Armenia's Foreign Relations, the Peace Process, and Cultural Events
The United States has stated that Russia has turned its back on Armenia. For this reason, Washington is trying to help Yerevan reduce its dependence on Russia. As part of this process, Russia has already completed the withdrawal of its border guards from Yerevan's "Zvartnots" International Airport, which the Armenian side had requested earlier this year.
European Commission President Charles Michel has called on Yerevan and Baku to stop the "games" and finalize the peace treaty. He held separate meetings with the leaders of the two countries in an attempt to accelerate the process before the end of his term.
Special representatives of Armenia and Turkey met to discuss the normalization of relations. They spoke about the possibility of restarting the railway link. At the same time, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) strongly criticized the Biden-Harris administration, giving their policy an "unsatisfactory" grade for the position shown regarding the Artsakh issue.
The Human Rights Union of Nagorno-Karabakh has sent letters to the Pope and UNESCO. The organization is requesting international intervention to ensure the safe return of forcibly displaced Armenians from Artsakh and to protect Armenian cultural heritage in the territories that have come under Azerbaijani control.
There is also important news in cultural life. The Armenian American Museum of California is presenting the world premiere of the "Hope Rising" project, dedicated to Armenian dance and music. Also mentioned are the powerful words of 13-year-old Maral Melkonian from 1996: "I am ready to fight for Armenia," which continue to inspire a new generation of activists today.
Finally, we inform you of some sad news. Hasmik Kolanjian, who was born in Lebanon in 1951 and was beloved by her relatives, has passed away. Also, the 40-day memorial service for Valentin Sarafian will take place on August 4 at the Holy Martyrs Armenian Church.