Diplomatic Developments and Cultural Life in Armenia
Today's top news concerns the relations between Armenia and Russia. The United States has stated that Russia has turned its back on Armenia, and Washington is trying to reduce Yerevan's dependence on Moscow. At the same time, Russian border guards have officially completed their service at Yerevan's "Zvartnots" International Airport, which the Armenian side had requested at the beginning of the year.
On the international stage, European Council President Charles Michel is calling on Yerevan and Baku to stop "playing games" and finally sign the peace treaty. He held separate meetings with the leaders of both countries, attempting to accelerate the process in the final days of his term.
There are also new developments in the normalization process of relations between Armenia and Turkey. The special representatives of the two countries met and discussed the possibility of reopening the railway connection, which could be an important step on the path to improving relations.
The issue of Artsakh remains in the spotlight. The Human Rights Union of Nagorno-Karabakh has sent letters to the Pope and UNESCO, requesting international intervention to protect Armenian cultural heritage and ensure the safe return of the Armenians of Artsakh.
Meanwhile, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has strongly criticized the Biden-Harris administration. The organization gave the US government an "inadequate" grade for their policy regarding the Artsakh issue and for supporting Azerbaijan.
In the cultural sphere, the Armenian American Museum of California presents the world premiere of the special project "Hope Rising," which celebrates Armenian dance and music. Also mentioned are the famous 1996 words of 13-year-old Maral Melkonian: "I stood up, I am ready to fight for Armenia," which today have become an inspiring call for a new generation of activists.
Finally, we report on community losses. Beloved wife, mother, and sister Hasmik Kolanjian, who was born in 1951 in Lebanon, has passed away. We also announce that the 40-day memorial service for Valentin Sarafian will take place on August 4 at the Holy Martyrs Church.