pashinyan-Aliyev meeting in Sochi? Nov 01, 2022 8:35 pm The leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia issued their fourth joint statement since the end of the 2020 Karabakh war. Lengthy talks on Monday in the Russian city of Sochi, saw Nikol Pashinyan, Ilham… Read more... Armenian legal teams making progress in international courts Nov 01, 2022 8:05 pm Yeghishe Kirakosyan, Armenia’s designated representative at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, sat down with CivilNet to discuss Armenian legal teams’ progress at both the ICJ and the… Read more... “We must do everything possible to raise awareness about the importance of the sciences”, Dr. Gayane Melikyan Nov 01, 2022 7:05 pm Gayane Melikyan sat down with Lara Tcholakian to discuss the challenges related to transferring scientific knowledge to new generations and the lack of good role models who inspire new students in STEM.… Read more... Armenia ‘satisfied’ with progress at Sochi summit, ambassador-at-large says Nov 01, 2022 6:19 pm By Mark Dovich Armenia is “satisfied” with progress made on peace talks with Azerbaijan at Monday’s summit in the Russian city of Sochi, the country’s ambassador-at-large, Edmon Marukyan, told… Read more... Leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia release joint statement after Sochi summit Nov 01, 2022 12:14 am By Mark Dovich The leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia issued their fourth joint statement since the 2020 Karabakh war following lengthy talks Monday evening in the Russian city of Sochi, reaffirming… Read more... Creating a global Armenian community in the aftermath of the war Oct 31, 2022 9:05 pm The Global Armenian Summit was held from October 28 to 31 in Yerevan. The conference saw numerous talks, panel discussions, interviews, and networking events, all with the aim of recalibrating the relationship… Read more... Armenians in Karabakh hold massive rally for self-determination Oct 31, 2022 1:02 pm Karabakh residents gathered for a massive rally Sunday, as members of the local parliament unanimously adopted a lengthy statement rejecting any peace deal that would see Azerbaijan take control of the… Read more... Karabakh residents gather for massive rally as local parliament issues statement rejecting Azerbaijani control Oct 30, 2022 5:47 pm By Mark Dovich Karabakh residents gathered for a massive rally Sunday, as members of the local parliament unanimously adopted a lengthy statement rejecting any peace deal that would see Azerbaijan take… Read more... Divisions generated by the energy crisis are splitting the West Oct 29, 2022 11:10 pm The article was published in World Energy Weekly (October 31 issue), a publication of Petrostrategies, a French think-tank specializing in energy issues. [donate_en] The colossal and unprecedented gap… Read more... Russian military alliance calls for peaceful resolution of Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict Oct 28, 2022 8:21 pm By Mark Dovich The Collective Security Treaty Organization, a Russian-led military alliance, has ended a special session on “the escalation of the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border” by… Read more... Pashinyan says he supports Russian proposal for Azerbaijan peace deal, after Putin notes competing US plan Oct 28, 2022 12:23 pm By Mark Dovich Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Friday that his administration supports a Russian-backed peace plan with neighboring Azerbaijan, one day after Russian President Vladimir Putin… Read more... Russian military alliance to convene special session on Armenia Oct 28, 2022 10:09 am By Mark Dovich The Collective Security Treaty Organization, a Russian-led military alliance, has said it will convene a special session Friday to discuss possible steps to assist Armenia following Azerbaijan’s… Read more...