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Armenia and Turkey have again agreed to restore the historical will of Ani

Լուսանկարը՝ Armradio.am

Within the framework of the high-level European summit in Yerevan, the process of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations was marked by the signing of an official document on the joint restoration of historical and cultural heritage on the bilateral border.


RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan informed on his social network page that on May 4, the protocol for the restoration of the historic Ani Bridge, which was once part of the Silk Road, located on the border of Armenia and Turkey, was signed. The document was ratified by Ruben Rubinyan and Serdar Kilic, special representatives for relations between the two countries.


The ceremony was held at a high political level. it was personally attended by the Prime Minister of Armenia and the Vice President of Turkey Cevdet Yilmaz, who arrived in the capital of Armenia to participate in the 8th Summit of the European Political Community.


Since 2023, Yerevan and Ankara have agreed on a joint project to restore this unique structure built on the Akhuryan River in the 10th-11th centuries.

Arrested member of “Strong Armenia” Artur Avanesyan stopped his hunger strike

Photo: screenshot from the video

Artur Avanesyan, the head of the security team of the “Strong Armenia” party, arrested on charges of distributing election bribes, has stopped the protest hunger strike.


The former soldier, who is also known to the public by the nickname “Kandaz”, made this decision after the urging of the leader of the political force, Samvel Karapetyan. This information was officially confirmed to Azatutyun radio station by Armen Feroyan, the accused’s lawyer. Avanesyan took this extreme step of protest immediately after his arrest.


Currently, the party official, who is being held in the “Vardashen” penitentiary, is accused of bribing voters, but the latter categorically denies the charges and does not accept the guilt.

Verelq: The West does not need Armenia, but its separation from Russia

Traveling merchants of European “values” once again gathered in Yerevan. With great solemnity, bold faces, and a standard package of diplomatic smiles, they came to explain to the Armenian people once again what a great “luck” we have had to become a geopolitical laboratory mouse. And in that background, a confession was heard from the lips of the French president, which, no matter how much it was wrapped in a civilized vocabulary, essentially exposed the very content of what was happening around Armenia.


Emmanuel Macron made an almost happy assessment, according to which eight years ago nobody would have come to Armenia, because it was seen as a “de facto satellite” of Russia, and now, after the “velvet revolution” of Nikol Pashinyan, the country has been “de-Parisianized” and has become acceptable.


Here is the whole truth, without unnecessary masks.


The West openly says that Armenia is valuable to the extent that it leaves Russia. Not so much as a state, not so much as an endangered nation, not so much as a region that has seen war and Genocide, not so much as an age-old civilization facing the danger of becoming a mere historical memory, but as an anti-Russian platform, as a political sign: “Look, we are taking another country out of Moscow’s influence.”


And Nikol Pashinyan’s government has become the perfect local operator of that program.


“De-Persianization”? no, the perfect risk incubator


“De-risking” from Macron’s lips is a classic example of political cynicism. What risk did Armenia get rid of?


Artsakh does not exist. 120 thousand Armenians were forcibly displaced from their homeland. Azerbaijan controls strategic heights. Borders have turned into an object of constant blackmail. Baku presents a new demand every week, from the Constitution to the “corridor”. Turkey continues the same pan-Turkist line, just more self-confident.


Is this the Frenchization?


This is the consequence of the multiplication of risks, the destruction of state immunity, and the conscious destruction of the security system. And it happened not by chance, but since the street performance of 2018 was presented as a “democratic rescue”, but in fact it became the start of external realignment.


Armenia was told to leave Russia, we will give you peace.
As a result, we got a country separated from Russia, but also deprived of peace.


This, Mr. Macron, is a crime committed against national security and the Republic of Armenia, not the “de-risking” you mentioned, the de-Frenchization.


And you, speaking on behalf of France and European values, not only give political patronage to that national disaster, but with your colored vocabulary you try to morally legitimize a crime, the consequences of which the Armenian people will suffer for decades.


Pashinyan turned Armenia into a testing ground for anti-Russian sentiment


The key and most dangerous feature of Pashinyan’s foreign policy is that this government long ago stopped considering Armenia’s own security and state problems as issues subject to primary solution. Instead, Armenia is gradually involved in such geopolitical processes, the agenda of which is formed not in Yerevan, but in external power centers.


In other words, the government does not try to keep Armenia away from the confrontations of great powers and the consequences of these conflicts, but on the contrary, it makes the country a territory used within these confrontations.


One of the main problems for the West today is to weaken Russia on as many fronts as possible. Ukraine is a military front, Georgia, Moldova – a political, energetic front, and Armenia is turning into a Caucasian strategic logistics front and an anti-Russian showpiece – a demonstrative example of a “former Russian ally that renounces Moscow”.


That is why European officials come to Yerevan one by one, praise the “reforms”, talk about “sovereignty”, “crossroads of peace”, “diversification”. Because it is not important for them whether Armenia is protected or not. It is important for Armenia to leave the Russian security system and politically place itself in the anti-Russian camp.


In other words, Pashinyan did not balance, but put the country in serious existential danger.


French “love” – ​​another soft pillow


The role of France is a separate topic. For years, this country was presented as an almost savior force for a part of the Armenian society. Every time, when Yerevan suffered another defeat, a beautiful announcement, an exciting speech, a parliamentary resolution was made from Paris, and an information bubble was inflated in Armenia: “here, France is with us”.


Let’s remember November 2020. The French Senate enthusiastically adopted a resolution calling for the recognition of Artsakh’s independence. Fiery speeches were heard in the hall: self-determination, justice, historical justice. The Armenian public was once again carried away by emotional self-deception.


And then? Then nothing.


There was no recognition, no political pressure, no practical step, no security mechanism. Because the purpose of that resolution was not to help the Armenians, but to influence the Armenians through false hope. In short, cheating.


And with the same high European patronage, the process of delegitimization of the tripartite document of November 9 began in 2022, the end result of which was the final handover of Artsakh.


In other words, first the Armenians were fed with the illusion of recognition, then the same Armenians were led to the path of renouncing Artsakh.


Yerevan has become a decoration, and Armenia has become a bargaining chip


Looking at the faces of these “friends” gathering in Yerevan today, one question arises. Who among them will answer for the Armenian people’s lost homeland, destroyed security, humiliated statehood?


Zelensky came to preach more sanctions against Russia.
Macron came to praise Pashinyan’s revolution and “independence” from Russia.
Other European officials came to preach about democracy and anti-Russian propaganda.


But none of them came to say how to rebuild Armenian security, how to prevent new Azerbaijani aggression, how to restore national dignity.


Because that is not their agenda.


Their agenda is as follows: to keep Armenia under their influence, to use it as a propaganda showcase against Moscow, and at the same time not to allow this society to soberly assess the price it pays for this “European attention”.


Epilogue:


For years, this government has convinced the public that anti-Russian rhetoric is sovereignty, Western smiles are security, and European summits are international success.


The reality is the opposite.


Armenia has never been so alone, so vulnerable, so under pressure.


And when Macron proudly says that Armenia is no longer a satellite of Russia, he is actually recording one thing: the country has been successfully removed from the former security zone, but has not yet entered any new protected system.


In other words, they left us in the open field.


Pashinyan presents that open field as independence. Europeans as a democratic achievement. And the people pay the price for it every day, with territory, rights, and future.


This is the whole picture.


Macron’s speech in Yerevan just accidentally raised what has been going on silently for a long time: Armenia has turned into an Armenian springboard for anti-Russianism, while it is being sold to the Armenian people as a project for peace, democracy and the future.


The irony of fate is that the price of such projects is always paid not by the planners, but by the people who have become the testing ground.


Աղբյուր՝ Armenian Public Tribunal

Asbarez: European Armenian Communities Issue Statement Ahead of EU Summit in Y

Representatives of Armenian communities across Europe issued a statement on Sunday calling for protection of Democratic norms, advancing the rights of Artsakh Armenians and release of Armenian prisoners being held captive in Azerbaijan.

The statement was directed at European leaders who will converge on Yerevan beginning Monday for the first-ever European Political Community Summit.

Below is the text of the statement.

We, the undersigned representatives of Armenian communities from across Europe, issue this statement ahead of the European Political Community Summit in Yerevan to raise concerns about the integrity of Armenia’s democratic environment in the run-up to the parliamentary elections on June 7 2026.

Democracy Must Be Protected Before, Not Only On, Election Day
Armenia is approaching a decisive electoral moment. Yet current conditions raise concerns about public confidence in the process. A highly polarized political environment, uneven conditions for political competition, and questions surrounding the broader pre-electoral framework risk undermining trust.

Free and fair elections are not defined solely by what happens on election day. They depend on the integrity of the entire process—equal access to media, fair competition, and the full protection of fundamental freedoms.

European Engagement Must Remain Strictly Neutral
We recognize the European Union’s role in supporting democratic resilience in Armenia, including efforts to counter disinformation.

However, this support must remain strictly neutral. Any perception that external actors are favoring one political force over another—whether accurate or not—can damage both the credibility of the electoral process and the standing of European partners.
Well-intentioned engagement must not unintentionally blur the line between support and interference.

Elections Cannot Take Place Under the Shadow of Threats
We are concerned by narratives suggesting the possibility of renewed conflict in the region.
We call on Azerbaijan to refrain from rhetoric or actions that could be interpreted as threats or coercion, including attempts to link regional stability to the outcome of Armenia’s democratic process.

Elections must take place free from pressure, intimidation, or the shadow of escalation.

The Rights of Armenians from Artsakh Must Not Be Overlooked
The rights of Armenians forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh remain a central issue. A sustainable peace must include respect for fundamental human rights, including dignity, security, and, where applicable, the right of return in accordance with international law. Humanitarian concerns must not be sidelined by geopolitical considerations.

A Moment of Responsibility
We call on all actors—within Armenia and internationally—to act responsibly and in full respect of democratic principles.

These elections are not only a national milestone. They are also a test of democratic credibility that resonates across Armenian communities in Europe and beyond. 

Conclusion
Armenia’s electoral process must be protected from both internal distortions and external pressures.

A credible, transparent, and genuinely competitive election is essential—not only for Armenia’s democratic future, but for stability in the wider region.
We stand ready to support efforts that uphold these principles.
Signatories

Austria
Samuel Nahadedian – Armenian Committee of Austria

Belgium
Karen Tatevosian – President of the Assembly of the Armenians in Belgium

Bulgaria
Sahak Tchalekian – Co-President of the Association of the Armenian Unions of Bulgaria

Czech Republic
Aleksandr Sargsyan – President of the Armenian Apostolic Church Council of Czechia

Cyprus
Vahan Aynedjian – President of the President of the Diocesan Council of the Armenians in 

Greece
Nazar Avakian – President of the Central Council of the Armenians in Greece

Italy
Baykar Szavlian – President of the Cultural Union of Armenians in Italy

France
Ara Toranian — Co-Chair, Conseil de Coordination des Organisations Armdniennes de France (CCAF)
Mourad Papazian — Co-Chair, Conseil de Coordination des Organisations Armdniennes de
France (CCAF)

Germany
Jonathan Spangenberg – President of the Central Council of Armenians in Germany

Netherlands
Noubar Vartanian – Representative of the Armenian Community of Almelo

Romania
Zareh Nazaryan – Vice-President of the Union of Armenians of Romania

Spain
Ararat Ghukasyan – Representative of the Armenian Community of Valencia

Sweden, Norway, Denmark
Anahit Avakian – Co-Moderator of the Scandinavian Armenian Union
Simon Der Sahakian – Co-Moderator of the Scandinavian Armenian Union

United Kingdom
Garen Arevian – President Armenian Community Council of the United Kingdom

Coordinator
Kaspar Karampetian – Belgium

European Leaders Converge on Yerevan, Pledge Support for Armenia

European Union leaders, as well as high-level officials from member states converged on Yerevan on Monday to attend the European Political Community summit, which convened at the Karen Demirchyan sports complex on Monday.

President Emmanuel Macron of France, Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Great Britain, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, were joined by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine by Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The prime ministers of Georgia, Spain and the Czech Republic were also in attendance.

Also attending were the EU Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and other high-level officials from the bloc.

Turkey was represented by its Vice-President Cevdet Yilmaz, while President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan addressed summit via video call and invited those gathered to Baku for the 2028 iteration of the gathering.

Hailing the summit as “historic,” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke about his administration’s efforts to negotiate peace in the region through talks with Azerbaijan and the documents signed last year at the White House that included the agreement for the establishment of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity—TRIPP.

“Now we are on the way to implementing a very important project. It is the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity,” which will contribute to peace by unblocking the routes of the region and creating new international routes from east to west, from south to north, which will significantly contribute to the stability of international supply chains,” Pashinyan told the summit in his welcoming remarks.

“Now we have peace with Azerbaijan,” Pashinyan said. “It has been two years since no one has suffered due to the exchange of fire with Azerbaijan, and these are unprecedented years since our independence.”

“We are now working closely with Azerbaijan to consolidate and institutionalize peace between our two countries. This is the first time that the President of Azerbaijan has participated in an event taking place in Armenia, albeit remotely. But I hope that I will have the opportunity to visit Azerbaijan in 2028, when the 12th Summit of the European Political Community will be held there. By the way, Armenia and Azerbaijan have mutually supported each other’s candidacies to host these summits,” the prime minister added.

Pashinyan also praised himself and his administration for efforts to normalize relations with Turkey, saying that his first-ever meeting with that country’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, took place on the sidelines of this very summit in the past.

Addressing its participants, EU Council President Costa said the gathering “places Armenia in the heart of Europe, which is exactly where it belongs.” He also said the choice of the summit venue was made by possible by Armenian-Azerbaijani peace agreements reached last year.

“The fact that Armenia is hosting this summit is a powerful illustration of the country’s courageous geopolitical path, a path that Armenia and the EU are walking together,” Costa told a news conference later in the day.

Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, told reporters that the summit taking place in Armenia demonstrated the importance of the Caucasus, “especially now when there is a war in Iran as well. We are talking about connectivity, but also resilience to the threats that we are facing,” she said.

Yet the main agenda item for Monday’s summit were the challenges facing the EU and the world as the Ukraine war continues to rage on and the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran have complicated security, economic and energy concerns for the bloc.

President Donald Trump’s decision to pull U.S. troops from Italy, Germany and other countries, caught European leaders off guard.

“There has been a talk about withdrawal [of] US troops for a long time from Europe. But of course, the timing of this announcement comes as a surprise. I think it shows that we have to really strengthen the European pillar in NATO, and we have to really do more. The American troops are not in Europe only for protecting the European interests, but also American interest,” Kallas said.

The summit will focus solely on EU-Armenian relations on Tuesday.

A draft of a statement expected to be adopted on Tuesday was reviewed by Azatutyun.am. According to the news service, the EU leaders will pledge to continue “bringing Armenia closer to the European Union” but stops short of promising Armenia eventual membership in the EU.

Asbarez: Opposition Protests Draw Attention to Artsakh Rights, Lapse of Democr

The opposition Armenia bloc holds a protest on the sidelines of EPC summit in Yerevan on May 4 (Azatutyun.am video grab)


As European and other world leaders attended the European Political Community summit in Yerevan on Monday, opposition groups stages demonstrations, drawing the attention of visiting dignitaries to the rights of Artsakh Armenians, the captives being held in Baku and the lapse in democratic norms in Armenia.

The opposition Armenia bloc supporters marched from the center of Yerevan to the Karen Demirchyan Sports Complex, where the summit was being held.

The Armenia bloc issued a statement on Sunday, saying the timing of the summit, which the group said signaled external support for the current administration ahead of the June 7 parliamentary elections.

Calling the EPC summit and the subsequent first-ever EU-Armenian summit “important events,” the Armenia bloc argued that Armenia was experiencing a “volatile” domestic atmosphere ahead of the elections.

“These are indeed important events, whose substantive significance for Armenia could have been much greater had the timing of these gatherings been taken into account. Holding such events in a tense domestic political environment, just weeks before nationwide elections, will inevitably be presented by the Armenian authorities as external support, while European political actors will effectively become directly involved in Armenia’s internal political processes,” the bloc said in its statement.

“The interest of Armenia’s authorities lies not in the substantive development of Armenia–EU relations, but in using European political actors within Armenia’s internal political processes. We regret to note that statements made by representatives of the European Union’s executive bodies only deepen our concerns that the manipulative actions of Armenia’s authorities appear to be receiving European backing,” the opposition group warned, while underscoring the importance of EU-Armenia relations as part of Armenia’s foreign policy.

“We reaffirm our commitment to promoting the continued development of Armenia–EU partnership, based on the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, shared values, and historical experience. Armenia–EU relations must be kept free from both domestic political exploitation and geopolitical confrontation, in line with the principles of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement,” the statement said.

“We call on high-level delegations visiting Armenia to approach the development of Armenia–EU relations based on the best interests of that relationship, rather than political expediency aimed at supporting a preferred government in Armenia. The restriction of democratic processes, violations of the rule of law, and limitations on political freedoms by Armenia’s authorities will increasingly make such ‘European protection’ more difficult to sustain. A passive stance toward these violations, driven by political calculations—including by European partners—has led to an unprecedented increase in the number of political prisoners in Armenia,” the statement added.

“European institutions have also failed to demonstrate appropriate political conduct by not condemning the unlawful campaign launched by the authorities against the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church,” the Armenia bloc said.

The Armenia bloc specifically focused on the EU’s pledge to send two missions to Armenia to counter what has been termed as “hybrid threats” to the elections, which Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said are emanating from Russia.

“We do not expect any external actor, including the European Union, to interfere in Armenia’s internal political processes. However, among Armenia’s external partners, the European Union is one of the few that holds contractual obligations to monitor the rule of law and democratic processes in the country. In this context, we expect that the second civilian mission to be deployed in Armenia will fully adhere to its mandate and be guided by the principle of political inclusivity, ensuring that opposition voices are heard,” the Armenia bloc emphasized.

“In any case, the high-level events planned in Armenia present a valuable opportunity to raise critical issues for our people and state, such as the release of our prisoners held in Baku and the de-occupation of Armenia’s territories,” the Armenia bloc added.

“In this context, we welcome certain provisions of the European Parliament resolution adopted on April 30 on ‘Supporting Armenia’s Democratic Resilience,’ particularly those addressing the right of return of Artsakh Armenians, the protection of Armenian cultural heritage in Artsakh, the release of Armenian prisoners, and the need to ensure equal and competitive conditions for all opposition actors in Armenia,” the statement stressed, adding that “we expect that this principled position of the European Parliament will serve as a guiding framework for the European Union’s executive bodies.”

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