Armenia's Foreign Relations and Key Community Events
Today's top news concerns changes in Armenia's foreign policy. 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. The US aims to strengthen Armenia's sovereignty and security in the current complex situation.
In this context, an important event took place at Yerevan's "Zvartnots" International Airport. Russia has already completed the withdrawal of its border guard troops from the airport. This step was taken at the request of the Armenian authorities, who had earlier stated that the Armenian side would carry out border control independently.
There are also new developments regarding regional peace. European Commission President Charles Michel has called on Yerevan and Baku to stop "playing games" and finalize the peace treaty. At the same time, special representatives of Armenia and Turkey met to discuss the normalization of relations and the possibility of restoring railway communication between the two countries.
The issue of Artsakh remains in the focus of international organizations. The Human Rights Union of Nagorno-Karabakh has sent letters to the Pope and UNESCO, asking them to intervene regarding the return of forcibly displaced Armenians and the protection of cultural heritage. On the other hand, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has strongly criticized the Biden administration for its policy toward Artsakh, calling it a failure.
In the cultural sphere, the Armenian-American Museum of California presents the world premiere of the "Hope Rising" project, which celebrates Armenian dance and music. Also mentioned are the famous 1996 words of 13-year-old Maral Melkonian, "I am ready to fight for Armenia," which continue to inspire new generations of young activists.
Finally, we report on community losses. Beloved relative and mother Hasmik Kolanjian, who was born in Lebanon, has passed away. It is also announced that on August 4, the 40th-day memorial service for Valentin Sarafyan will take place at the Holy Martyrs Church.