Armenia's Diplomatic Shifts and Key Cultural Events
Today's most important news concerns Armenia's foreign policy and relations with Russia. The United States has stated that Russia has "turned its back" on Armenia, which is why Washington is now trying to help Yerevan reduce its dependence on Moscow. In this context, Russian border guards have officially completed their service at Yerevan's "Zvartnots" International Airport, which was a demand of the Armenian side.
Activity is also observed regarding regional peace. European Commission President Charles Michel has called on Yerevan and Baku to stop the "games" and finalize the peace treaty. At the same time, special representatives of Armenia and Turkey have met to discuss possibilities for normalizing relations, including the issue of reopening the railway link.
The Artsakh issue remains on the international agenda. The Human Rights Union of Nagorno-Karabakh has sent letters to the Pope and UNESCO, requesting intervention regarding the return of forcibly displaced Armenians and the preservation of cultural heritage. On the other hand, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has strongly criticized the Biden-Harris administration for their policy on the Artsakh issue, giving them an "unsatisfactory" grade.
In the cultural sphere, the Armenian American Museum of California is presenting the world premiere of the "Hope Rising" project. This special event is dedicated to Armenian dance and music, aiming to celebrate the strength and beauty of Armenian culture and unite the community around art.
Within the Armenian diaspora, the words of 13-year-old Maral Melkonian, written back in 1996, "I stood up, I am ready to fight for Armenia," have resonated widely. These powerful lines have today become a source of inspiration and a call for new generations of activists who continue to fight for the protection of the homeland's interests.
Finally, we inform you about community losses. We regret to announce that Hasmik Kolanjian, who was born in 1951 in Lebanon, passed away on July 20, 2024. Also, the 40th-day memorial service for Valentin Sarafian will take place on August 4 at the Holy Martyrs Armenian Church.