Armenia’s Diplomatic Developments and Community News
Today’s main news concerns the change in relations between Armenia and Russia. The United States has announced that Russia has turned its back on Armenia, and for that reason, Washington is trying to help Yerevan reduce its dependence on Moscow. Within the framework of this process, Russian border guards have officially completed their service at Yerevan’s “Zvartnots” International Airport, which the Armenian side had requested earlier this year.
At the same time, European Commission President Charles Michel is calling on Yerevan and Baku to stop the “games” and finalize the peace treaty. In the final days of his term, Michel held separate meetings with the leaders of the two countries, urging them to seize this historic opportunity to establish stability in the region.
Another important regional event is the meeting between the special representatives of Armenia and Turkey. The parties discussed possibilities for normalizing relations, including the issue of restarting the railway connection between the two countries. This could be a new step toward opening borders and economic cooperation.
The Artsakh issue continues to remain at the center of international attention. The Human Rights Union of Nagorno-Karabakh has sent letters to the Pope and UNESCO, requesting intervention for the safe return of forcibly displaced Armenians and the protection of Armenian cultural heritage. Meanwhile, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has strongly criticized the Biden-Harris administration, considering their policy on the Artsakh issue a failure.
There are also important events in cultural life. The Armenian-American Museum of California presented 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 stood up, I am ready to fight for Armenia”—which today have become a source of inspiration for a new generation of activists.
Finally, we report on sad community news. Beloved mother and relative Hasmik Kolanjian, who was born in Lebanon, has passed away. We also announce that the 40-day memorial service for Valentin Sarafian will take place on August 4 at Holy Martyrs Church. We express our condolences to the family members and relatives.