The Week in Review - EVN Report

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of November 7: Over 1,000 tons of Russian wheat arrives in Armenia through Azerbaijani territory; the EU hands over its Visa Liberalization Action Plan to Armenia, officially setting the process in motion; former President Serzh Sargsyan faces new corruption charges and more. The post New Charges Against Former Economy Minister appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of October 31: Church-state standoff in the country continues; one mayor is arrested at the airport, another is charged with corruption; Armenia to lift restrictions on transit of cargo to Azerbaijan and more. The post Church-State Standoff Continues appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of October 24: Gyumri's controversial mayor, Vardan Ghukasyan, is detained on corruption charges; Armenian and Azerbaijani civil society representatives meet in Yerevan; Baku lifts its ban on cargo transit to Armenia through Azerbaijani territory; the government announced that mandatory military service will be reduced from two years to 1.5 starting in January 2026 and more. The post Gyumri Mayor Detained on Corruption Charges appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of October 17: Tensions deepen between the Armenian government and the Church; PM Pashinyan announces next stage of border demarcation to take place along section of planned TRIPP route; U.S. lawmakers introduce the PEACE Act to sanction Azerbaijan's leadership and state oil company SOCAR for aggression against Armenia and more. The post Tensions Rise Between Armenian Government and the Church appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of October 10: Former President Robert Kocharyan gives lengthy press conference, announces his alliance will run in next year's parliamentary elections; Yerevan's Zvartnots International Airport announces $500 million expansion plan; two relatives of missing soldiers charged following scuffles with police during last week's protest and more. The post Early Moves in Armenia's 2026 Race appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of October 3: Pashinyan and Aliyev meet on sidelines of the European Political Summit; Health Ministry to roll out universal healthcare next year; Armenia to build a small modular nuclear reactor to replace the aging Metsamor plant and more. The post Armenia to Build Small Modular Nuclear Reactor appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of September 26: The mayor of Parakar and an off duty police officer are killed, the suspect is in police custody; Armenia hosts NATO seminars, in attendance are Turkish and Azerbaijani delegations; the government cuts back on the defence budget for 2026 but promises universal healthcare. The post Government Cuts the Defence Budget But Promises Universal Healthcare appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of September 19: The European Court of Human Rights has issued its most significant ruling in regards to the deadly March 1, 2008 crackdown on protesters in Yerevan; the head of Armenia's National Security Service is in Baku leading a delegation participating in an International Security Forum and Netherlands has pledged €14 million in aid to help Karabakh refugees with affordable housing. The post ECHR Rules Armenia Violated the Right to Life of March 1 Victims appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of September 12: U.S. pledges $145 million in assistance as first major step toward making TRIPP initiative a reality; Turkish delegation led by special envoy crosses Margara Crossing into Armenia for sixth round of talks; Defense Ministry proposes shortening compulsory military service by six months and more. The post $145 million U.S. Pledge for TRIPP Project appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of September 5: Armenia and China sign strategic partnership; the Investigative Committee confirms a case of treason within Armenia's foreign ministry; the OSCE announces it will dissolve the Minsk Group and more. The post Armenia and China Sign Strategic Partnership appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of August 29: The full texts of the three MOUs signed between Pashinyan and Trump are released; Armenia and the UK agree to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership; Pakistan, which has refused to recognize Armenia, is now in talks with the Armenian foreign ministry about possibly establishing diplomatic relations and more. The post Three MOUs Signed by Pashinyan & Trump Published appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of August 22: Iran's president makes his first official visit to Armenia; Armenia allocates $3.2 million to hire an international law firm to represent it at the Stockholm Arbitration Tribunal and the Corruption Prevention Commission rules that PM Pashinyan twice violated the code of conduct in public statements. The post Iranian President's First Official Visit to Armenia appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of August 15: what the Washington Accords promise to bring to the South Caucasus; family of billionaire Samvel Karapetyan launches a $500 million investment arbitration against Armenia; as the Nubarashen landfill burns, the Yerevan Municipality announces plans for Armenia's first waste recycling plant. The post What Will Washington Accords Bring to the South Caucasus appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of August 1: The Prime Minister's speaker clarifies Armenia's position on the Syunik route; Armenia to temporarily host Palestine's endangered cultural heritage at the Matenadaran; ICRC's final visit to Armenian detainees in Baku as office faces forced closure by Azerbaijan and more. The post Armenia to Temporarily Host Palestine's Endangered Heritage appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of July 25: An international arbitration court orders Armenia to halt efforts to seize control of ENA; Azerbaijani President Aliyev accuses Armenia of stalling key infrastructure projects, warns of deepening political isolation; PM Pashinyan unveils plans to remove the Catholicos, calling it a spiritual mission to renew the Church and society. The post Arbitration, Aliyev and Church Showdown appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of July 18: a U.S.-backed proposal to lease a 32-km stretch of Armenian territory linking Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan raises questions over sovereignty; PM Nikol Pashinyan holds a marathon press conference on regional connectivity, Armenia's EU path, the CSTO and more; and from detention, Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan announces plans to launch a new political party. The post Marathon Press Conference, Issues of Connectivity and New Political Parties appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of July 11: The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan hold a high-level meeting in Abu Dhabi; three Armenian parliamentarians are stripped of their immunity and face criminal charges; seven members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation are detained in terrorism-related investigations and more. The post Pashinyan and Aliyev meet in Abu Dhabi appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of July 4: EU unveils €270 million Resilience and Growth Plan for Armenia; Parliament passes amendments that could pave the way for nationalization of Electric Networks of Armenia and Tashir Group calls it politically motivated expropriation and warns Armenia could face international arbitration. The post EU unveils €270 million Resilience and Growth Plan for Armenia appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of June 27: Tensions continue to escalate between the Armenian government and the Church; Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, who led last year's opposition protests, has been detained on charges of attempting to overthrow the government; National Security Service officers clash with supporters and clergy at the Holy See of Etchmiadzin while trying to detain another archbishop and more. The post Tensions Escalate Between Armenian Government and Church appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of June 20: Israel-Iran conflict starting to have ripple effects in Armenia; Russian-Armenian billionaire is in pretrial detention on charges of inciting the seizure of power; PM Nikol Pashinyan is in Turkey at Erdogan's invitation and more. The post Pashinyan Calls to Nationalize Armenia's Power Grid appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of June 13: Armenia condemns attack on Iran, urges calm; a $500 million public-private partnership to build cutting-edge AI infrastructure in Armenia is unveiled by Firebird, the Armenian Government and NVIDIA; gas explosion in Gegharkunik kills five, injures over a dozen and more. The post A $500 Million Public-private Partnership to Build Cutting-edge AI Infrastructure in Armenia appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of June 6: Two teenagers from Syunik region accidentally cross into Azerbaijani territory; France opens an Honorary Consulate in Syunik's town of Goris; tensions between PM Nikol Pashinyan and the Church flare up once again and more. The post Two Teenagers from Syunik Accidentally Cross Into Azerbaijani Territory appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of May 30: Azerbaijani forces open fire on Armenian territory for the second day in a row; Yerevan hosts the second edition of Yerevan Dialogue; Armenians mark the independence of the First Armenian Republic on May 28 and more. The post Azerbaijan Keeps Syunik Under Fire Two Days in a Row appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of May 23: Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov visits Armenia amid ongoing tensions with Yerevan; U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says preventing a new Armenia-Azerbaijan war is a Trump administration priority; Ankara hosts a controversial conference on so-called “return to Western Azerbaijan” and more. The post Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Armenia appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of May 16: Armenia's PM Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Aliyev meet in Tirana; the EU continues to signal support for Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal; Armenia's first elected woman mayor resigns and more. The post Pashinyan and Aliyev meet in Tirana appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of May 9: Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attends Victory Day celebrations in Moscow; Armenian lawmakers warn of potential Russian interference in the 2026 parliamentary elections; UNHCR announces suspension of its operations in Azerbaijan and more. The post PM Nikol Pashinyan Attends Victory Day Celebrations in Moscow appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of May 2: The Kremlin has a new point man on Armenia to ensure the “implementation” of Russia's state interests; another non-combat death in the military; Armenian forces take part in NATO drills in Georgia and more. The post Kremlin's New Point Man on Armenia appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of March April 25: Armenians around the world commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide; U.S. President Donald Trump refrains from using the word “genocide” but says he “looks forward to continuing our strategic partnership with Armenia” in his annual message; Azerbaijan continues to maintain tension on the border and more. The post Armenians Commemorate 110th Anniversary of Armenian Genocide appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of March April 18: Baku ramps up so-called “Zangezur Corridor” rhetoric; Armenian and Azerbaijani diplomats meet in Ankara and Tbilisi; Pashinyan continues to push peace agenda, and Vardan Ghukasyan reclaims Gyumri mayoralty. The post Baku Ramps Up So-called “Zangezur Corridor” Rhetoric appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of March April 11: Baku continues to accuse Armenia of ceasefire violations; Armenia and Iran hold joint military exercises; alarming rates of road accidents on the parliament's agenda and more. The post Alarming Rates of Road Accidents Are on the Parliament's Agenda appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of March April 4: Azerbaijan renews accusations against the Armenian military and puts forward fresh demands for a peace agreement; local elections in Armenia's second-largest city spark controversy; Artsakh Armenians stage a major rally in Yerevan, voicing concerns over their uncertain future and more. The post Azerbaijan Renews Accusations Against the Armenian Military appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of March 28: Armenia's Parliament approves bill to pursue EU Membership; in a telephone call, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio tells PM Nikol Pashinyan that any escalation in the South Caucasus is unacceptable; the Starlink satellite internet service launches in Armenia and more. The post Armenia's Parliament Approves Bill to Pursue EU Membership appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of March 21: Baku resumes and intensifies claims of ceasefire violations. Since March 16, Armenia's Defense Ministry has denied 13 such accusations; the Margara Crossing on the Armenia-Turkey border is temporarily open to facilitate the transport of humanitarian aid from Armenia to Syria; Armenia appoints a military attaché to the UN. The post Ep. 327: The Week in Review (21.03.25) appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of March 14: Armenia and Azerbaijan conclude peace talks; the European Parliament calls for immediate, unconditional release of Armenian POWs and officials held in Baku; U.S. Christian leaders urge Trump to advocate for Armenian Christians detained by Azerbaijan and more. The post Ep. 326: The Week in Review (14.03.25) appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of March 7: Ruben Vardanyan's family shares his emotional audio message; EU considers an additional €10 million in EPF funding for Armenia; Russian border guards withdraw from Margara crossing on the Armenia-Turkey border and more. The post Ep. 325: The Week in Review (07.03.25) appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of February 28: After three months of silence, Azerbaijan responds to the latest draft of the peace treaty; concerns mount over Ruben Vardanyan's health as Azerbaijan's sham trials of Armenian prisoners continue; company linked to Republic Party leader wins bid to complete Yerevan's Cascade Complex and more. The post Ep. 324: The Week in Review (28.02.25) appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of February 21: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan unveils his vision for “The Real Armenia”; former President Robert Kocharyan slams the government in a press conference, vowing to stay in politics; major snowstorm brings Yerevan to a standstill and more. The post Ep. 323: The Week in Review (21.02.25) appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of February 14: Armenia's Parliament passes first reading of draft law to initiate the EU accession process; wildcat strike ends as miners and company reach a deal; controversial remarks by parliament speaker Alen Simonyan spark outrage and more. The post Ep. 322: The Week in Review (14.02.25) appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of February 7: Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan meets with U.S. Vice President JD Vance during official visit to Washington DC; trial of former Artsakh officials continues in Baku; miners and technicians at Armenia's largest mine continue wildcat strike and more. The post Ep. 321: The Week in Review (07.02.25) appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of January 31: EU extends the European Union Mission in Armenia for two more years; Azerbaijan's Ilham Aliyev continues to raise the issue of the so-called “Zangezur Corridor” accusing Armenia of stalling; Georgia's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs make an official visit to Armenia and more. The post Ep. 320: The Week in Review (31.01.25) appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of January 24: Armenia's Foreign Intelligence Service releases first annual report, concludes large-scale Azerbaijani attack unlikely in the near future; Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan travels to Moscow, meets with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov; Amnesty International weighs in on the ongoing trial of high-ranking Artsakh Armenian officials in Baku and more. The post Ep. 319: The Week in Review (24.01.25) appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of January 17: Armenia and the United States sign a landmark agreement in Washington; trial of former high-ranking Artsakh officials captured by Azerbaijani forces commences in Baku; the former commander of the Artsakh Defense Army found guilty of negligence in Armenia and more. The post Ep. 318: The Week in Review (17.01.25) appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of January 10: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev ramps up his anti-Armenian rhetoric, marking a notable escalation in his war-mongering statements; Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan responds, accusing Baku of attempting to legitimize a potential new escalation in the region; Armenia's government approves a draft law to initiate the country's process of joining the European Union and more. The post Ep. 317: The Week in Review (10.01.25) appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the year: As 2024 ends, Armenia navigates a delicate post-2020 path, balancing external challenges and internal tensions. This episode reflects on key moments, including security and defense diversification and diplomacy to domestic protests and deepening international cooperation. The post Ep. 316: The Year in Review (27.12.24) appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of December 20: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev warns of consequences over Armenia's rearmament as Baku boosts its military budget to $5 billion; Ruben Vardanyan faces 45 new charges in Azerbaijan, including terrorism, risking life imprisonment; Armenia's Defense Minister visits Paris to discuss strengthening defense ties with France and more. The post Ep. 315: The Week in Review (20.12.24) appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of December 13: Armenia and France continue to deepen defense ties, sign 2025 Defense Cooperation Program; Armenia-EU visa liberalization dialogue enters operational phase; Armenian-founded company Service Titan debuts at Nasdaq and more. The post Ep. 314: The Week in Review (13.12.24) appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of December 6: As the situation continues to escalate in Syria, Armenia says organized safe evacuation of Armenians or delivery of humanitarian aid remains impossible; Putin says Armenia can still return to the CSTO, Pashinyan says Armenia has passed the point of no return; Opposition lawmakers file a lawsuit, demanding to once again be granted access to the content of the Armenia-Azerbaijan draft peace treaty; and around 100 bus drivers go on strike demanding higher wages, the Yerevan municipality calls it “blackmail”. The post Ep. 313: The Week in Review (06.12.24) appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of November 29: Prime Minister Pashinyan addressed several issues including the recent high profile government resignations and appointments, the possibility of a referendum for EU candidacy and the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks; Azerbaijan formally protests the Polish President's visit to Armenia, accuses Poland of having vested interest in fostering conflicts along Russia's borders;a criminal investigation is launched into the possible waste or embezzlement of government funds allocated for the launch of Armenia's first-ever satellite into space. The post Ep. 312: The Week in Review (29.11.24) appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of November 22: A major shakeup in Armenia's government after PM Nikol Pashinyan demands resignations of senior officials; Armenia does not participate in COP29; Hikmet Hajiyev, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's aide on foreign policy accuses the Armenian lobby of creating a politically toxic environment and more. The post Ep. 311: The Week in Review (22.11.24) appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of November 15: COP29 kicks off in Baku without any Armenian delegates; Aliyev raises eyebrows after he goes on a rampage in his opening remarks at COP; climate activist Greta Thunberg is in Armenia, raising awareness about the hypocrisy of holding a climate conference in a repressive petrostate and more. The post Ep. 310: The Week in Review (15.11.24) appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of November 9: Ilham Aliyev once again demands Armenia abandon its policy of arming itself; Moscow says it will not urge Armenia and Azerbaijan to sign a premature peace treaty; Pashinyan meets with Macron during the European Political Community Summit in Budapest and more. The post Ep. 309: The Week in Review (08.11.24) appeared first on EVN Report.