Newsfeed – CIVILNET Assessing support for Bishop Galstanyan’s protest movement May 16, 2024 8:05 pm This week on Insights, host Eric Hacopian continues his analysis of Bishop Bagrat Galstyan's protest march from Tavush to Yerevan. He closely examines the goals and message behind the high-profile demonstrations,… World leaders should steer clear of Baku climate conference unless political prisoners are released May 16, 2024 6:38 pm By Hrair Balian World leaders who stand for a rules-based international order must decline participation in the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku during November, unless 23… Russia calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume talks on reopening transit routes May 15, 2024 10:05 pm Large crowds of protesters gathered again this afternoon to call on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to resign over a border delimitation deal reached with Azerbaijan last month. Armenia’s leading press… Pashinyan reiterates pro-European Union foreign policy course May 14, 2024 10:05 pm At least 63 protesters were arrested today as acts of civil disobedience resumed across Yerevan, resulting in sometimes forceful scuffles with police. An audit of the 2022 annual report of Pashinyan’s… “I use art to raise awareness of Armenia’s rich culture,” Stephany Sanossian May 14, 2024 8:05 pm In this episode of Mindful Leaders, we explore the life of Stephany Sanossian, an artist and designer. Born in Aleppo, Syria, to Armenian parents with ancestral roots from Aintab, Stephany is an artist… Echoes of Déjà Vu: Reviving Resistance in Armenia May 14, 2024 2:45 pm By Tigran Yegavian In the spring of 2024, Armenia is living through one of the most serious and decisive hours in its history as an independent sovereign state. For nearly four years, Armenia… Scores detained as anti-government protests continue in Armenia May 13, 2024 10:05 pm At least 151 protesters were detained today in Yerevan for taking part in acts of civil disobedience, according to police figures. Demonstrators continue to call on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to resign… Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity awarded in Los Angeles May 11, 2024 9:35 pm By Paul Vartan Sookiasian The eighth annual Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity was awarded Thursday evening in Los Angeles to Dr. Denis Mukwege, a world-renowned gynecological surgeon and human rights… Armenia considering raising taxes on small businesses: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS May 11, 2024 7:05 pm Armenia’s cabinet proposed doubling taxes on small businesses in the country, saying the move is needed to boost transparency and simplify the tax administration system. It remains unclear when Armenia’s… Armenia protest leaders call for acts of civil disobedience May 10, 2024 9:26 pm By Paul Vartan Sookiasian Protesters from the “Tavush for the Motherland” movement gathered in Yerevan’s central Republic Square for a second evening after a day of marches and student boycotts.… Protest movement in Yerevan demands Prime Minister’s resignation May 10, 2024 6:50 pm The "Tavush for the Homeland" movement led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan held a rally in Yerevan’s Republic Square. The demonstrators are demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's resignation. … Unpacking The Tavush To Yerevan Protest Movement May 10, 2024 2:05 pm In this episode of the Civilnet Podcast, host Patrick Elliott and Eric Hacopian unpack the protest movement led by archbishop Bagrat Srpazan Galstanyan, sparked by the delimitation agreement with Azerbaijan… Stirrings of Solidarity: Assessing Protests and Demands in Georgia May 09, 2024 10:05 pm On this week's edition of Insights, Eric Hacopian discusses the latest anti-government protests in Georgia and what they mean for democracy in the region. He also analyzes new positive developments regarding… Anti-government protests grow in Armenia amid border deal with Azerbaijan May 08, 2024 7:17 pm By Paul Vartan Sookiasian A second senior clergyman of the Armenian Apostolic Church has started a march to Yerevan in opposition to a controversial border delimitation deal with Azerbaijan. Protesters… Pashinyan defends border deal with Baku, says opposition seeks to ‘incite war’ May 07, 2024 10:05 pm Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan continued to defend his administration’s agreement to a controversial border delimitation deal with Azerbaijan. He accused the growing opposition movement of… Armenia hopes to normalize relations with Baku by November, says Pashinyan May 07, 2024 9:53 pm By Mark Dovich Yerevan hopes to sign a normalization deal with Baku by November and expects steps in that direction at talks later this week in Kazakhstan, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has… Armenia watches as protests against ‘foreign agent’ bill rock Georgia May 07, 2024 7:05 pm Tens of thousands of people have been taking to the streets in cities across Georgia for over a month now to protest the ruling Georgian Dream party’s renewed plans to require groups that receive funding… Pashinyan to skip Putin’s inauguration, close ally confirms May 06, 2024 10:05 pm Residents of Armenia’s northeastern Tavush region and their supporters continued their march to Yerevan, demanding an end to border delimitation work with Azerbaijan. Armenia and Azerbaijan’s top… Tavush residents march to Yerevan as opposition to border delimitation deal grows May 06, 2024 6:41 pm By Mark Dovich Hundreds of residents from the border village of Kirants in Armenia’s northeastern Tavush region and supporters are marching to Yerevan, as opposition to a border delimitation agreement… Democracy Watch: Violent dispersion of protesters and media polarization May 06, 2024 5:16 pm By Tigran Grigoryan and Karena Avedissian Violent Dispersion of Protesters in Kirants Police have violently dispersed demonstrators protesting the handover of four villages to Azerbaijan. The detainment… Armenia taps local developer for World Trade Center Yerevan: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS May 04, 2024 7:05 pm Armenia’s Central Bank this week cut interest rates to 8.25%, as inflation in the country continues to remain well below target levels and the economy continues to grow. The Armenian government approved… Armenia remains freest country in region for media May 04, 2024 3:45 am By Paul Vartan Sookiasian Armenia remains the freest country for the press in the South Caucasus and one of the best in the entire former Soviet Union, the Paris-based non-profit Reporters Without Borders,… Armenia and Ukraine’s top diplomats hold rare phone call May 03, 2024 10:05 pm Police block the road to Kirants village for a second straight day while protesters demand a halt to the current approach to demining and border delimitation work. Armenia remains the freest country for… CFTJ accuses Azerbaijan of torturing Armenian prisoners of war at UN May 03, 2024 8:35 pm Last week, the United Nations Committee against Torture reviewed Azerbaijan’s compliance with its commitments under international law. Prior to the hearings, the Center for Truth and Justice, a U.S.-based… 30 protesters detained attempting to stop border delimitation process in Tavush May 02, 2024 10:05 pm Armenian protesters attempting to block the border delimitation process with Azerbaijan were briefly detained as the process moves to Kirants village. Former Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan inaugurated… The Turkish Malaise: A Conversation with Cengiz Aktar May 02, 2024 8:01 pm On the Tsitsernakaberd hill in Yerevan, near the Memorial of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, renowned Turkish political scientist and activist Cengiz Aktar sat down with CivilNet’s Eric Hacopian to discuss… Hungary blocking EU military aid to Armenia, RFE/RL reports Apr 30, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia’s ruling party defeated a bill put forward by the opposition meant to prevent the handover of four abandoned border villages to Azerbaijan. Hungary is blocking the European Union from disbursing… EXPLAINER: Azerbaijan border delimitation deal sparks protests in Armenia Apr 30, 2024 7:52 pm By Paul Vartan Sookiasian Earlier this month, Armenia formally launched a long-delayed process to delimit, or legally define, a section of its border with Azerbaijan for the first time, sparking ongoing… Armenia-Turkey process of normalization: illusive deadlock? Apr 30, 2024 10:30 am Sergey Minasyan, Deputy Director of the Caucasus Institute Despite the growing frequency of optimistic statements by officials and experts in both countries, the prospects for progress in Armenian-Turkish… Armenia and Azerbaijan’s top diplomats to meet in Kazakhstan Apr 29, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia and Azerbaijan’s top diplomats have agreed to meet for talks in Kazakhstan on an unspecified date, an Armenian government spokesperson confirmed. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held… Reviving the Art of the Armenian Rug Apr 29, 2024 9:05 pm “A rug is life. It’s alive, it breathes. It is organic. Pure wool, cotton and natural colors. It comes from nature itself. When it is woven by hand, the artisan puts his soul, his breath into it.”… Antelias, the Armenian nation’s beating heart Apr 29, 2024 7:18 pm By Tigrane Yegavian On April 20-22, the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia hosted a conference dedicated to studying the continuous nature of the Armenian genocide and the issue of Artsakh. Researchers,… Pashinyan says border delimitation is a matter of Armenia’s existence Apr 26, 2024 10:05 pm Prime Minister Pashinyan says border delimitation is painful but must be done to secure the future of Armenia. Armenia agrees to hold normalization talks with Azerbaijan in Kazakhstan. U.S.… Building a powerful Armenian identity Apr 26, 2024 6:05 pm Renowned British comedian Kev Orkian joins Patrick on the Civilnet podcast to share his insights as an Armenian in the Diaspora. They discuss the importance of remembering the Armenian Genocide and crafting… Azerbaijan re-asserts demand for a corridor through Armenia Apr 25, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia and the world commemorated the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Azerbaijan re-asserts its demand for a corridor through Armenia while the demarcation process threatens to interrupt… Never Forget, Never Repeat: Commemorating the Armenian Genocide Apr 25, 2024 8:05 pm On this week's Insights, host Eric examines the upcoming departure of EU Special Representative Toivo Klaar from his role in the South Caucasus. He analyzes what led to this change and considers its potential… Protests continue in Tavush amid border demarcation Apr 23, 2024 10:05 pm Protests continued in Tavush today as Armenian and Azerbaijani teams delimited parts of the border. Pashinyan says re-engagement with the CSTO military alliance will be impossible if things continue… New reports emerge of damage to Armenian heritage in Karabakh Apr 23, 2024 7:51 pm Ani Avetisyan Several reports showing visual evidence of the damage or complete demolition of cultural and religious sites in Nagorno-Karabakh emerged in the past week. Among the destructed areas are… Demonstrators block roads to protest planned border demarcation Apr 22, 2024 10:05 pm Controversy is raging over the Armenian government’s agreement with Azerbaijan to demarcate parts of the border which critics call a unilateral withdrawal from territory by Armenia. Residents of the… Inside CFTJ’s demand for Azerbaijan to be investigated for genocide Apr 22, 2024 7:35 pm The Center for Truth and Justice, a U.S.-based nonprofit, formally asked the International Criminal Court to investigate Azerbaijan’s leaders for genocide last week, marking the first such petition… Azerbaijan destroys historic Armenian church in Karabakh Apr 19, 2024 10:05 pm Azerbaijan and Armenia have agreed upon sections of border in the northeastern Tavush region. The International Criminal Court is formally requested to investigate Azerbaijan’s leaders for genocide… Georgia’s “foreign agents” bill sparks mass protests Apr 19, 2024 9:31 pm Georgia’s parliament approved the first reading of a bill on “foreign agents” this week, sparking protests in the capital Tbilisi. The proposed law would require media outlets and non-profit organizations… Pashinyan said he is ‘sacrificing’ himself for the good of Armenia over unpopular border proposal Apr 18, 2024 10:05 pm Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan ruled out early parliamentary elections before beginning border demarcation with Azerbaijan. The joint Russian-Turkish monitoring center in Aghdam will close as Russian… Aliyev’s Temper Tantrum Over Brussels Meeting Apr 18, 2024 8:05 pm In this week's episode of Insights, host Eric Hacopian digs into the hyperbolic reactions from Russia and Azerbaijan to the recent EU/US-Armenia summit. Through analysis of official statements and media… Russian peacekeepers leave Karabakh Apr 18, 2024 10:45 am By Ani Avetisyan Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed this week that Russian peacekeepers will be leaving Nagorno-Karabakh. Peskov reiterated the authenticity of earlier reports in the Azerbaijani… Pashinyan makes return visit to Tavush border villages Apr 17, 2024 10:05 pm Russian peacekeepers have begun withdrawing from Nagorno-Karabakh over a year ahead of schedule. Prime Minister Pashinyan makes a second visit to Tavush border villages as Azerbaijan demands handover… “Armenia Could Become a World Engineering Hub” Apr 17, 2024 9:05 pm Vahe Nigoghosian is the founder of Engineer X, a multi-disciplinary engineering firm based in Armenia that focuses on business and education. Vahe brought with him the branch of the Dassault Systemes,… Pashinyan ally calls to ‘verify’ number of Armenian genocide victims Apr 16, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia accused Azerbaijan before the United Nations’ top court of promoting hatred of Armenians at the official level. Proceedings will continue through the end of the week. A ruling party lawmaker… Caviar Diplomacy and the Middle Corridor: How does Azerbaijan avoid sanctions? Apr 16, 2024 8:05 pm Rasmus Canbäck, an investigative journalist for the Swedish online news site Blankspot, talks to CivilNet’s Paul Vartan Sookiasian about how Azerbaijan manages to avoid international sanctions despite… “Discovering Armenia felt like I finally came home, at my source”, John Hodian Apr 16, 2024 7:05 pm In this episode of Mindful Leaders, we explore the life of John Hodian, composer, conductor, pianist and founder of The Naghash Ensemble. Born and raised in Philadelphia to Armenian parents, John’s… Kazakhstan’s president pledges deeper ties with Armenia on official visit Apr 15, 2024 10:05 pm Kazakhstan’s president says the country is seeking to deepen ties with Armenia and stands ready to help mediate between Yerevan and Baku. Armenia dismissed reporting by The Times newspaper suggesting… Pashinyan calls on Russia to invest more in Armenia: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Apr 13, 2024 7:05 pm The United Kingdom-based Bank of Georgia Group finalized its $303.6 million acquisition of Ameriabank, one of Armenia’s largest lenders. Armenia is in talks with Russia to encourage more investment… Armenia’s parliament passes expanded domestic violence protections Apr 12, 2024 10:05 pm In a rare admission of fault, Armenia’s National Security Service said an Armenian soldier broke protocol and crossed the border with Azerbaijan, resulting in an incident earlier this week that left… Simulated Mars mission brings Armenia one step closer to space Apr 12, 2024 8:08 pm AMADEE-24, a month-long analog training mission for a future journey to Mars, wrapped up earlier this month in Armenia’s central Ararat region. Managed by the Austrian Space Forum, the mission brought… Armenians’ right to return to Karabakh: Why is Yerevan silent? Apr 12, 2024 3:33 pm By Paul Vartan Sookiasian The Armenian government appears to be continuing to rebuff calls for the return of Armenians to Nagorno-Karabakh, despite a growing number of key regional and global players… US ambassador: Washington may provide Armenia with armored ambulances Apr 11, 2024 10:05 pm One Azerbaijani soldier was wounded in an exchange of fire between Armenian and Azerbaijani units that came after an Armenian shepherd inadvertently crossed the border while looking for his flock. Armenia… Armenian Nobel Peace Prize Apr 11, 2024 8:05 pm In this week's episode of Insights, host Eric Hacopian unpacks the joint US, EU and Armenia meeting in Brussels. He also touches on the status of the Armenians imprisoned in Baku for over 6 months, including… Pashinyan: Armenia should hand over 4 border villages to avoid new war Apr 10, 2024 10:05 pm Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said handing over four abandoned villages in Armenia’s northeastern Tavush region to Azerbaijan may be the only way to avoid a new war. Pashinyan again criticized a Russian-led… Armenia is a one-man show, and that one man must be held responsible for the failures and losses: Vartan Oskanian Apr 10, 2024 4:20 pm Armenia’s former foreign minister, Vartan Oskanian, wrote an extensive Facebook post on the Armenian government’s current foreign policy, titled “Reflections on events in and around Armenia.” … Azerbaijan Lobbyist under fire after revelation of undisclosed meeting with New York officials Apr 10, 2024 1:49 am By Paul Vartan Sookiasian A U.S. political consultant, Ezra Friedlander, hired by Azerbaijan failed to disclose a meeting he attended at New York City Hall, accompanied by the deputy foreign minister… Amid further shooting, Armenia calls on Baku to cease escalation Apr 09, 2024 10:05 pm The head of the Council of Europe expressed the organization’s support for Armenia’s reform process on a visit yesterday to Yerevan. Days of shooting from Azerbaijan along the Armenian border continued… Baroness Cox’s Lifelong Mission for Nagorno-Karabakh Apr 09, 2024 8:32 pm “A voice for people whose voices are not heard.” That’s how Humanitarian activist and long-time advocate for Artsakh, Baroness Caroline Cox, talks about how she used her privileged position as… What can be done to safeguard the cultural heritage in Karabakh Apr 09, 2024 7:05 pm Following the 2023 ethnic cleansing of Armenians from Artsakh, Baku has already began erasing any trace of Armenians in the region. Azerbaijani social media is already rife with videos depicting the destruction… Azerbaijan fires on Armenian villages following Armenia-US-EU meeting Apr 08, 2024 10:05 pm Azerbaijan fires on Armenian villages following Armenia-US-EU meeting The European Union continues to call on Azerbaijan for the safe right of return of displaced people to Nagorno-Karabakh. Leading Armenian… Armenia’s Central Bank greenlights Ameriabank sale: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Apr 06, 2024 7:05 pm Armenia’s monetary authorities gave their “preliminary approval” to the sale of Ameriabank, one of the country’s largest lenders, to the Bank of Georgia Group. Operations at Amulsar, a long-stalled… ‘We are here to stay,’ pledge Jerusalem’s Armenians, as land conflict escalates Apr 05, 2024 8:05 pm On Wednesday, a group of Israeli police officers entered an area of the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem’s Old City known as the Cows’ Garden and began dismantling outposts set up there by members of… Armenia reports new ceasefire violations as PM holds talks with EU, US Apr 05, 2024 7:28 pm By Mark Dovich Armenia reported two fresh ceasefire violations Friday, as the country’s prime minister was abroad for first-of-their-kind three-way talks with senior officials from the European Union… EU, US announce $360M in support as Armenia’s tilt West picks up steam Apr 05, 2024 7:10 pm By Mark Dovich The European Union and United States said Friday they will together provide Armenia with additional financial support worth nearly $360 million before holding first-of-their-kind joint… AUA’s Mission of Educational Excellence Apr 05, 2024 7:05 pm In this Civilnet interview, Patrick Elliott sits down with Sharistan Melkonian, the dean of general education at the American University of Armenia, to discuss their reaccreditation, international standards… EU, US announce major financial aid programs for Armenia, Karabakh Armenians Apr 05, 2024 6:35 pm The United States and European Union will collectively provide Armenia with additional financial support worth nearly $360 million to support the country’s development and address the needs of Armenians… Armenia’s Amulsar gold mine may start production this year Apr 05, 2024 2:01 pm By Mark Dovich Operations at Amulsar, a long-stalled gold mining project embroiled in environmental controversy, may begin as soon as the end of the year, an Armenian official indicated this week. “The… Blinken warns Aliyev against increasing tensions with Armenia on eve of major summit Apr 04, 2024 10:05 pm The U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken cautioned Azerbaijan that there is no justification for increased tension on the border ahead of a major Armenia-EU-U.S. summit. Russia again called on… Armenia’s Balancing Act In Brussels Apr 04, 2024 8:05 pm CivilNet host Patrick Elliot sits down with political commentator Eric Hacopian to talk about the upcoming Armenia-US-EU meeting in Brussels, as well as the Russian and Azerbaijani reactions. They also… Pashinyan denies any misstep regarding Russia relations Apr 03, 2024 10:05 pm Pashinyan insisted Armenia has not done anything wrong in its relations with Russia. The French prime minister rebuked Azerbaijan for taking steps which threaten Armenia’s territorial integrity. … Demystifying the Fall of Karabakh Apr 03, 2024 8:05 pm CivilNet host Patrick Elliott sits down with Tigran Grigoryan, the director of the Regional Center For Democracy and Security, to unpack the myths around the negotiations and the Nagorno Karabakh conflict,… Armenia reports fresh ceasefire violations as tensions with Azerbaijan flare Apr 02, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia reported two ceasefire violations along the border as tensions with Azerbaijan continue to spiral to levels not seen in months. There were no casualties reported. A Russian-led military alliance… AND IN OTHER NEWS: Armenia Hosts Mars Mission Simulation Apr 02, 2024 9:25 am So much of the news we hear about Armenia lately is fraught with anxiety and uncertainty. While there’s a good reason for that, that’s only one side of the story. There’s so much more going on in… United States not planning to take part in the EU border mission in Armenia Apr 01, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia and the European Union have each hit back at false claims by Azerbaijan that Armenia is building troops up along its side of the undelimited border. Armenia’s Foreign Minister has said there… What weapons have Armenia and Azerbaijan bought since the 2020 war? Apr 01, 2024 2:22 pm Shushan Stepanyan, #CivilNetCheck Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev regularly complains in his interviews, raising the alarm about Armenia's continuous acquisition of hundreds of millions of dollars’… Perceptions on the prospects for peace in the regions Apr 01, 2024 2:05 pm On March 16, civil activists, educators, and students from the regions of Vayots Dzor, Tavush, Syunik, and Lori gathered in Aghveran to explore the potential for peace in the region and the necessary… Modernization efforts at Armenia’s nuclear power plant ramp up: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Mar 30, 2024 7:05 pm The Armenian government will pay nearly $3 million to the French company that runs the country’s water distribution network to keep consumer costs low for the rest of the year. The head of Armenia’s… Former Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan returns with a ‘New Force’ Mar 29, 2024 10:05 pm Russia’s top diplomat accused Armenia’s government of intentionally seeking to ruin relations between the two countries. Yerevan’s popular former mayor announced plans to set up a new political… AND IN OTHER NEWS: Looming Regional Uncertainty Mar 29, 2024 7:09 pm March has been another month of uncertainty for Armenia. Its government is sending the strongest signals yet it could be leaving the ineffective Collection Security Treaty Organization, much to the displeasure… Armenia approves humanitarian aid shipment to Gaza Mar 28, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia, with Egypt’s assistance, will provide about 30 tons of desperately needed humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confirmed. Pashinyan slammed remarks by Nagorno-Karabakh’s… The UK Leaks And Ethnic Cleansing Mar 28, 2024 8:05 pm This week's episode of Insights will analyze the public statement and press conference by former Artsakh Ombudsman Artak Beglaryan on the current situation, as well as recently leaked documents from the… Mustafa Aydin: Three scenarios for geopolitical developments in the South Caucasus Mar 28, 2024 6:05 pm Mustafa Aydin, professor of international relations and the coordinator at the Global Academy (Istanbul), delivered a lecture on “The South Caucasus After the Wars: Changing Geopolitics, Shifting Alliances,… Baku outraged over upcoming EU-US-Armenia meeting Mar 27, 2024 10:05 pm Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry condemned an upcoming trilateral meeting between top U.S. and EU officials and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. France’s ambassador to Armenia decried Azerbaijan's… How would opening the Turkish border impact the Armenian economy? Mar 27, 2024 8:05 pm Armenia’s border with Turkey has been closed for more than three decades. So what would happen to the country’s economy if that border was opened? CivilNet’s Mark Dovich sits down with economists… Armenian law enforcement raids fringe group after police station attack Mar 26, 2024 10:05 pm Armenian police found additional weapons in raids at homes of members and the offices of a fringe group that may be connected to a police station attack over the weekend. A Russian government spokesperson… Laurence Broers: Sustainable peace is ‘beyond the high table and a piece of paper’ Mar 26, 2024 7:05 pm Laurence Broers, associate fellow at Chatham House’s Russia and Eurasia Programme, sits down with CivilNet’s Karen Harutyunyan to speak about the developments in the region since the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh… Georgia announces support for Armenia’s territorial integrity Mar 25, 2024 10:05 pm Two men were injured and a third detained after they attempted to break into a police precinct building in Yerevan. On his first visit to Yerevan, new Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze expressed… ‘Turkey needs Russia’s weakening, but not its complete withdrawal from the Caucasus’ Mar 25, 2024 3:05 pm Turkey is not impartial in the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan and supports Azerbaijan based on pragmatic calculations, according to Mustafa Aydin, professor of international relations at Turkey's… Tavush border village residents want their lands back from Azerbaijan Mar 23, 2024 8:05 pm Four years after the military clashes in the Tavush-Tovuz region of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, there are renewed concerns in the northeastern part of Armenia regarding potential aggression from… Armenian national airline’s license suspended as financial issues mount: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Mar 23, 2024 7:05 pm The Armenian government temporarily suspended the national airline’s operating license, moving the troubled carrier one step closer to permanent closure. Almost all banks in Armenia have moved to block… Opposition leader calls on army to disobey prime minister over planned withdrawal from villages Mar 22, 2024 10:05 pm One of Armenia’s leading opposition figures called on the army to disobey any orders to withdraw from four border villages that Azerbaijan is demanding be ceded “immediately.” Armenia’s Nikol… Armenia remains committed to nuclear energy, prime minister says Mar 21, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia’s prime minister will meet with the head of the European Union and the United States’ top diplomat next month for first-of-their-kind three-way talks. Armenia remains committed to nuclear… The Armenian people have spoken – what exactly did they say? Mar 21, 2024 8:05 pm In this week’s episode of CivilNet’s Insights series, host Eric Hacopian breaks down the results of the latest public opinion polling in Armenia and explains what the findings mean for the country… Yerevan’s shrinking green spaces Mar 21, 2024 8:04 pm By Paul Vartan Sookiasian These days, many in Yerevan feel themselves living under a cloud. With the past years of war, displacement, and existential threats, that sentiment is appropriately figurative,… Refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh in Armenia: Different People with Different Needs Mar 21, 2024 12:00 pm Op-ed by the Caucasus Institute One in 20 people now living in Armenia is a refugee from Nagorno-Karabakh. Of the total of around 150,000, one-third fled between 2020 and 2022, from the start of the war… Laurence Broers: Western engagement in the region still ‘diffuse, tactical, ad hoc, and reactive’ Mar 20, 2024 10:13 pm Laurence Broers, Associate Fellow at the Russia and Eurasia Program at Chatham House, argues that “Western engagements in the South Caucasus remain quite diffuse, tactical, ad hoc, and reactive.”… Government extends financial support for Karabakh Armenians through 2024 Mar 20, 2024 10:05 pm The Armenian government plans to extend its program of monetary support for people forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh through the end of the year. Armenia’s parliament ratified regulations… Armenia’s European champions inspiring a new generation of athletes Mar 20, 2024 9:05 pm 19-year-old weightlifter Alexandra Grigoryan achieved a huge victory at the European Championship in February with a lift of 196 kg. Now, she's gearing up for the World Championship later this year. Meanwhile,… NATO calls on Armenia, Azerbaijan to reach normalization deal Mar 19, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia is ready to cede control of four border villages formerly inhabited by Azerbaijanis, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said, citing the need to prevent a new war. On a historic regional visit, NATO… Pashinyan: Armenia ready to cede 4 border villages to ‘prevent war’ with Azerbaijan Mar 19, 2024 1:34 pm By Mark Dovich Armenia is ready to cede to Azerbaijan control of four border villages formerly inhabited by Azerbaijanis in an effort to avert another round of hostilities, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan… Former Armenia, Karabakh officials warn against dropping legal cases against Azerbaijan Mar 18, 2024 10:05 pm The former human rights defenders of Armenia and Artsakh have issued a joint statement warning against the possibility of Armenia dropping its ongoing international legal cases against Azerbaijan in case… Former Armenian and Karabakh officials warn against dropping legal cases against Azerbaijan Mar 18, 2024 5:19 pm By Paul Vartan Sookiasian The former human rights defenders of Armenia and Artsakh, NGOs, and legal figures are warning the Armenian government not to drop its ongoing international legal cases against… Armenia again cuts interest rates amid low inflation, high growth: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Mar 16, 2024 7:05 pm Armenia’s new economy minister insisted there is no systemic corruption within his agency and pledged his priority would be to diversify the country’s trade ties. Armenia’s Central Bank this week… The U.S. Can’t Guarantee Armenia’s Security, Despite Azerbaijan’s Threats, but It Can Help Mar 15, 2024 11:19 pm The article was originally published on the website of RAND corporation. By Joe Haberman and Paul Cormarie Faced with a hostile neighbor in Azerbaijan and a feckless ally in Russia, Armenia is undergoing… Yerevan city official arrested on bribery charges in latest corruption probe Mar 15, 2024 10:05 pm Four men arrested in Yerevan are accused of planting improvised explosives targeting officials affiliated with the ruling Civil Contract party. An unnamed Yerevan municipal official has been arrested… Armenia says it expects Russia to keep gas prices low, despite worsening ties Mar 15, 2024 6:06 pm By Mark Dovich A senior Armenian official said Monday he expects Russia to continue supplying his country with natural gas at prices far below international market value through 2031, even as ties between… Russia warns of ‘irreparable damage’ as EU mulls membership for Armenia Mar 14, 2024 10:05 pm Russia warned Armenia that the country’s accelerating tilt to the West could cause “irreparable damage” to bilateral relations. The European Union’s legislative arm urged the bloc to consider… Oscar-winning ‘The Last Repair Shop’ documents journey through Baku pogroms Mar 14, 2024 7:10 pm By Paul Vartan Sookiasian A film profiling the life of an Armenian man who fled pogroms in Azerbaijan and embarked on a new career fixing instruments for students in the United States has won the Oscar… Yerevan public transportation fares set for major rise Mar 13, 2024 10:05 pm Public transportation in Yerevan is about to get more expensive after city council passed a contentious fare increase yesterday. Two-thirds of Armenians polled in a new survey said they considered… Bridging Continents: Expanding Europe-Asia Defense Cooperation Mar 13, 2024 7:05 pm In this discussion, military expert and Senior Research Fellow at APRI Armenia Leonid Nersisyan joins Patrick Elliott to analyze key developments in Armenia's strategic partnerships and defense procurements,… What does leaving the CSTO mean for Armenia? Mar 12, 2024 11:09 pm By Paul Vartan Sookiasian Armenia will leave the Collective Security Treaty Organization if the Russian-led military bloc does not address the country’s concerns, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan… Armenia will leave Russian military bloc if concerns not addressed, says Pashinyan Mar 12, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia will leave the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a Russian-led military alliance, if it does not address the country’s concerns, Nikol Pashinyan said. The prime minister said he will… Germany’s growing role in the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict Mar 12, 2024 8:05 pm In this discussion, regional expert Stefan Meister analyzes the backlash in Berlin faced by panelists discussing Armenian cultural heritage in Artsakh, and Germany's expanding mediation role. CivilNet… Views of Russia increasingly negative in Armenia, new survey says Mar 12, 2024 3:38 pm By Mark Dovich Public opinion on Russia is growing increasingly unfavorable in Armenia. That is according to a new survey, out this week, from the International Republican Institute, a United States-based… EXPLAINER: Azerbaijan demands 4 villages as normalization talks with Armenia stall Mar 12, 2024 11:03 am By Mark Dovich Baku has formally called on Yerevan to cede control of four border villages formerly inhabited by Azerbaijanis, as efforts to reach a normalization deal continue to stall. “Four villages… Azerbaijan demands immediate hand-over of four villages in Tavush region Mar 11, 2024 10:05 pm Baku demands that Yerevan immediately cede control of four villages in Armenia formerly inhabited by Azerbaijanis, as normalization efforts between the two countries reportedly continue to stall. Armenia’s… Heritage of Strength: Exploring Armenian Stories for Women’s History Month Mar 09, 2024 2:56 am By Skylar Yoder In honor of International Women’s Month, the London-based Armenian Institute held an event Wonder Women: Celebrating Armenian Women Throughout the Ages. Host Tatiana der Avedissian,… Armenia lays out tech priorities in new government strategy: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Mar 08, 2024 8:05 pm Gevorg Papoyan, a member of the ruling Civil Contract party, will lead Armenia’s economy, replacing former minister Vahan Kerobyan, who was dismissed last month. Armenia designated five areas within… “Armenia, My Home” Airs on PBS Mar 08, 2024 3:18 am By Paul Vartan Sookiasian Public broadcasters across the country have been airing a piece of Armenia this past month, with the debut of Andrew Goldberg’s latest documentary “Armenia, My Home.” It… SPECIAL REPORT: CivilNet finds irregularities in donations to Armenia’s ruling party Mar 07, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia’s ruling party received a number of suspicious campaign donations in 2022, according to a new joint investigation by CivilNet and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project. … The reason behind “Putin’s corridor” Mar 07, 2024 8:05 pm This week on Insights with Eric Hacopian, host Eric provides analysis on the latest Armenia-Azerbaijan foreign ministers meeting in Berlin and what comes next in the peace process. Updates will also be… Artsakh cultural heritage program canceled in Berlin after Azerbaijani campaign Mar 07, 2024 8:32 am By Paul Vartan Sookiasian An in-person book launch program on the cultural heritage of Artsakh that was due to take place in Berlin Wednesday was abruptly canceled a day prior following a pressure campaign… Armenia agrees to expand trade with Egypt, plans to send aid to Gaza Mar 06, 2024 10:05 pm Russia’s top diplomat called his Armenian counterpart yesterday, days after warning Yerevan must make a “final decision” on the future of its relations with Moscow. Armenia has formally requested… A historic movement to protect Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter Mar 06, 2024 11:00 am By Paul Vartan Sookiasian The movement to save Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter had smoldered for years but truly ignited in spring 2023 with the announcement of a secretive land deal. The Armenian Patriarchate… Yerevan returns Azerbaijani soldier to Baku as ‘goodwill’ gesture Mar 05, 2024 10:05 pm Yerevan repatriated an Azerbaijani soldier who crossed into Armenia last week back to Baku, the country’s intelligence services said. Gevorg Papoyan, a member of the ruling Civil Contract party, will… How TUMO is transforming education worldwide Mar 05, 2024 8:05 pm In this conversation, Pegor Papazian, Chief Development Officer at TUMO Center for Creative Technologies shares their vision for cultivating creativity on a global scale through Armenia's revolutionary… World Economic Forum report reveals top risks to Armenia Mar 05, 2024 8:41 am By Skylar Yoder The World Economic Forum released its 2024 Global Risks Report covering the potential impacts of conflict, climate change, and other factors on the global economy, including in Armenia. … Russia says Armenia needs to make a choice on future of alliance Mar 04, 2024 10:05 pm Russia warns Armenia needs to decide whether it will remain in a Russian-led military alliance. Greece’s defense chief is in Yerevan to deepen the counties’ defense ties. Video appears… Displaced Artsakh mother finds opportunity in organic farming in Armenia Mar 04, 2024 9:05 pm Twenty-three-year-old Elina Balasanyan was displaced from Artsakh but has already managed to establish her own business. She went from keeping a small vegetable garden which served as a lifeline during… CivilNet defeats defamation case in major legal victory Mar 04, 2024 7:58 pm By Mark Dovich CivilNet scored a major legal victory this month, with a court dismissing a libel suit brought against the outlet by a former hospital director who was the subject of an investigation into… US sanctions Russian operator of Armenia’s biggest mine: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Mar 02, 2024 7:05 pm The United States sanctioned Geopromining, the Russian company that operates the Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine, Armenia’s biggest mine. The Armenian government formally took a 20% stake in Viva-MTS,… Turkey’s special representative proposes trip to Yerevan next week Mar 01, 2024 10:05 pm Turkey’s special representative to Armenia offered to visit Yerevan next week to continue normalization talks between the two countries. Nagorno-Karabakh was ranked as the least free place in… Armenia’s biggest mine says sanctions ‘don’t apply’ as US blacklists Russian operator Mar 01, 2024 9:24 pm By Mark Dovich Armenia’s biggest mine said Thursday that new U.S. sanctions on the Russian company that owns it do not apply to it. “No international sanctions are applicable to the company,” the… At crucial time for country, Armenia’s independent media come under fire Mar 01, 2024 4:16 pm In recent years, a group of political commentators and public figures has formed in Armenia, who, without serious, professional knowledge, have managed to garner a large following and have a certain amount… Armenia may seek formal exit from Russian military bloc, prime minister says Feb 29, 2024 10:05 pm Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan refused to rule out the possibility he will formally take Armenia out of a Russian-led military alliance, calling the bloc a “national security threat.” The top diplomats… Assessing the French defense minister’s visit to Armenia Feb 29, 2024 8:05 pm This week's episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian examines significant diplomatic and historical developments in France and Armenia. Eric will discuss the visit of the French defense minister to Armenia… British Petroleum under scrutiny for enabling ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh Feb 29, 2024 3:21 am By Paul Vartan Sookiasian British Petroleum (BP) has come under scrutiny for enabling the abuses of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s autocratic regime. The Washington, D.C.-based coalition No… Azerbaijani soldier apprehended after crossing border into Armenia Feb 28, 2024 10:05 pm An Azerbaijani soldier crossed the border into Armenia’s southernmost Syunik region before being apprehended by Armenian forces, according to Armenia’s intelligence services. Prime Minister Nikol… Armenia’s AOByte CEO talks industry trends and projections in the country Feb 28, 2024 8:05 pm Tigran Sargsyan, the co-founder and CEO of the Yerevan-based software developer AOByte, sits down with CivilNet’s Mark Dovich to talk about his experience working in Armenia’s burgeoning tech sector… Human Rights Watch World Report details concerns in Armenia Feb 28, 2024 8:03 am By Skylar Yoder In January, Human Rights Watch released its annual World Report on human rights trends and practices around the globe, including in Armenia. The report highlighted Armenia’s pursuit… Removing Russian guards from Yerevan airport would be ‘correct,’ says Armenian official Feb 27, 2024 10:05 pm Azerbaijan warned Armenia to “accept all of its conditions” ahead of talks between the two countries’ top diplomats, their first such meeting in more than half a year. Germany said it plans to continue… “My goal is to use AI to help make the world a better place”, Paolo Pirjanian, Ph.D Feb 27, 2024 7:05 pm In this episode, we explore the life of Paolo Pirjanian, PhD., the founder and CEO of Embodied, Inc., the company that created the infamous Moxie robot. Born to Armenian parents in Tehran, Paolo’s life… Will Ukraine’s Zelenskyy visit Armenia? Feb 26, 2024 10:05 pm Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may visit Armenia as soon as next week, the news organizations Factor and Radio Azatutyun reported, citing unnamed sources. The top diplomats of Armenia and Azerbaijan… A historic visit by France’s defense minister – and colossal challenges ahead Feb 26, 2024 12:07 pm Is France on its way to becoming Armenia's full-fledged ally? The answer could be yes, given this historic visit – the first by a defense minister of France, a NATO member country, to Armenia, officially… Armenia’s economy surges by 8.7% in 2023: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Feb 24, 2024 7:05 pm Armenia’s GDP expanded by 8.7% last year, marking the country’s second consecutive year as the fastest growing economy in the region. The Bank of Georgia Group reached a $303.6 million deal to buy… Pashinyan says Armenia has ‘frozen’ participation in Russian military alliance Feb 23, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia has “frozen” its participation in a Russian-led military alliance, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said. France’s defense minister said his country is ready to sell missiles to Armenia as… France reaffirms support for Armenia as security partnership deepens Feb 22, 2024 10:05 pm French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his country’s “support for Armenia, its independence, territorial integrity, democratic process, and aspirations for peace.” French Defense Minister Sébastien… Assessing impact of Navalny case in Armenia Feb 22, 2024 8:05 pm This episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian examines three major developments across borders - an anti-corruption prosecution in Armenia, the assassination of a Russian dissident. Eric analyzes what the… Pashinyan and Aliyev’s Munich meeting: Is the Western mediation track back? Feb 22, 2024 5:30 pm Over the weekend, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met in Munich with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s mediation. This was the two leaders’ first meeting… Russia blocks EU Border Monitors’ access to village following killing of Armenian soldiers Feb 21, 2024 10:24 pm Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan arrived in France alongside a major delegation of Armenian officials on a working visit. An Azerbaijani blogger accused of war crimes by Armenia was detained at a Moscow… Learning from Finland’s geostrategic prowess Feb 21, 2024 8:05 pm In this interview with Civilnet, Finnish historian Henrik Meinander shares lessons from Finland's expertise in deftly navigating geopolitics and building societal cohesion. He discusses how Finland maintained… US institutions discuss Karabakh conflict, future implications Feb 21, 2024 8:45 am By Skylar Yoder Earlier this month, the Kennan Institute in Washington, D.C., and the University of Pittsburgh held separate virtual events for experts to discuss last year’s forced displacement of… Turkey calls on ‘third parties’ to stay away from Armenia-Azerbaijan talks Feb 20, 2024 10:05 pm Turkey called on Armenia to sign a durable normalization deal with Azerbaijan and warned countries outside the region not to interfere in ongoing negotiation efforts. A close ally to Ruben Vardanyan said… Armenia’s prospects for energy independence Feb 20, 2024 8:05 pm In this episode of the Civilnet podcast, Patrick Elliott speaks with Astghine Pasoyan of Armenia's Energy Saving Foundation regarding the country's energy sector. They discuss Armenia's overreliance on… Armenian media should build trust, not sacrifice it for more clicks Feb 20, 2024 5:41 pm By Karen Harutyunyan, Editor-in-Chief The media is the least trusted institution among the Armenian public. According to the results of the CRRC’s Caucasus Barometer survey, in 2022, 73% of respondents… Fare hike on hold as Yerevan eyes transport reform Feb 20, 2024 7:32 am Yerevan city authorities have temporarily removed the bill on public transportation reforms amid strong backlash against the drastic increase in fares. The tariff change is just one of the components… Armenia and Azerbaijan agree to restart normalization talks Feb 19, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia and Azerbaijan agree to resume normalization talks after months of delays. Armenia considers its prior commitment to allow Russia to oversee an overland connection for Azerbaijan through… The ‘lost’ story of an Armenian genocide survivor Feb 19, 2024 7:32 pm By Skylar Yoder The London-based Armenian Institute hosted “The Lost Voice: Aurora Mardiganian” last week to tell the story of an Armenian genocide survivor who later became a film star. The event… Armenia’s economy minister indicted in corruption probe: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Feb 17, 2024 7:05 pm Vahan Kerobyan, Armenia’s former Economy Minister, was dismissed, indicted on charges of abuse of power, and placed under house arrest as part of a corruption probe. The United Kingdom-based owner of… Iran insists it will not allow borders to be changed in the region Feb 16, 2024 10:05 pm Iran indicated it will ensure regional security in the South Caucasus, while criticizing the presence of “outsiders,” likely a reference to the European Union’s monitors along Armenia’s side of… Armenia’s first combat deaths of the year: What comes next? Feb 16, 2024 7:29 pm In the latest edition of #Frontlines, hosts Karnig Kerkonian and Garo Ghazarian are joined by Armen Tatoyan, director of the Tatoyan Foundation, and Irene Victoria Massimino Kjarsgaard, an international… Entrepreneurs from Artsakh rebuild after displacement Feb 16, 2024 5:05 pm Entrepreneurs who were displaced from Artsakh during the ethnic cleansing last year had to leave more than just their homes. They had to leave the businesses that they worked so hard to build and develop.… Russia to raise issue of Armenians’ return to Karabakh in talks with Azerbaijan Feb 15, 2024 10:05 pm Azerbaijan warned that normalization efforts will not resume until Armenia changes its constitution to remove all references to Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia accused Azerbaijan of seeking new concessions… Azerbaijan’s latest attack on Syunik and possible new elections in Armenia Feb 15, 2024 8:05 pm In this week’s episode of CivilNet’s Insights series, host Eric Hacopian discusses Azerbaijan’s latest attack on Armenia, breaks down the political significance of Hayk Marutyan’s pledge to run… ‘High conflict potential’ in South Caucasus, says Russian-led military bloc Feb 14, 2024 10:05 pm The European Union’s foreign policy chief called Azerbaijan’s attack yesterday on the Syunik region, which left four Armenian soldiers dead, “disproportionate,” while the United States and Russia… Azerbaijan kills 4, wounds 1 in major border escalation Feb 13, 2024 10:05 pm Four Armenian soldiers were killed and one injured in clashes with Azerbaijani troops near the border village of Nerkin Hand in the southern Syunik region. The Nagorno-Karabakh section of the Armenian… Dangerous developments around Armenia: Do’s and don’ts Feb 13, 2024 4:40 pm By Karen Hartuyunyan, editor-in-chief Tuesday’s combat deaths in Armenia’s southern Syunik region show that developments around Armenia are becoming extremely dangerous. After Ilham Aliyev's re-election… UPDATED: Armenia reports 4 soldiers killed in year’s first combat deaths Feb 13, 2024 11:25 am By Mark Dovich Armenia’s Defense Ministry said four soldiers were killed and one wounded Tuesday in clashes with Azerbaijani troops in the southern Syunik region, marking Armenia’s first combat deaths… Pashinyan declines to say if Putin would be arrested in Armenia Feb 12, 2024 10:05 pm Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declined to say if Russian President Vladimir Putin would be arrested on an International Criminal Court warrant if he visited. Russia’s ambassador to Azerbaijan… Los Angeles community honors Gagik Ginosian Feb 12, 2024 5:00 pm Gagik Ginosian, the founder and art director of the change-making Karin Folk Ensemble, was remembered in a ceremony on February 11 at St. Leon Cathedral in Burbank, Ginosian passed away on February 6,… UAE emerges as a new key trade partner for Armenia Feb 12, 2024 12:01 am By Ani Avetisyan Armenia’s trade with the United Arab Emirates marked a milestone in 2023, increasing by around 4 times compared to the previous year. Trade with the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union… Armenia’s only Western bank to exit the country: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Feb 10, 2024 7:05 pm The United Kingdom-based banking giant HSBC will exit Armenia, leaving the country with no Western commercial banks. Its local subsidiary will be acquired by Ardshinbank. The arrest of the CEO of Synergy,… University of Utah goes silent on controversy over its Heydar Aliyev conference Feb 10, 2024 6:19 am By Paul Vartan Sookiasian Given an absence of response from the University of Utah, it appears this academic institution has chosen to accept that false quotes attributed to two faculty, praising Azerbaijan’s… Yerevan Transit fare hike put on hold for reassessment Feb 09, 2024 10:05 pm Yerevan City Council puts temporary hold on public transport fee hike to reassess plan. Armenia is transferring shipments of aid to Ukrainian military hospitals in defiance of Russia. New Leadership for Armenian Forces? Feb 09, 2024 9:05 pm Defense analyst Richard Giragosian joins host Patrick Elliott to discuss important strategic developments in the region. They analyze Azerbaijan's rigged elections and recent changes to military leadership.… Election Observation Mission to Azerbaijan Reports ‘Gross Violations’ Feb 09, 2024 8:19 pm By Skylar Yoder The organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe held a press conference yesterday on their election observation mission’s report of the 7 February presidential election in Azerbaijan.… Russian trade retailer takes over the Armenian market Feb 09, 2024 7:58 pm By Ani Avetisyan Wildberries, Russia’s biggest trade retailer, met a warm welcome from Armenian consumers when it first started its deliveries in 2021. Initially seen as yet another platform for online… ‘Make the right choice,’ Moscow tells Yerevan as Armenia deepens ties with West Feb 08, 2024 10:05 pm A spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry insisted that Moscow and Yerevan remain allies even as Armenia’s government continues to diversify defense ties. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan defended… Elections in Azerbaijan: Change or Charade? Feb 08, 2024 8:05 pm This week on CivilNet’s Insights series, host Eric Hacopian discusses the high-profile arrests last week of officials in Armenia’s Economy Ministry on corruption charges and the escalating controversy… Election Day in Azerbaijan: A Litany of Fraud Feb 08, 2024 1:13 am By Paul Vartan Sookiasian With what observers have called “the boringest election ever,” Azerbaijanis took to the polls today to re-elect President Ilham Aliyev in what was predicted and pre-determined… Former Mayor Marutyan ousted as member of Yerevan city council Feb 07, 2024 10:05 pm Yerevan city council ousted member Hayk Marutyan, who served as mayor from 2018 to 2021 and has since emerged as a fierce critic of the ruling Civil Contract party. Armenia’s parliament has given preliminary… Marutyan plans prime minister bid after city council ouster Feb 07, 2024 8:17 pm By Mark Dovich Hayk Marutyan, a former Yerevan mayor turned government critic, said Wednesday he plans to contest Armenia’s next parliamentary elections, after being ousted as a member of Yerevan city… Armenia’s Military Reforms: A Status Check Feb 07, 2024 8:05 pm Host Patrick Elliott speaks with military expert and Senior Research Fellow at APRI Armenia Leonid Nersisyan about Armenia's military reforms following the 2020 war. They discuss ongoing changes to modernize… Yerevan city council facing new threat of opposition boycott Feb 06, 2024 10:05 pm The chances Yerevan may rerun last year’s local elections were raised after the former leader of a fringe party called for a boycott of all future city council sessions. Yerevan city council plans to… “The values I inherited from my forefathers is my competitive advantage,” Viktoria Kechumyan Feb 06, 2024 7:05 pm In this episode, we explore the life of Viktoria Kechumyan and her journey as a young entrepreneur committed to tech startups, blockchain, crypto, and Web 3. We discuss the elements required to thrive… Azerbaijan Watch: It’s Almost Election Day, So Why Doesn’t Anybody Care? Feb 06, 2024 1:59 am By Paul Vartan Sookiasian AZERBAIJAN WATCH, a recurring title under which CivilNet will focus on what is happening inside the neighboring country. Azerbaijan is becoming increasingly isolated from the… At least 2 killed in Yerevan blast Feb 05, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia’s defense minister indicated the country has seen significant progress and success in efforts to diversify its defense ties, naming France and India primary partners. An explosion in Yerevan’s… Armenia’s constitutional changes provoke internal and external controversy Feb 05, 2024 10:57 am As Armenia actively works on a new controversial change of the country’s constitution, Azerbaijani officials' statements amplify the debate and the conspiracies boiling among Armenian politicians. Armenian… UAE overtakes Russia as Armenia’s top foreign investor: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Feb 03, 2024 7:05 pm Armenia’s economic activity index grew by 9.4% last year, as trade topped $20 billion for the first time. The United Arab Emirates is now the country’s top foreign investor. Armenia’s Central Bank… What you need to know about the debate over a new constitution for Armenia Feb 02, 2024 10:05 pm Controversy is raging over the reasons for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s plan to replace Armenia’s Constitution with a new one. Opponents say it is happening under pressure from Azerbaijan, and… Azerbaijani officials launch personal attacks on US senator Feb 02, 2024 7:07 pm By Paul Vartan Sookiasian Azerbaijani government officials have rebuked United States Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, after he made a string of statements… Armenia and its Soviet architectural heritage Feb 02, 2024 1:20 pm By Valentin Chesneau-Daumas The different eras of architecture in the USSR The Soviet era witnessed a number of important architectural movements, each distinct from the next. It all began in 1922, when… Former economy ministry official among those detained in corruption probe Feb 01, 2024 10:05 pm A spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry called on Armenia to better understand its “national interests” after a NATO official said the alliance is open to closer ties with Yerevan. A former… Scoring Victories: Armenia Pushes Back Against Baku in PACE Feb 01, 2024 8:05 pm This week on Insights with Eric Hacopian, we discuss three major developments impacting Armenia. Eric and Patrick Elliot cover the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe’s Azerbaijan expulsion… Donations to Armenia’s ruling party fall under scrutiny after media investigation Feb 01, 2024 6:50 pm By Mark Dovich In the run-up to Yerevan city council elections last year, Armenia’s ruling party allegedly took in at least tens of thousands of dollars in donations of publicly unknown origins, with… Another Armenian official endorses changing Armenia’s constitution Jan 31, 2024 10:05 pm Controversy ensues over changing Armenia's constitution continues as parliament speaker states it must be revised taking into account recent events. The sixth meeting of Armenia and Azerbaijan border… Despite improvement from last year, Armenia’s anti-corruption progress has stalled Jan 31, 2024 7:03 pm Armenia has shown slight improvement according to Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perception Index (CPI) out this week. The German-based NGO ranks countries "by their perceived levels… Armenia in 2024: Navigating Uncertainty Amid Regional Challenges Jan 31, 2024 4:57 pm By Arshaluys Mghdesyan The domestic political tension in the United States, which is accompanied by the ongoing migration crisis and has strong pre-election undertones, will reduce the country's initiative… Armenia ‘a priority,’ Czech Republic signals amid high-level visit Jan 31, 2024 12:55 pm On Wednesday, a delegation of officials and entrepreneurs from the Czech Republic, led by the country’s parliament speaker, arrived in Armenia, marking one of the highest-level visits to Yerevan from… Armenia seen as one of least corrupt countries in region, Transparency International says Jan 30, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia has one of the lowest rates of perceived corruption of any country in the region, according to a leading watchdog. A senior Armenian diplomat called on Turkey to play a more “constructive”… Armenia offers Azerbaijan non-aggression pact as security guarantee Jan 29, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia and Georgia signed a joint declaration last Friday establishing a strategic partnership. Armenia has offered to sign a non-aggression pact with Azerbaijan, as renewed Azerbaijani aggression… 2 years of war in Ukraine: What should the South Caucasus expect now? Jan 28, 2024 5:02 pm By Benyamin Poghosyan In just one month, the world will mark the second anniversary of the Russian-Ukrainian war. During this period, assessments on the course and possible outcomes of the war underwent… Russian firm sells off Armenia’s biggest telecoms provider Jan 27, 2024 7:05 pm Russia’s largest telecommunications company sold off its Armenian subsidiary. The new Cyprus-based owner then said it plans to cede a 20% stake in the mobile network operator to the Armenian government.… Armenia to provide Azerbaijan with new landmine maps in “confidence-building step” Jan 26, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia has said it will provide Azerbaijan with more maps showing the locations of minefields in and around Nagorno-Karabakh as a “confidence-building step.” Controversy follows Armenian Prime Minister… Azerbaijan extends Ruben Vardanyan’s pre-trial detention Jan 25, 2024 10:05 pm Azerbaijan extended the pre-trial detention of Ruben Vardanyan, who briefly served as Karabakh’s premier and was detained by Azerbaijani forces last year amid the ethnic cleansing in Karabakh. Russia’s… European human rights body rejects Azerbaijan’s Delegation Jan 25, 2024 8:05 pm Yesterday, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) voted to not ratify the Azerbaijani delegation’s credentials, meaning they will not be able to participate in the body next year. … Armenia gears up for war crimes cases against Aliyev Jan 25, 2024 8:05 pm In this week’s episode of CivilNet’s Insights series, host Eric Hacopian reviews the latest developments in ongoing negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and previews Yerevan’s upcoming war… Estonian E-Residency Open to Armenians Jan 25, 2024 7:23 pm By Brigitta Davidjants Tiny Estonia, with a population of 1.5 million, has gained a reputation as an e-country. One of its most notable achievements is e-Residency. What is it, who benefits from it, and… Armenia lifts entry ban on 2 diaspora community leaders Jan 23, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia’s top diplomat called Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s latest claims against the country a “setback” in ongoing peace efforts. The European Union’s foreign policy chief has warned… CivilNet Artsakh team recalls their last days in Karabakh Jan 23, 2024 7:05 pm The CivilNet team was in Artsakh during the nine months of the Azerbaijani blockade. Hasmik, Siranush, Hayk and Ani recount their experiences of the blockade and the days that led up to the ethnic cleansing… Armenia “mostly” resolves delayed arms shipment issues with Russia Jan 22, 2024 10:38 pm The government plans to introduce a mandatory health insurance system, saying it will improve the quality of healthcare in Armenia. France’s newly appointed foreign minister has signaled his country’s… Armenian genocide novel wins third place in Estonian novel competition Jan 22, 2024 10:56 am By Brigitta Davidjants Estonian author Piret Jaaks' historical novel, 'Daughters of Heaven' ('Taeva tütred'), secured third place in the prestigious 2023 Estonian novel competition. After exceptionally… Armenian government to invest $37M in ‘dry port’ project: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Jan 20, 2024 8:05 pm Armenia plans to invest $37 million to set up a large industrial park and special economic zone in the country’s second largest city of Gyumri. Armenia took a 12.5% stake in the company behind a long-stalled… Pashinyan says Armenia needs a new Constitution, but why? Jan 20, 2024 3:12 pm By Paul Vartan Sookiasian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s assessment Thursday to the Ministry of Justice that “Armenia needs a new Constitution, and not just constitutional amendments” might come… In Yerevan, EU & NATO representatives respond to Aliyev’s statements Jan 19, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia raises the alarm to EU and NATO representatives about Azerbaijani President Aliyev's "destructive statements.” Prime Minister Pashinyan believes Armenia needs a new Constitution to make… A David in a Sea of Goliaths: Armenia’s “Amerikatsi” Could Make Oscars History Jan 19, 2024 8:17 pm By Mane Berikyan In a historic first for Armenia, the country’s selection for the Academy Awards’ “Best International Feature” category — widely coveted as the most prestigious award in the… Los Angeles leaders call on Azerbaijan to release Armenian prisoners Jan 19, 2024 7:39 pm By Brandon Balayan The Armenian International Women's Association held an ecumenical event this week at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. The event brought attention to the Armenian prisoners and… Azerbaijan seeks a ‘victor’s peace’ with Armenia Jan 19, 2024 12:26 pm In his interview with the Azerbaijani media on January 10, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made many controversial statements. Aliyev's interview elicited a strong response in Armenia. Armenian Prime… Hrant Dink: A Legacy of Hope Jan 19, 2024 7:00 am by Paul Vartan Sookiasian A decade and a half after his assassination, Hrant Dink, his name and memory, remain the symbol of hope for improved Armenian-Turkish relations within Turkey and beyond. Dink,… Russia’s top diplomat dismisses Azerbaijan’s demand for corridor through Armenia Jan 18, 2024 10:05 pm Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed Azerbaijan’s demand for an extraterritorial corridor through Armenia, while also rejecting Armenia’s position against deploying Russian border guards… New Committee for Artsakh People’s Rights Inaugurated, Oskanian to Lead Jan 18, 2024 5:20 pm The Newly-Formed Committee for the Defense of the Fundamental Rights of the Artsakh People Announces Inauguration. Vartan Oskanian to Oversee Its Activities Today, the Committee for the Defense of the… New group formed to advocate for Karabakh Armenians’ return Jan 18, 2024 4:45 pm By Mark Dovich Former Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian said Thursday he would lead a new group to advocate for the right of Armenians forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh to return to their… Letter from Istanbul: Towards the Future with Hrant Dink Jan 18, 2024 10:37 am January 12th afternoon, I was invited to Hrant Dink 23.5 Site of Memory to speak about the “Insufficient Memory” video, which is Ümit Kıvanç’s compilation of excerpts from Hrant Dink’s speeches.… Video reveals destruction of Armenian cemetery in Artsakh Jan 17, 2024 10:05 pm Georgia lends support to Armenia’s Crossroads of Peace plan for regional communications links while Azerbaijan threatens to keep Armenia blockaded forever. The Armenian President met with the… Armenia to allow army evaders to pay to avoid prison Jan 16, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia’s parliament approved a measure to provide army evaders with options to serve in the military or pay a fee as alternatives to imprisonment. A new shipment of Russian weapons has already arrived… Pashinyan says Azerbaijani trying to “legitimize future wars” Jan 15, 2024 10:05 pm Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan says “recent statements from Baku are a serious blow to the peace process,” and offers to sign an arms control agreement as a step towards peace. The next meeting… What the ‘defeat of the West’ means for Armenia Jan 15, 2024 3:53 pm The famous anthropologist and demographer Emmanuel Todd has just published his latest essay "The Defeat of the West" in France, in which he explains this “defeat” by putting forward three factors.… Armenians in Tallinn: The Birth of a Community Jan 15, 2024 10:32 am By Brigitta Davidjants I never told my parents I didn't want to attend Armenian Sunday school. Hence, I spent all my Sundays at Tallinn Pedagogical University, where our Armenian classes took place, and… Moscow official accuses Armenia of “diving into absurdity” Jan 12, 2024 10:05 pm US Assistant Secretary of State James O’Brien encourages Armenian and Azerbaijani governments to "deliver more for their people" by concluding a peace agreement, while Azerbaijan snubs visit by U.S.… Aliyev revives demand for extraterritorial corridor through Syunik Jan 11, 2024 10:05 pm Aliyev demands Armenia allow the establishment of an extra-territorial corridor across Syunik or else he will keep Armenia blockaded forever. The Armenian government will provide a loan of approximately… From Frontlines to Vineyards: A Veteran’s Transition into Winemaking Jan 11, 2024 8:05 pm In this episode of the Civilnet Podcast, host Patrick Elliott speaks with Erik Yeghyan, a combat veteran of the Karabakh war who transitioned to winemaking after his military service. They discuss Yeghyan's… Greek Foreign Minister announces aid for those forcibly displaced from Karabakh Jan 10, 2024 10:05 pm In Yerevan, Greek Foreign Minister conveys support for Armenia’s EU aspirations, a UNESCO fact finding mission for Christian sites in Nagorno-Karabakh, and promises aid to its displaced population.… LA County says release Armenian POWs Jan 10, 2024 2:22 am Brandon Balayan The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion that demands the release of Armenian prisoners and hostages held by Azerbaijan. The motion was submitted by Supervisor Kathryn… CivilNet Wins Court Case Against Government on Mining Inspections Jan 09, 2024 10:05 pm Armenia has responded to Azerbaijan's latest proposals related to a peace agreement, while US State Department Advisor Louis Bono pays a visit to Armenia to discuss the process. Pope Francis urges… We need to protect small companies that can change the face of nations Jan 09, 2024 7:05 pm In this episode, we explore the life of Armen Kherlopian, Ph.D., a scientist, researcher, angel investor, and advisor to the board of several prominent corporations. We discuss the relevance of artificial… Pashinyan dismisses regional governors after questions surface about public tender process Jan 08, 2024 10:05 pm Pashinyan’s trip to renovated schools go viral as he uncovers numerous deficiencies, leading to the sacking of regional governors. An Armenian government official indicates at least 55 Armenian prisoners… Family seeks answers as Armenian captive remains held by Azerbaijan Jan 08, 2024 7:16 pm The family of an ethnic Armenian held in captivity by Azerbaijan has made an appeal to the Yerevan Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for information about his whereabouts… Armenia must avoid becoming entangled in the ‘Russia vs West, democracy vs authoritarianism’ dilemma Jan 05, 2024 12:45 pm Maintaining Armenia's Security Amidst Strained Relations with Russia By Benyamin Poghosyan The year 2023 marked a challenging period for Armenian-Russian relations, likely the most strenuous since Armenia… Rewriting The Armenian Story Jan 04, 2024 7:05 pm In this Civilnet podcast, host Patrick Elliott sits down with guest Raffi Niziblian, repat and founder of DEEM Communications to discuss what it means to be Armenian, and what the vision for the future… Lessons from Jerusalem Jan 04, 2024 11:12 am Jerusalem's Armenians camped in the Garden of the Cows (Goveroun Bardez) on New Year's Eve in a climate of tension and fighting spirit. Determined and mobilized, they are continuing to fight, even though… AND IN OTHER NEWS: Azerbaijan Begins “Greenwashing” Through COP29 Jan 03, 2024 9:13 pm December has been a bit of a respite from the constant (mostly tragic) news of the past months, and has even seen a few bright spots, such as the release of 32 prisoners of war from Azerbaijan after (in… Jingyalov Bells: Year End Show With Eric Hacopian Dec 31, 2023 8:05 pm In this year-end special, host Eric Hacopian cooks an Artsakh specialty, Jingyalov Hats, while answering questions from the audience. Don’t miss his insights on the concept of Armenia’s garrison state,… Jerusalem’s Armenian community attacked by a mob amid land dispute Dec 29, 2023 10:05 pm A piece of land in Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter came under attack by a mob of 30 men on Thursday, amid a dispute over a lease for a luxury hotel. The Armenian Patriarchate responded by calling the events… Russia’s Lavrov dismisses Armenia’s tilt to the West Dec 28, 2023 10:05 pm Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called out Armenia for “trying to reformulate its foreign policy line” and for blaming Moscow for the loss of Karabakh. Armenia’s method for reimbursing… After Artsakh: Maintaining Gains, Learning Lessons in the Post-War Era Dec 28, 2023 8:05 pm In this year-end episode of The Weekly Civilnet Podcast, hosts Patrick Elliott and Eric Hacopian take stock of 2023. They evaluate key events like the fall of Artsakh, Armenia's foreign policy maneuvering,… The peace agreement is unlikely to address any of the fundamental issues in the Armenia-Azerbaijan context Dec 27, 2023 10:58 pm On December 25, it became known that Baku gave Yerevan a new package of proposals regarding the peace treaty. It was preceded by a series of notable statements by Azerbaijani and Armenian officials regarding… Pashinyan and Aliyev in Russia for CIS Summit Dec 27, 2023 10:05 pm The Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders Nikol Pashinyan and Ilham Aliyev met informally on the sidelines of an unofficial summit of the Commonwealth of Independent states yesterday in St. Petersburg, Russia.… A conversation with Armenia’s chief rabbi Dec 27, 2023 8:05 pm On November 16, information spread in the media that an unknown person tried to set fire to the Yerevan synagogue. This incident was the third case of vandalism in a short period of time in relation to… Pashinyan Addresses Eurasian Economic Union Dec 26, 2023 10:05 pm Prime Minister Pashinyan continues his participation in Russian-led summits today with an informal meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The price of an annual parking permit in Yerevan’s… Nikol Pashinyan ends boycott by attending key Russian summit Dec 25, 2023 10:05 pm Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan ends the boycott of Russian-led summits by attending Eurasian Economic Council session. Armenia suspends rebroadcast of Russian state-run Sputnik news agency for 30… Azerbaijan is unable to provide Europe the promised volumes of gas Dec 23, 2023 10:27 am By Benyamin Poghosyan, senior analyst at Applied Policy Research Institute of Armenia (APRI) It’s been more than a year and half since the signing of the Azerbaijan-European Union memorandum on strategic… Armenia’s parliament speaker admits peace deal with Baku could be separate from border demarcation Dec 22, 2023 10:05 pm Russian Ambassador to Armenia claims that all outstanding military contract obligations to Armenia will be resolved. Armenian Parliament Speaker does not rule out separating the border demarcation… Energizing the Economy: Powering Progress through Green Projects Dec 22, 2023 8:35 pm In this episode, Civilnet host Patrick Elliott sits down with Asian Development Bank Country Director for Armenia Don Lambert. They discuss ADB's preparation and implementation of its new Country Partnership… Bidding Farewell to Artbridge Bookstore Cafe Dec 22, 2023 8:05 pm Join CivilNet for an intimate conversation with Shakeh Havan Karapetyan, the founder of Artbridge Bookstore Cafe, a cultural and culinary home and haven in Yerevan for over two decades. As Artbridge… Transnistria: An Outlier Amongst Post-Soviet Conflicts Dec 22, 2023 2:18 pm Prepared by the Caucasus Institute In the tumultuous aftermath of the Soviet Union's dissolution, the echoes of ethno-political upheavals reverberated across its once-unified territories. Amongst the… Armenia chases Europe as neighbouring Georgia succeeds Dec 22, 2023 10:16 am By Ani Avetisyan Armenia’s northern neighbor, Georgia received an EU candidate status on December 14, marking the realisation of its European aspirations. Amid changes in its foreign policy and Georgia’s… Azerbaijani state outlet responds to CivilNet regarding University of Utah allegations Dec 22, 2023 1:49 am By Paul Vartan Sookiasian Earlier this week, a CivilNet investigation revealed that the reporting of a recent workshop dedicated to Heydar Aliyev at the University of Utah included fabricated quotes attributed… IMF Names Armenia GDP Leader Per Capita in South Caucasus Dec 21, 2023 10:05 pm 6,636 Nagorno-Karabakh residents have left Armenia and not returned as of December 14. Speculation rises as to whether Prime Minister Pashinyan will take part in meetings of Russian organizations… Brussels Bound? Probing a Different Path for Armenia’s Future Dec 21, 2023 8:05 pm In this week's episode of Insights, host Eric Hacopian analyzes recent comments from Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding Armenia. He also discusses an open letter from Armenia's Foreign Minister… Inside Nrnadzor, Armenia’s border village struggling to survive Dec 21, 2023 7:05 pm In the remote southern reaches of the Syunik Region, the village of Nrnadzor is known for its harsh living conditions. This village is home to 141 residents, including 13 who have been displaced from… The world must compel Azerbaijan to release its Armenian hostages Dec 21, 2023 10:26 am The article was originally published on Moderndiplomacy By Hrair Balian Even as the world is riveted by a hostage drama in the Middle East, another one simmers in the Caucasus, unheralded but potentially… Pashinyan rebukes Putin and calls November 9 agreement “watered down” Dec 20, 2023 10:05 pm Pashinyan says November 9 agreement "watered down", blames Russian peacekeepers for not protecting Nagorno-Karabakh population. A Russian army deserter who fled to Armenia was arrested and extradited,… Pashinyan Indicates Regional Actors May Be Trying to Undermine Peace Dec 19, 2023 10:05 pm Life of Armenia’s vital Metsamor Nuclear Plant’s will be extended through 2036 per a deal signed with the Russian state nuclear agency Rosatom. Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized peace remains a… Canada in Armenia: A Talk with the First Resident Ambassador Dec 19, 2023 8:05 pm CivilNet host Patrick Elliott interviews recently appointed Canadian Ambassador to Armenia Andrew Turner. They discuss Canada's priorities and partnership with Armenia, exploring ways to strengthen bilateral… FABRICATED QUOTES ATTRIBUTED TO SCHOLARS AT UTAH WORKSHOP Dec 19, 2023 4:32 pm by Paul Vartan Sookiasian Quotes attributed by Azerbaijan’s official news agency to speakers at a workshop held last month in Utah dedicated to the “historical legacy of Heydar Aliyev” appear to… Armenian POWs: Baku’s Objectives and International Law Dec 18, 2023 8:05 pm Dr. Raffi Philllipe Kalfayan is a lawyer in international public law, an associate researcher in Paris Pantheon Assas University and the former Secretary General of the International Federation of Human… Armenia: Through a Traveler’s Lens Dec 17, 2023 12:49 am By Skylar Yoder These photos capture culture and sights from around Armenia, as experienced during my internship in the country earlier this year. Top of the Monument to the 50th Anniversary of the October… Azerbaijan rejects Armenia’s proposal to mutually withdraw troops from the border Dec 15, 2023 10:05 pm Georgia has been granted European Union candidate status, while Putin warns Armenia against leaving Russian-backed organizations. Azerbaijan has rejected Armenia's proposal to mutually withdraw… Filling the gaps in humanitarian aid, bed by bed Dec 15, 2023 12:24 am In the aftermath of Azerbaijan’s attack on Artsakh in September 2023, Sona Kocharyan, a documentary film director and journalist, found herself not just witnessing but actively responding to the critical… High-profile Armenian POWs remain in Azerbaijan Dec 14, 2023 10:05 pm 32 Armenian servicemen were freed from Azerbaijani captivity after a deal with Baku, but many high-profile Armenian prisoners remain in Azerbaijan. Ministerial Meeting of Landlocked Developing Countries… Aliyev Buckles Under Pressure Dec 14, 2023 8:05 pm In this week's episode of Insights, host Eric Hacopian delves into Azerbaijan's recent release of 32 Armenian POWs and ongoing negotiations between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the United States. Hacopian… Paws In Action: Training Dogs For Search And Rescue Dec 13, 2023 8:05 pm CivilNet is exploring the efforts of the Armenian Malinois Project, a volunteer search and rescue (SAR) team using Belgian Malinois dogs—the first of its kind in Armenia. Led by Raffy Ardhaldjian, this… 32 Armenian POWs return as Yerevan consents to the hosting of Climate Conference in Baku Dec 13, 2023 7:06 pm A planned prisoner exchange announced almost a week ago has taken place, with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announcing on Facebook that 32 servicemen captured by Azerbaijan since 2020 are now… Nobel Laureates & Humanitarians Call for Unconditional Release of Detained Armenians in Azerbaijan Dec 12, 2023 10:05 pm Armenia signals readiness for closer relations with EU while meeting counterparts in Brussels. The number of EU observers on the Armenian border will increase by 50% from 138 to 209. … Harnessing Buried Riches to Bolster Armenian Autonomy Dec 12, 2023 8:05 pm In this episode of the Civilnet podcast, host Patrick Elliott interviews Artyom Geghamyan, Director of Armenia’s International Chamber for Mining, about modernizing and diversifying the country's extractive… “It’s time to break free from an outdated education system,” Larisa Hovannisian Dec 12, 2023 7:05 pm In this episode, we explore the life of Larisa Hovannisian, from her childhood and education in Yerevan, Moscow, Wisconsin, and Phoenix to her life as the founder and CEO of Teach for Armenia. We explore… LA students gather to play chess for Artsakh Dec 12, 2023 10:46 am By Mane Berikyan Nearly 100 students in the Los Angeles area gathered to play in a “Chess Tournament for Artsakh” hosted by the All-Armenian Student Association and chess clubs from LA-area universities… Artsakh parliament deputies issue a rare statement Dec 11, 2023 10:05 pm Artsakh National Assembly members issue a rare statement in Yerevan stressing their commitment to protecting the rights of Artsakh’s citizens. The French President Emanuel Macron commended Armenia… Duduk: Jivan Gasparyan Jr. on creating a legacy Dec 09, 2023 7:05 pm CivilNet met with renowned duduk player, Jivan Gasparyan Jr. at the Armenian Music Society, where he spoke about the soulful nature of the ancient instrument. Visiting Armenia on the occasion of legendary… Iran and India push for trade route through Armenia: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Dec 08, 2023 10:05 pm Iran and India talked up the importance of Armenia’s inclusion in a proposed trade route that would significantly reduce the cost of moving freight across the region. 2.2 million tourists visited Armenia… Armenia, Azerbaijan announce prisoner exchange deal Dec 08, 2023 10:50 am By Mark Dovich In a rare joint statement Thursday, Armenia and Azerbaijan said they will exchange detainees for the first time in more than a year. Baku will hand over 32 Armenian prisoners of war in… Pashinyan suggests in parliament he has no responsibility for Karabakh crisis Dec 07, 2023 10:05 pm A senior State Department official has indicated the United States remains willing to mediate between Armenia and Azerbaijan after high-level meetings in Baku. Armenia’s Nikol Pashinyan again insisted… Can Armenia Emerge as a Transport and Transit Powerhouse? Dec 07, 2023 9:05 pm In this episode of the Civilnet podcast, host Patrick Elliott interviews Hovsep Patvakanyan, Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's Investment Council for Armenia. They discuss… Putin’s economic war on Armenia Dec 07, 2023 8:05 pm This week's episode of Insights discusses three major events impacting Armenia - the recent launching of the country's first satellite, the vulnerabilities exposed by the country’s economic dependence… AND IN OTHER NEWS: Aliyev Rides High on the Wave of Ethnic Cleansing Dec 07, 2023 6:06 am https://twitter.com/SheilaPaylan/status/1723052963579511117 November has seen President Aliyev of Azerbaijan riding high on a wave of victory after his complete ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh. Whereas… Armenian court converts Azerbaijani soldier’s prison term to life sentence Dec 06, 2023 10:05 pm Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev insisted he is willing to sign a normalization agreement with Armenia in the near future, even while blaming Yerevan for delays in the peace process. An Armenian court converted… Armenia’s parliament rejects Karabakh ballot initiative Dec 05, 2023 10:05 pm One Armenian soldier was killed by Azerbaijani fire along the two countries’ border, marking the first known army death in action since the fall of Karabakh in September. Pro-government lawmakers in… Armenian opposition mayor ousted: ‘Is this what Pashinyan’s democracy looks like?’ Dec 05, 2023 5:27 pm By Mark Dovich Local lawmakers from the Civil Contract party have ousted a prominent opposition mayor in Armenia, the latest in a string of instances where the ruling party has appeared to obstruct or… Cultural Heritage at Risk in Nagorno-Karabakh Dec 05, 2023 9:16 am Last month’s election of Azerbaijan to a senior position of the United Nations’ cultural body has raised concern regarding the fate of cultural monuments in Nagorno-Karabakh, given the organization’s… Armenia says its side of border with Turkey ready for operation Dec 04, 2023 10:05 pm The trial of Gagik Voskanyan, an Armenian reservist who crossed into Azerbaijan in August in still-unclear circumstances, began in Baku. Armenia again raised the issue of Russia’s alleged failure to… How the Social Fabric Works: A Conversation With Nassim Nicholas Taleb Dec 04, 2023 8:05 pm Nassim Nicholas Taleb, a globally renowned thinker and philosopher best known for his "black swan theory," visited Armenia last week. He sat down with CivilNet’s Eric Hacopian to talk about science, … Armenia Launches Its First Satellite Dec 02, 2023 8:52 pm On December 1, Armenia’s first domestically made satellite “Hayasat-1” was launched by a SpaceX rocket at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The project is a collaboration between Yerevan’s… Insider Perspective on Armenia’s Military Transformation Dec 02, 2023 8:05 pm In this episode, host Patrick Elliott interviews Regional Studies Center director Richard Giragossian. They discuss Giragossian's analysis of ongoing military reforms in Armenia and structural weaknesses… Trade war fears grow as Armenian trucks pile up at Russian border: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Dec 01, 2023 10:05 pm Hundreds of Armenian trucks remain stalled at a key border crossing between Georgia and Russia, prompting Yerevan to take the rare step of calling an emergency meeting of a Moscow-led trade bloc. A prolonged… What will it take to have a landmine-free South Caucasus? Dec 01, 2023 9:05 pm Benyamin Poghosyan is the Chairman of the Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies, an organization that has been working with the EU-supported Links Europe organization since 2019 to implement… Thanksgiving and Mourning Dec 01, 2023 8:34 pm By Skylar Yoder While thanksgiving is traditionally a North American holiday, I had the pleasure of celebrating it in Armenia this year. At CivilNet, several of my colleagues went out of their way to… EU and UK express readiness to strengthen defense ties with Armenia Nov 30, 2023 10:05 pm Armenia’s top diplomat held separate meetings with his American, European, and Russian counterparts. An Armenia-Azerbaijan joint border commission convened for another round of talks, but again came… IWAY: Impactful Work in Armenia’s Rural Communities Nov 30, 2023 9:05 pm In this Interview, host Patrick Elliott sits down with Victoria Kasabyan, the President of Yerevan-based IWAY NGO. Kasabyan shares how their projects provide funding, renovatinos and community building… Ilham, Thou Protest Too Much Nov 30, 2023 8:05 pm This week on Insights, host Eric Hacopian analyzes Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's unprecedented eight-hour marathon question and answer session with the public. He discusses what it shows about… Pashinyan ‘welcome’ at post-Soviet summit next month, says Kremlin Nov 29, 2023 10:05 pm An Armenia-Azerbaijan border commission is set to meet tomorrow at a section of the border near a derelict railroad track that connected Yerevan and Baku in Soviet times. Russia expects Armenian… Armenia calls emergency meeting as trucks pile up at key border crossing with Russia Nov 29, 2023 7:57 pm By Mark Dovich Health code violations or political retaliation? That is the question many are asking as hundreds of Armenian trucks loaded with agricultural goods remain stalled at a key border crossing… Hanna Notte: Russian Adaptations in Foreign Statecraft Since the Invasion of Ukraine Nov 29, 2023 5:05 pm Hanna Notte, an expert on Russian foreign and security policy, gave a lecture on Russia-Turkey relations and their repercussions for the South Caucasus and Middle East. Hanna Notte is a Senior Research… Blinken calls Pashinyan and Aliyev to urge return to negotiations Nov 28, 2023 10:05 pm Vagif Khachatryan, the Armenian man from Nagorno-Karabakh who was sentenced to 15 years in prison in Azerbaijan earlier this month, has appealed his conviction. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held… Lessons from Ukraine for Armenia’s Military Overhaul Nov 28, 2023 8:05 pm Lt Colonel Glen Grant has witnessed militaries transformed by war. The veteran British Army officer is a featured speaker at the 2023 Yerevan Security Summit now, and advises Ukraine in countering Russian… Armenia establishes relations with Saudi Arabia in historic move Nov 27, 2023 10:05 pm Armenia and Saudi Arabia agreed to establish diplomatic relations. At a question-and-answer session with the public, Nikol Pashinyan declined to give any definitive answers on Armenia’s continued membership… Who are the Russian owners of Armenian mines Nov 27, 2023 7:51 am By Ani Avetisyan The mining industry plays a significant role in Armenia’s economy, accounting for over 30% of the country’s total exports. Armenia’s metal mines are the most lucrative, and… Armenia’s biggest mine says it cut ties with Russian oligarch: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Nov 24, 2023 10:05 pm Armenia’s largest mine said it cut ties with Russian oligarch Roman Trotsenko just days before the United States imposed sanctions on his holding company. However, the Zangezur Combine’s biggest shareholder… Armenia-Azerbaijan border talks to resume later this month Nov 23, 2023 10:05 pm Border talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan will resume on November 30 with a meeting planned on the two countries’ border, according to Yerevan. A spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry decried… Aliyev’s War Against The West Nov 23, 2023 8:05 pm In this week’s episode of Insights, host Eric Hacopian covers Aliyev’s escalating rhetoric against the West. Meanwhile, relations between the US and Azerbaijan show signs of strain while new weapons… Azerbaijani official threatens to kick out USAID from country Nov 22, 2023 10:05 pm Armenia said it is ready to “resume” talks with Azerbaijan after Baku indicated it wishes to replace Western-mediated efforts with “direct negotiations.” A senior Azerbaijani official threatened… The Case for Canadian Arms Exports to Armenia Nov 22, 2023 8:05 pm Senator Leo Housakos has long advocated for stronger Canadian support for Armenia within the Conservative party. In this interview, Civilnet host Patrick Elliott sits down with the veteran senator as… Exclusive: Armenia declines to say if it considers 2020 ceasefire still in force Nov 21, 2023 10:05 pm A senior Azerbaijani official cast doubt on his country’s willingness to engage in Western-mediated peace talks with Armenia, amid a widening gulf between Yerevan and Baku over competing European- and… Rerooted: Collecting and preserving the stories of Karabakh Armenians Nov 21, 2023 8:05 pm Ani Schug, cofounder of Rerooted, sits down with CivilNet’s Mark Dovich to talk about how she and her team are working to collect oral histories from Nagorno-Karabakh's Armenians — and why now is… “We owe it to our ancestors and future generations to regroup and rebuild”, Dr. Garo Armen Nov 21, 2023 7:05 pm In this episode, we delve into Dr. Garo Armen's life, from his childhood experiences in Istanbul to his life as a successful scientist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist in the US and Armenia. We explore… Journalism Experts Tackle Complexities of Conflict Coverage Nov 21, 2023 6:05 am By Skylar Yoder The Armenia Project, a new NGO promoting accuracy in the coverage of Armenia, hosted a webinar last Thursday on the challenges of covering contemporary conflicts. The event, which was… World Court orders Azerbaijan to allow Karabakh Armenians back home Nov 20, 2023 10:05 pm The United Nations’ top court ordered Azerbaijan to guarantee the safety of Armenians who wish to return to their homes in Karabakh after their forced displacement from the region in September. One… ‘No place for antisemitism’: Armenian government denounces latest synagogue attack Nov 20, 2023 7:29 pm By Mark Dovich The Armenian government has denounced last week’s attempted arson attack on the country’s sole synagogue, but still has made no arrests in connection with the incident. “Antisemitism… Beyond Survival: Crafting a Narrative of Armenian Innovation Nov 20, 2023 6:05 pm In this podcast, comedian Kev Orkian discusses his new documentary exploring Armenian identity. He shares his perspective on forging a contemporary Armenian narrative focused on achievement over victimhood.… Provocation and violence by Israelis threaten Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem Nov 18, 2023 11:02 pm By Angela Hassassian In the highly sensitive area of East Jerusalem, which the international community considers to be Palestinian territory held under Israeli occupation, Israeli settlers, backed by… Artsakh families find refuge in Lori Nov 18, 2023 8:05 pm More than 1,500 families (6000 individuals) from Artsakh have settled in the northern Armenian region of Lori. Most of the displaced families are starting new homes in the region’s capital Vanadzor.… Azerbaijan’s Past and Future Goals in Armenia Nov 17, 2023 11:42 pm By Christina Markarian In an October 24 panel discussion at the Quincy Institute, a think tank “that emphasizes military restraint and diplomatic engagement,” Shujaat Ahmadzada, an independent Azerbaijani… Hrant Dink’s killer freed, on parole, in Turkey after nearly 17 years Nov 17, 2023 10:50 pm By Mark Dovich Ogün Samast, the man convicted of killing the prominent Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, was released on parole Wednesday after spending 16 years and 10 months in prison in Turkey. Samast’s… Armenia greenlights sale of country’s largest cellular company: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Nov 17, 2023 10:08 pm Armenia approved the sale of the country’s largest mobile network operator to a Cyprus-based company with unnamed owners, just months after blocking such a move over national security concerns. More… Azerbaijan: a profitable prison Nov 17, 2023 3:12 pm By Ismi Aghaev, an OC-Media staff writer Since the spring of 2020, crossing Azerbaijan's land borders has been barred to civilians, allegedly on the basis of the threat of coronavirus. The semi-regular… Nagorno-Karabakh: What Next? Nov 17, 2023 9:43 am What can be done now to prevent a further escalation of the conflict while the international community’s attention is diverted to the latest war between Israel and Hamas? Protection of Refugees Urgent… Azerbaijan hits back at US for ‘unacceptable’ remarks on peace process Nov 16, 2023 10:05 pm The spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry blasted Armenia for its increasing turn to the West, warning that “an attempt to sit on two chairs will not end well for anyone.” A senior U.S. diplomat… Shining a Light on Armenia’s POWs in Baku Nov 16, 2023 8:05 pm This week on Insights, host Eric Hacopian discusses the urgent issue of Armenian prisoners of war still detained in Azerbaijan years after the November 9 ceasefire agreement. He also shared key statements… ‘No business as usual’ with Azerbaijan until progress on peace with Armenia, says US Nov 15, 2023 10:52 pm By Mark Dovich “The question is Aliyev.” That’s what a senior U.S. diplomat has said in response to a question about the prospects for reaching a long-elusive peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan.… Armenia welcomes possible EU visa liberalization Nov 15, 2023 10:05 pm “We don’t get answers by participating anyway.” Armenia’s security chief commented on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s decision not to attend an upcoming Russian military alliance summit. Armenia… Oskanian on the right of return and self-determination for the people of Karabakh Nov 15, 2023 2:43 pm Vartan Oskanian, who served as Armenia’s foreign minister from 1998-2008, presented his thoughts on the right of return and self-determination for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh: —The violence and… Karabakh, gas for electricity, corridors: Exclusive with Iran’s ambassador Nov 15, 2023 6:42 am By Mark Dovich Iran’s ambassador to Armenia has expressed his support for the rights of Nagorno-Karabakh’s Armenians, his hopes to expand economic ties between Yerevan and Tehran, and his opposition… Armenia and UK launch new ‘strategic dialogue’ Nov 14, 2023 10:05 pm The European Union recommends expanding its monitoring mission on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and considering supplying defense equipment to Armenia. The company that operates one of Georgia’s main… Azerbaijan cannot ignore Karabakh Armenians’ rights: Iran’s envoy to Yerevan Nov 13, 2023 10:05 pm Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan again said Yerevan hopes to sign a peace treaty with Baku in the near future, even as he questioned Azerbaijan’s commitment to the peace process. Pashinyan met… World Central Kitchen provides meals to forcibly displaced Karabakh Armenians Nov 11, 2023 8:05 pm The World Central Kitchen, founded by chef José Andrés, and the Armenian General Benevolent Union are working together to provide meals for forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh.The effort… ‘Strong growth’ in Armenia despite global economic troubles, IMF says: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Nov 10, 2023 10:05 pm 2 million tourists visited Armenia in the first 10 months of the year, smashing the country’s all-time record for yearly visitors — with two months in the year still left to go. The IMF plans to expand… Armenia’s First Real Shot at the Oscars: Amerikatsi Nov 10, 2023 6:31 pm By Mane Berikyan Armenia’s selection for the 96th Academy Awards, Michael Goorjian’s Amerikatsi, seems to be Oscars-bound. For the first time in movie history, an Armenian film stands a real shot… G7 urges Armenia, Azerbaijan to return to negotiating table Nov 09, 2023 10:05 pm The Group of Seven advanced countries, plus the European Union, called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to return to the negotiating table and reach a peace deal. The United States’ banking watchdog ordered… Solving educational challenges through gamification Nov 09, 2023 9:05 pm Professor Mark Nowacki played chess professionally when he was a student. Now, he is helping students of all ages learn at schools, universities, and elsewhere while playing and enjoying the game. His… Azerbaijan’s dictator shows no signs of stopping Nov 09, 2023 8:05 pm This week on Insights, host Eric Hacopian breaks down Armenia's latest economic data that shows signs of strong growth. He also gives details about the new Armenian-French defense agreement and its strategic… Minimal accountability for war crimes in Nagorno-Karabakh sets dangerous precedent Nov 09, 2023 6:22 am Skylar Yoder The limited prospect that Azerbaijani officials will be held responsible for the ethnic cleansing of Armenians from the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region raises questions about the ability… US, Russia reaffirm commitment to Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks Nov 08, 2023 10:05 pm A military court in Azerbaijan sentenced Vagif Khachatryan, an Armenian man from Nagorno-Karabakh, to 15 years in prison on charges of genocide and forcible population transfer. Khachatryan has repeatedly… How Armenia Is Becoming a Tech Investment Hotspot Nov 08, 2023 8:05 pm In this exclusive interview with Civilnet, Armenia’s Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan lays out his vision to transform and diversify key industries, attract major investment and modernize infrastructure. … Armenia’s top general holds talks with US military Nov 07, 2023 10:05 pm Armen Grigoryan, Armenia’s security chief, declined to attend an upcoming meeting with his counterparts from other former Soviet countries in Russia. Armenia’s top army officials held talks on defense… Advocating for Armenian POWs in Azerbaijan Nov 07, 2023 8:05 pm Lori Yeni-Komshian is an attorney who relocated from San Francisco to Armenia about a year ago to participate in human rights initiatives, including with the Center for Truth and Justice and the International… Standoff in Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter over land deal ends without incident Nov 06, 2023 10:05 pm Germany’s foreign minister urged Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume peace talks mediated by the European Union during a first-of-its-kind visit to the region. A standoff between members of Jerusalem’s… AND IN OTHER NEWS: The Aftermath of Ethnic Cleansing Nov 06, 2023 8:23 pm Last month saw the tragic fallout of Azerbaijan's September ethnic cleansing campaign against the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. Here's a social media roundup of how the difficult month played out as… Grappling with loss, rebuilding a life after the fall of Karabakh Nov 06, 2023 8:05 pm Aida Avagyan and her four children were evacuated from the village of Aghavno in Nagorno-Karabakh last August, just days before it was handed over to Azerbaijan as part of a Russia-brokered ceasefire… Confusion over the legal status of Karabakh refugees Nov 06, 2023 2:04 am By Ani Avetisyan The Armenian government announced that it will give Karabakh Armenians refugee status and Armenian citizenship if requested. Karabakh Armenians, however, thought that they were already… Strengthening ties between US and Armenia through the Armenian Assembly Nov 04, 2023 7:05 pm The Armenian Assembly of America has advocated for Armenian issues in the US for 50 years. Host Patrick Elliott sat down with Bryan Ardouny, Executive Director of the Armenian Assembly of America,… Metal plant in Armenian border village to relocate after Azerbaijani shelling: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Nov 03, 2023 10:05 pm The company behind a scrap metal plant under construction in the Armenian border village of Yeraskh reportedly plans to relocate the $70-million project. Preliminary results from an independent feasibility… Hostages in Baku Nov 03, 2023 8:05 pm Host Patrick Elliott sits down with Vahan Zanoyan, a national security adviser and writer, to discuss the fate of the former Karabakh leadership currently held in Baku jails. US warns of ‘serious consequences’ if Azerbaijan invades Armenia Nov 02, 2023 10:05 pm The United States warned that any violation of Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would lead to “serious consequences,” without elaborating. Russia criticized Armenia for participating… France stepping up amid deteriorating ties with Russia Nov 02, 2023 8:05 pm In this podcast episode, host Patrick and commentator Eric Hacopian discuss the recent signing of a bilateral military cooperation agreement between France and Armenia, as well as the Armenian hostages… French defense partnership with Armenia is a signal to NATO allies and the region Nov 02, 2023 7:35 pm In an exclusive interview, host Patrick Elliott sits down with His Excellency Olivier Decottignies, France's Ambassador to Armenia, to discuss the most important issues in the bilateral relationship. … EU monitoring mission in Armenia opens new headquarters in country’s southeast Nov 01, 2023 10:05 pm The European Union’s border monitoring mission in Armenia reached full operational capacity with the opening of a headquarters in the town of Yeghegnadzor in the Vayots Dzor region. The Armenian Patriarchate… Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia: Insights from Germany Nov 01, 2023 12:42 pm Gevorg Tosunyan The format of the traditional Friday meetings in the Armenian community building in Berlin has recently changed. As a rule, representatives of the Armenian community gather here to communicate… At least 64 reported dead during mass Karabakh exodus Oct 31, 2023 10:05 pm At least 64 people died on the road during last month’s mass exodus from Nagorno-Karabakh, according to Armenia’s Investigative Committee. Armenia plans to demolish and completely rebuild its checkpoint… How Conspiracy Took Over Azerbaijan Oct 31, 2023 9:05 pm Host Patrick Elliott sits down with researcher Alexander Thatcher to discuss his groundbreaking analysis of 'High Armenophobia' - the conspiratorial nationalism that has taken over Azerbaijan. Thatcher… Understanding reached on ‘main principles’ for peace treaty: Pashinyan Oct 30, 2023 10:05 pm Armen Grigoryan, the head of Armenia’s Security Council, met for the first time with Andriy Yermak, the Ukrainian president’s chief of staff, to discuss ‘strengthening cooperation.’ Armenia and… OPEC expects global oil demand to increase by 16% by 2045 Oct 30, 2023 10:37 am The article was published by World Energy Weekly (October 30 issue), a publication of Petrostrategies, a French think-tank. The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) comments about the “beginning of… Armenia tax revenues up 17%: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Oct 27, 2023 10:05 pm Armenia and Iran agreed to end road tolls for trucks crossing their border. Armenia’s economic activity index grew by 9.7% in the first nine months of the year. Armenia’s 1,000 biggest companies paid… Hungary to open consulate in Armenia, foreign minister says on first visit Oct 27, 2023 3:18 pm By Mark Dovich Hungary plans to open a consulate in Armenia in a sign of mending ties between the two long-estranged countries. “I have requested permission to open a consulate in Yerevan,” Hungarian… Armenia looking to ‘diversify’ security partners, Pashinyan says Oct 26, 2023 10:05 pm Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confirmed Armenia is seeking to “diversify” its security partners, while indicating he is not currently considering withdrawing the country from its defense arrangements… Armenia’s EU Rapprochement Oct 26, 2023 8:05 pm In this week's episode of Insights, host Eric Hacopian analyzes the latest developments in Azerbaijan and calls out the lack of consequences for those responsible for the Artsakh crisis. First, Eric discusses… Why is France arming Armenia? Oct 26, 2023 9:42 am On October 23, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu officially announced the sale of a number of weapons to Armenia. These are purely defensive weapons designed to protect the territorial integrity… Armenia summons Russian ambassador over anti-Pashinyan TV segment Oct 25, 2023 10:05 pm Yerevan handed a protest note to the Russian ambassador to Armenia after Russian state television aired a program critical of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. In an unexpected move, Russia’s… No longer a ‘subsidiary of Russia’: Armenia’s growing trade with Belgium Oct 25, 2023 8:05 pm Valéry Safarian, president of the Belgian Armenian Chamber of Commerce, sits down with CivilNet’s Mark Dovich to talk about his efforts to promote trade between Yerevan and Brussels and where he sees… Viacheslav Morozov: Imperial Legacies, Postcoloniality, and Experiences of Displacement Oct 25, 2023 5:05 pm Viacheslav Morozov, Professor of EU-Russia Studies at the University of Tartu and the Academic Director of the Center for Eurasian and Russian Studies, delivered a lecture titled “Imperial Legacies,… Top diplomats from Armenia and Turkey hold rare meeting in Iran Oct 24, 2023 10:05 pm Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia, and Turkey stressed the need for peace in the South Caucasus in a joint communiqué following a first-of-its-kind ‘3+3’ summit. Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie… Armenia signs first-of-its-kind arms deal with France Oct 23, 2023 10:05 pm Armenia and France are expected to sign a first-of-its-kind arms deal that will allow Yerevan to purchase defensive weapons from Paris. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan traveled to Tehran to… On the frontlines, volunteers in Syunik share stories of hope and heartbreak Oct 23, 2023 8:05 pm On September 24, tens of thousands of Armenians began to flee their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh and make the arduous journey to Armenia’s bordering region of Syunik. After nearly a year of blockade and… Karabakh conflict has not affected Armenia’s credit rating, Fitch says: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Oct 20, 2023 10:05 pm The credit rating agency Fitch declined to lower Armenia’s sovereign credit rating following Azerbaijan’s lightning offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh last month. ‘The Armenian economy’s growth… Responsibility for the Nagorno-Karabakh Debacle Oct 20, 2023 10:31 am By Hrair Balian In September, while world leaders were in New York for the United Nations General Assembly deliberating about international cooperation, rule of law, human rights, and the peaceful resolution… Brussels to Baku: Recognize Armenia’s Territorial Integrity Oct 19, 2023 10:05 pm The European Union called on Azerbaijan to ensure the return of Nagorno-Karabakh’s Armenians to their homes and recognize Armenia’s territorial integrity. About 3,000 people forcibly displaced from… Stabbed In The Front: Russia’s Betrayal of Armenia Oct 19, 2023 9:05 pm CivilNet host and commentator Patrick Elliott sits down with political analyst and former parliamentarian Mikayel Zolyan to discuss Armenian- Russian relations. They cover prime minister Pashinyan’s… Is another assault coming for Armenia? Oct 19, 2023 8:05 pm In a rare diplomatic meeting between Russia, the US, and the EU in Turkey, the blockade of Artsakh was discussed at a high level. A few questions from this under the radar meeting remain, namely: Was… Special Forces Detain Students, Target Demonstrators in Yerevan Oct 19, 2023 12:59 am By Skylar Yoder The alleged arbitrary detention of students and other university members in Yerevan by elite law enforcement in late September has raised attention in Armenia on the treatment of demonstrators… Historical Revisionism and the Republic of Artsakh Oct 19, 2023 12:10 am By Christina Markarian On September 28, President of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), Samvel Shahramanyan, signed a decree to dissolve all state institutions by January 1, 2024. In this decree, Azerbaijan… Armenia turning into another Ukraine, Russian state media warns Oct 18, 2023 10:05 pm TASS, a Russian state-run news agency, compared Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, warning against attempts to ‘turn Armenia into another Ukraine.’… Fortress Armenia: Armenia’s Ongoing Military Reforms Oct 18, 2023 8:05 pm Defense analyst Leonid Nersisyan shares his expertise on Armenia's extensive military reforms in the aftermath of the 2020 Karabakh War. He analyzes key acquisitions from new partners like India… Armenia will deepen ties with EU, Pashinyan says Oct 17, 2023 10:05 pm Pashinyan said Armenia is prepared to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan by the end of the year in a speech at the European Parliament. In addition, Pashinyan said Armenia will deepen relations with… The Last Days in Artsakh Oct 17, 2023 8:05 pm Following Azerbaijan’s attack on Karabakh on September 19-20, authorities announced the dissolution of the Karabakh Defense Army and state institutions. Tens of thousands of Armenians took whatever… Assessing the UN’s Role in the Armenian Genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh Oct 17, 2023 7:05 pm In this episode, Patrick Elliott sits down with Hasmik Egian, a 30-year veteran of the UN who previously oversaw UN Security Council affairs. They discuss the organization's effectiveness in preventing… Confusion over Blinken’s alleged claims that Azerbaijan plans to invade Armenia Oct 17, 2023 10:05 am By Ani Avetisyan A recent Politico report quoted US lawmakers as saying that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had told them earlier in October that Azerbaijan could invade Armenia in the coming weeks.… Aliyev tours ethnically cleansed Karabakh Oct 16, 2023 10:05 pm Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev claimed a ‘historic victory’ on a visit to Stepanakert, making no mention of the more than 100,000 Armenians who were forcibly displaced from their homes there last… Bread and Life. The Flavors of Place and Time Oct 16, 2023 7:35 pm What is traditional Armenian bread? How is it prepared and with what ingredients? To understand these intricacies, Ani moved from Yerevan to Dilijan to create a little research corner. This short film… Armenia’s Tourism Boom: The Strategy for Record Breaking Growth Oct 14, 2023 7:05 pm Head of Armenia's Tourism Committee Sisian Boghossian sits down with CivilNet to reveal how Armenia plans to double its annual tourism numbers to over 2 million visitors this year. Boghossian pulls back… Armenia on track to smash all-time tourism record: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS Oct 13, 2023 10:05 pm Armenia is on track to smash its all-time tourism record, with 1.85 million people visiting the country in the first nine months of the year. The majority came from Russia. The IMF hiked Armenia’s projected… Artsakh: Symbols of Solidarity Oct 13, 2023 5:12 am By Skylar Yoder Images throughout Yerevan, Armenia display symbols of solidarity for Artsakh Armenians. “Selling products to raise funds for people from Artsakh” notes a sign at Altar Coffee house… France to introduce UN Security Council resolution on Karabakh Oct 12, 2023 10:05 pm France plans to introduce a resolution at the United Nations Security Council to ensure the right of return for Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians. Hearings began at the International Court of Justice forcase… Op ed: Addressing Armenia’s Demographic Challenges Oct 12, 2023 12:17 am By Alec Seferian Since its independence from the Soviet Union on September 21,1991, Armenia’s population has declined from 3.6 million people to 2.8 million, according to data from World Population… Armenia says its foreign policy not changing despite fraying Russia ties Oct 11, 2023 10:05 pm Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan insisted he is not changing Armenia’s foreign policy “vector,” despite fraying relations with Russia and deepening ties with Europe. Pashinyan and his foreign minister… ‘We still believe that we will return’ Oct 11, 2023 7:57 pm By Sona Hovsepyan Malishka, Armenia (CivilNet) - “No one wants to leave their own home, but after that horror, we didn’t have any other option. Even though we didn't have a very luxurious house,… A new community for Artsakh Armenians Oct 10, 2023 9:28 pm In the wake of the mass exodus of the 120,000 Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) residents to Armenia, six families that were forcibly displaced have found refuge in Jaghatzadzor village in Gegharkunik Region.… In Armenia, aid workers pack up as displaced persons find a new normal Oct 10, 2023 6:34 am By Skylar Yoder On the way out of Yerevan, the seemingly endless lines of grape vines used for wine cultivation stood out. Perhaps even more striking though, was the contrast between the colorful, lush… The West has no plans to sanction Azerbaijan Oct 10, 2023 12:16 am By Ani Avetisyan Officials in Armenia, the European Parliament and a number of US Congressmen called for sanctions against Azerbaijan following its attack on Nagorno-Karabakh and the ethnic cleansing…