Armenia’s Foreign Relations and Important Community Events
The United States has stated that Russia has "turned its back" on Armenia, which is why Washington is now working to reduce Yerevan's economic and political dependence on Moscow. In this context, Russian border guards have officially completed their mission at Yerevan's "Zvartnots" International Airport. This step was taken at the request of the Armenian government, which had previously expressed its desire to carry out border control with its own forces.
The European Union is also actively involved in regional issues. European Commission President Charles Michel has called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to stop "playing games" and finalize the peace treaty. Michel held separate meetings with the leaders of the two countries, aiming to accelerate the negotiation process before the end of his term.
At the same time, special representatives of Armenia and Turkey met to discuss possibilities for normalizing relations. The parties considered the issue of restarting the railway connection, which could contribute to regional trade. However, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is dissatisfied with US policy. The organization gave an "unsatisfactory" grade to the Biden-Harris administration for failing to restrain Azerbaijan in the Artsakh issue.
The Human Rights Union of Nagorno-Karabakh has appealed to the international community. They sent letters to Pope Francis and UNESCO, asking them to intervene in the protection of the rights of the people of Artsakh. The union emphasized the importance of ensuring the return of forcibly displaced persons and the preservation of Armenian cultural heritage that has come under Azerbaijani control.
There is also important news in cultural life. The Armenian American Museum of California announced the world premiere of the "Hope Rising" project, which presents Armenian dance and music. In addition, the community recalls the powerful 1996 words of 13-year-old Maral Melkonian: "I stood up, I am ready to fight for Armenia," which continue to inspire a new generation of activists.
Unfortunately, the deaths of community members are also reported. Hasmik Kolanjian, a beloved mother and sister who was born in 1951 in Lebanon, has passed away. We also inform you that on August 4, a 40-day memorial service for Valentin Sarafian will be held at the Holy Martyrs Church.