Armenia's Foreign Policy and Cultural News: Summary of the Day
Today's top news concerns the change in relations between Armenia and Russia. Russia has completed the withdrawal of its border guards from Yerevan's "Zvartnots" International Airport, which was a demand of the Armenian side. At the same time, 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 Moscow.
In the diplomatic sphere, European Council President Charles Michel is calling on Yerevan and Baku to stop "games" and finalize the peace treaty. He held separate meetings with the leaders of the two countries. Additionally, the special representatives of Armenia and Turkey met to discuss the normalization of relations and the possibility of reopening the railway connection.
The Artsakh issue also remains at the center of international attention. The Human Rights Union of Nagorno-Karabakh has sent letters to the Pope and UNESCO, asking for intervention regarding the safe return of 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, considering their policy a failure regarding the Artsakh issue.
An important event is expected in the cultural life of California. The Armenian American Museum presents the world premiere of the "Hope Rising" project. This special project is dedicated to Armenian dance and music, aiming to inspire the audience and celebrate the strength of Armenian culture.
In the Armenian Diaspora, the words of 13-year-old Maral Melkonian, which she wrote in 1996, continue to be remembered. Her powerful expression "I stood up, I am ready to fight for Armenia" has become a slogan for a new generation of activists, encouraging them to serve the homeland and protect Armenian interests.
Finally, we inform you about community losses. On August 4, a 40-day memorial service for Valentin Sarafian will take place at the Holy Martyrs Church. We also regret to inform you that Hasmik Kolanjian, who was born in 1951 in Lebanon and was loved by her family and relatives, passed away on July 20, 2024.