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Articles by Alexander Pracht
EU official: Armenia’s European future does not depend on developments in Georgia
Armenia is committed to pursuing a European future, Gert Jan Koopman, the European Commission's Director-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood, told CivilNet on Friday. “Armenia has clearly embarked on a European path. It's still early days, but [Yerevan] is clearly determined and we're working very closely with the government to facilitate that.
EU report flags restrictions on Armenian schools, hate crimes in Turkey
A new European Commission report has flagged several issues concerning the treatment of Armenians and other ethnic and religious minorities in Turkey, including restrictions on Armenian children's access to minority schools, bans on Armenian Genocide commemorations and continuing hate speech and hate crimes. The report, prepared by the Commission's Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood, was published on Wednesday.
Samvel Karapetyan remanded into pre-trial detention
Armenian opposition leader Samvel Karapetyan was remanded into pre-trial detention on Thursday as part of a criminal investigation into alleged embezzlement, money laundering and abuse of authority at Electric Networks of Armenia, the utility company he owns. Karapetyan was arrested on Wednesday after law enforcement officers searched his Yerevan residence and dozens of other locations connected to the case, including the home of his nephew Narek Karapetyan, a Strong Armenia member of parliament.
Pachinian: l’Arménie pourrait déposer sa candidature à l’UE dans les deux prochaines années, mais son avancée dépend de la Géorgie
L’Arménie pourrait officiellement déposer sa candidature à l’adhésion à l’Union européenne dès l’année prochaine ou en 2028, a déclaré mardi le Premier ministre Nikol Pachinian. « L’année prochaine est une échéance réaliste, tout comme 2028 », a affirmé Nikol Pachinian lors du Sommet sur l’élargissement de l’Union européenne, organisé par Euronews en présence de plusieurs chefs d’État.
Samvel Karapetyan arrested on charges of economic crimes
Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, leader of the opposition Strong Armenia party, was arrested in Yerevan on Wednesday on charges of embezzlement, money laundering and abuse of authority linked to his ownership of Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA), a utility company at the center of a dispute between him and the Armenian state.
Nine killed in multi-vehicle crash in Armenia
A car crash in Armenia’s Aragatsotn province claimed nine lives on Tuesday, according to the Interior Ministry. The fatal accident occurred near the town of Ohanavan, northwest of Yerevan, and involved four vehicles, including a heavy truck. Three other people were hospitalized, one of whom was admitted to intensive care, according to the Health Ministry. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan said the crash was likely caused by a brake failure in the truck.
Pashinyan: Armenia may apply for EU membership in the next two years, but progress depends on Georgia
Armenia may formally apply to join the European Union next year or in 2028, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Tuesday. “Next year can be realistic; 2028 can be realistic,” Pashinyan said at the EU Enlargement Summit, organized by the Euronews publication and attended by several heads of state. However, Pashinyan said Armenia’s path toward EU membership depends on Georgia’s progress toward the same goal.
New agreement to help Kremlin track assets of Russians in Armenia
By Alexander Pracht Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an international agreement Monday with several former Soviet countries, including Armenia, allowing them to exchange banking information to enforce court decisions. The agreement could enable authorities in signatory countries to seek the cross-border seizure of assets based on court rulings. In addition to Armenia and Russia, the signatories include Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Armenia confirms it is ready for reciprocal withdrawal of lawsuits after peace deal with Baku
Armenia has reiterated that Yerevan and Baku are likely to withdraw their lawsuits against each other from international courts once the two countries sign a final peace agreement. “Naturally, the withdrawal of lawsuits may be part of the peace process,” Lilit Makunts, head of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s office, told reporters on Tuesday. Why withdraw the lawsuits? Armenia and Azerbaijan initialed a U.S.-mediated peace agreement in Washington last year.
Justice ministry seeks to discipline judge who recused himself from Catholicos trial
Armenia’s Justice Ministry has petitioned the country’s Supreme Judicial Council to discipline Hakob Manukyan, a judge from the town of Armavir, over his decision to recuse himself from presiding over the trial of Catholicos Karekin II, the patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The development was first reported Friday by Radio Free Europe’s Armenian Service. The Catholicos is charged with obstructing the enforcement of a court ruling.
What triggered the major brawl in Armenia’s parliament?
A major brawl broke out in Armenia’s parliament today between lawmakers from the ruling Civil Contract party and the opposition Strong Armenia party. The altercation began as Civil Contract lawmaker Taron Chakhoyan was delivering a speech at the podium. He was interrupted by Strong Armenia leader Narek Karapetyan, and a verbal exchange between the two quickly escalated into a physical confrontation, with dozens of lawmakers from both sides rushing toward the podium.
Russia sentences Armenian national to 9½ years over social media comments
A Russian military court has sentenced a 23-year-old Armenian national to nine years and six months in prison over social media comments criticizing Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, the exiled Russian publication Mediazona reported Thursday. Gevorg Grigoryan, a dual Armenian-Russian citizen, was sentenced under laws criminalizing the justification of Nazism, calls for terrorism and the dissemination of what Russian authorities describe as false information about the Russian military.
Armenia’s central bank vows to keep inflation in check should Russia raise gas price
Armenia’s Central Bank will seek to keep inflation at its target level even if Russia raises the price of natural gas it sells to Armenia, Governor Martin Galstyan said Wednesday. “If, for example, the price of gas rises by 69% or 79%, we will pursue a policy aimed at bringing inflation back to our target. We will see how things develop and, naturally, take appropriate measures, whether more aggressive or more moderate.
Armenia’s constitutional reform plans remain at odds with Baku’s demands
Armenia will not discuss its constitution with Baku, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Wednesday, reiterating his government’s plans to adopt a new constitution amid ongoing disagreements with Azerbaijan over the peace process. “We have informed all our international partners of this and, during discussions and negotiations with Azerbaijan, we state it clear that we do not intend to discuss matters related to our Constitution with any external actor,” Pashinyan said in parliament.
Armenia’s parliament ratifies Trump Route project amid opposition objections
Armenia’s parliament on Wednesday ratified an agreement with the United States on the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), with the opposition largely voting against it. A total of 63 lawmakers voted in favor of ratification, while 32 voted against. None abstained, and 10 members of parliament were absent.
Armenia’s foreign minister says Trump Route can advance before peace treaty
By Alexander Pracht Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan told parliament on Tuesday that the Trump Route project, also known as TRIPP, could be implemented before Armenia and Azerbaijan sign a comprehensive peace treaty. “[Signing the treaty first] would be the textbook sequence, but reality doesn’t always follow the script.
Yerevan needs local expertise to build metro, mayor says
Armenia needs to develop its own expertise in metro construction, Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan said at a City Hall session on Monday, discussing plans for the long-delayed Ajapnyak metro station. “We must begin construction next year, regardless of who our partner for the project will be,” Avinyan said. “I understand that our country has lost the knowledge and expertise needed to build a metro system.” “The project must include an Armenian company, whether independently or as part of a consortium.
Le parti au pouvoir en Arménie, Contrat civil, remporte les élections locales dans la majorité des communes
Le parti au pouvoir en Arménie, Contrat civil, a remporté les élections des conseils municipaux dans la majorité des 21 communes où se tenait un scrutin dimanche, soit seul, soit en coalition avec le petit parti Entrepreneur. L’attention s’est notamment portée sur Stepanavan, une ville de la région de Lori, dans le nord du pays, où le parti Entrepreneur, dirigé par le maire sortant Armen Grigoryan, a obtenu 41,5 % des voix.
Armenia and U.S. discuss new nuclear plant as Yerevan weighs Russian offer
By Alexander Pracht Armenian and U.S. officials met in Yerevan on Friday to discuss the construction of a new nuclear power unit in Armenia, as the government continues to weigh competing proposals from Washington and Moscow. Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Narek Apitonyan met with a delegation led by Shawna J. Wilson, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Security Assistance.
Pashinyan floats snap election to secure constitutional referendum
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced Thursday that the ruling Civil Contract party may call a snap parliamentary election in an attempt to secure enough seats to initiate a constitutional referendum needed to move forward with signing a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. “We will soon publish the draft constitution, launch public discussions and submit it to parliament.
Les États-Unis ne pourront pas céder leurs parts dans le projet TRIPP sans l’accord de l’Arménie, affirme Mirzoyan
Les États-Unis ne pourront ni vendre, ni donner, ni transférer de quelque manière que ce soit leurs parts dans la société chargée du développement du projet « Route Trump pour la paix et la prospérité internationales » (TRIPP) sans l’accord de l’Arménie.
Armenia’s foreign minister addresses Azerbaijan’s continued hostile rhetoric
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has addressed hostile rhetoric from Azerbaijani officials, including President Ilham Aliyev, saying unfriendly statements undermine peacebuilding efforts. “Every once in a while we hear rhetoric, sometimes coming from [Azerbaijani] officials, that does not contribute to peace, to put it mildly. There is no denying that.
Union économique eurasiatique: l’Arménie pourrait perdre plus de 15% de son PIB si elle quitte l’organisation
Les États membres de l’Union économique eurasiatique (UEE), dominée par la Russie, ont averti l’Arménie qu’elle pourrait perdre environ 15,6 % de son produit intérieur brut (PIB) si elle quittait l’organisation pour poursuivre son rapprochement avec l’Union européenne. Cette estimation figure dans un rapport conjoint élaboré par les gouvernements russe, biélorusse, kazakh et kirghiz, et publié ce 21 octobre.
Eurasian Economic Union: Armenia might lose over 15% of its GDP if it abandons the bloc
The member states of the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union have warned Armenia that it could lose about 15.6% of its GDP if it abandons the bloc in favor of pursuing European Union membership. The assessment was made in a joint report prepared by the governments of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and published today. At the same time, Armenia’s potential exit would have a far smaller economic impact on the remaining members, the report claimed.
Foreign leaders arrive in Yerevan for COP17
The United Nations biodiversity conference known as COP17 opened in Yerevan on Friday with a leaders summit. Multiple country leaders have arrived in Yerevan, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. In his speech at the opening of the summit, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed Armenia’s environmental challenges.
Yerevan, Moscow hold talks as Russian railway chief arrives in Armenia
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Oleg Belozerov, the head of Russian Railways, in Yerevan on Wednesday. According to a government readout, the two discussed Russia’s management of South Caucasus Railway, the subsidiary that operates Armenia’s railways under a concession agreement.
Pashinyan says Armenia, Azerbaijan should have clear borders without enclaves
Armenia and Azerbaijan should agree to establish a clear, conventional border without enclaves or exclaves, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in a statement on Wednesday. “There should be no enclaves and exclaves on either side of the border, meaning that the two countries, Armenia and Azerbaijan, should exchange territories of the appropriate exact size,” the prime minister said in a Facebook video.
What does Armenia’s largest opposition party make of the country's European ambitions?
Armenia’s leading opposition party, Strong Armenia, supports the country’s European integration but considers the ruling Civil Contract party’s aspirations to become a member of the European Union “a propaganda gimmick.” This is according to Marianna Ghahramanyan, the party’s lawmaker in Armenia’s National Assembly. “As the Strong Armenia party, we certainly support European integration. We support introducing the highest standards and best practices in various sectors.
European Parliament urges Azerbaijan to release political prisoners, including Armenians
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Thursday urging Azerbaijan to release those detained on politically motivated grounds, including the 19 Armenian prisoners held in Baku. The resolution, supported by 492 lawmakers, addressed a broader crackdown on government critics and dissidents in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Iran.
Teacher in rural Armenia arrested over alleged beating of schoolgirl
Armenia’s law enforcement authorities issued an arrest warrant Wednesday for a female teacher in the eastern town of Vardadzor over the alleged beating of a second-grade student. The incident was first reported by the local news website Shamshyan.com last Thursday. According to Gegharkunik province law enforcement authorities, the teacher, whose name remains undisclosed, first struck a second-grade schoolgirl with a stick for chatting during class, causing the student to leave the classroom.
Azeri soldier goes AWOL, wanders into Armenia, injures villager before being apprehended
By Alexander Pracht An Azerbaijani serviceman was arrested in Armenia's Syunik province after crossing the line of contact between the two countries and shooting a local villager in the leg, Armenia's National Security Service reported Thursday. The agency also reported that Azerbaijani border officers informed their Armenian counterparts on Tuesday that one of Azerbaijan's servicemen had gone absent without leave and might have crossed into Armenia.
Pashinyan hints Armenia may turn to Russia for larger nuclear plant
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan appears to be reconsidering the government’s previous preference for a small modular nuclear reactor, raising the prospect that Armenia could instead opt for a larger power plant such as the one proposed by Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom.
Armenia’s state budget draft reverts defense spending to 2025 level
Armenia’s cabinet has drafted the country’s state budget for 2027. The projected budget was published by the government today. The budget draft suggests an increase in military spending of about 9.5%, to roughly $1.7 billion. This almost equals the budget Armenia had in 2025 before it was reduced for this year, triggering widespread criticism. Although Armenia usually devotes more than 6% of its GDP to defense, analysts stress that consistent growth is necessary for modernization.
Pop concert aired on 2020 war anniversary causes Armenia’s public TV company to apologize
Armenia’s state-funded TV Channel 1 triggered criticism on Sunday for airing an entertainment concert on the sixth anniversary of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War. The TV company faced public backlash for airing a performance by pop singer Tata Simonyan, raising questions about whether entertainment programs like this are appropriate as thousands of Armenians headed to graveyards, including the Yerablur cemetery in Yerevan, to commemorate the fallen soldiers.
Pashinyan addresses ‘Caucasian Albanian’ controversy at United Nations
Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the recent diplomatic scandal involving Azerbaijani officials and Armenian cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh as he spoke at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday. “[Something] that fuels pessimistic sentiments is the occasional use of confrontational rhetoric in certain circles of Armenia and Azerbaijan, sometimes at the official level.
Iran repeats it won’t tolerate any border changes in southern Armenia
Armenia’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable for Iran in the context of regional developments in the South Caucasus, Tehran’s ambassador to Armenia said on Wednesday. “The leaders of Azerbaijan are still talking about the ‘Zangezur Corridor,’ very explicitly and very openly.
Armenian government brings clerics to Trump as Etchmiadzin stays silent
The White House hosted a reception on Thursday at which U.S. President Donald Trump met with senior Armenian clerics based in the United States and Armenia’s ambassador to the country, Narek Mkrtchyan. The meeting was organized by the Armenian Embassy in Washington in cooperation with the White House Faith Office. “The meeting focused on the Christian and civilizational values that unite us, as well as on religious freedom and peace.
Trade relief measures for Armenian products pass vote in European Parliament
The European Parliament on Tuesday voted in favor of providing trade relief measures for Armenian products for two years. The initiative, first published in July, was backed by 583 European lawmakers, while 49 voted against and 39 abstained. “The European Parliament has endorsed the European Commission’s proposal to provide autonomous trade measures for Made in Armenia products.
A year into negotiations, Armenia is 40% of the way to EU visa-free travel
Armenia will have completed about 40% of the work required for visa-free travel to the European Union by the time it begins issuing biometric passports on November 1, Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan told CivilNet in an interview on Monday. The EU presented its visa liberalization action plan for Armenia last November, essentially a list of extensive requirements that Armenia must fulfill before its citizens can be granted visa-free entry for short, non-immigrant trips.
EU Council greenlights temporary suspension of import duties for Armenian products
The European Union on Wednesday announced temporary trade liberalization measures for Armenian products to support Armenia’s economy following trade restrictions imposed by Russia earlier this year. The measure involves a temporary suspension of import duties and will cover approximately 80% of Armenia’s exports, including 99% of its fresh fruit, vegetables and plants and more than 91% of its exports of beverages and spirits, the European Council said in a statement.
Russia could withdraw from Gyumri base ‘as soon as tomorrow’ if asked, Putin says following talks with Pashinyan
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. The meeting addressed a broad range of bilateral agenda issues, including Russia’s military presence in Armenia, Moscow’s restrictions on Armenian imports, and Armenia’s European Union membership aspirations that Russia finds problematic.
Armenia seeks to recover $75 million, hundreds of real estate properties from former finance minister in corruption probe
Armenian authorities are seeking to confiscate roughly $75 million and hundreds of real estate properties from former finance minister and tax chief Gagik Khachatryan. Khachatryan was arrested on Tuesday and sent into pre-trial detention on Wednesday on charges of money laundering, bribery, and embezzlement. The accusations published by the prosecution on Tuesday include accepting bribes in the form of luxury apartments, misappropriating public funds, and embezzling state-owned real estate.
L’Arménie déposera “bientôt” sa candidature à l’Union européenne, annonce Pachinian
L’Arménie déposera prochainement une demande d’adhésion à l’Union européenne, a déclaré lundi le Premier ministre Nikol Pachinian devant le Parlement, sans toutefois préciser de calendrier. « Pour soumettre la question de l’adhésion à l’Union européenne à un référendum national, l’Arménie doit d’abord déposer une demande officielle d’adhésion à l’UE. Cela nécessite un travail considérable et nous commencerons probablement ce processus dans un avenir proche », a déclaré Nikol Pachinian.
Armenia to apply for EU membership ‘soon,’ says Pashinyan
Armenia will soon apply for European Union membership, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in parliament on Monday, without specifying a deadline. “To bring the issue of European Union membership to a nationwide referendum, Armenia must first submit a formal application to join the EU. This is something that requires extensive work, and we will probably begin this process in the near future,” Pashinyan said.
Pashinyan renews calls on Russia to give up Armenia’s railways
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has renewed his calls on Russia to sell its concession to operate Armenia’s railways. “We have great respect for the Russian Federation and its interests, but due to Armenia’s railway being under Russian management, we are now facing the risk of missing a historic opportunity to integrate Armenia into the international railway network,” Pashinyan said in parliament on Monday.
Le gouvernement arménien fixe ses objectifs à l’horizon 2031
Lors d’une séance du gouvernement jeudi, le Premier ministre arménien Nikol Pachinian a présenté le programme d’action du gouvernement pour les cinq prochaines années, jusqu’aux prochaines élections nationales. Le document couvre un large éventail de politiques, notamment la sécurité nationale, l’économie, les réformes démocratiques et l’administration publique. Il devra encore être soumis au vote du Parlement.
Armenia’s government sets 2031 goals
At a government session on Thursday, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan presented the government’s action plan for the next five years, until the next nationwide elections. The document spans a wide range of policies, including national security, the economy, democratic reforms, and public administration, and will need to pass a vote in parliament.
Alen Simonyan nommé secrétaire du Conseil de sécurité d’Arménie
Par Ani Paitjan L’ancien président de l’Assemblée nationale Alen Simonyan a été nommé secrétaire du Conseil de sécurité d’Arménie par une décision du Premier ministre Nikol Pashinyan. Il succède à Armen Grigoryan, démis de ses fonctions par une décision distincte après avoir dirigé le Conseil de sécurité pendant près de huit ans.
Alen Simonyan replaces Armen Grigoryan as Secretary of Security Council
Former parliamentary speaker Alen Simonyan was appointed secretary of Armenia’s Security Council on Thursday, according to state news agency Armenpress. Simonyan, who served as parliamentary speaker between 2021 and 2026, is replacing Armen Grigoryan, who has led the Security Council since the 2018 revolution. At a press briefing later in the day, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he had offered Grigoryan a job in his office. “Apparently he would like to take a break for now instead.
OPINION: Why Armenia’s drinking fountains should not have switches
Several days ago, CivilNet published an article by film director Arshile Egoyan, who is contributing to our publication this summer, titled Armenia’s free water fountains face a conservation problem. Armenia’s ubiquitous drinking fountains dot nearly every corner of the country, offering cold, clean water to anyone free of charge. They are widely seen as one of Armenia’s most recognizable trademarks.
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