Armenia's Foreign Policy Changes and Community News
Today's top news concerns the change in relations between Armenia and Russia. The United States has stated that Russia has "turned its back" on Armenia, and for that reason, Washington is trying to help Yerevan reduce its dependence on Moscow. In this context, Russia has already completed the withdrawal of its border guards from Yerevan's "Zvartnots" International Airport, which was a demand from the Armenian side.
There are also important developments in the regional peace process. European Commission President Charles Michel has called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to stop "playing games" and finalize the peace treaty. In the final days of his tenure, Michel held separate meetings with the leaders of both countries, trying to accelerate the process of reaching an agreement.
Special representatives dealing with the normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey met on Tuesday. They discussed the possibility of restarting rail links and other new agreements that could help improve relations between the two countries. This is another step toward opening transport routes in the region.
The Artsakh issue continues to remain in the spotlight. The Human Rights Union of Nagorno-Karabakh has sent letters to the Pope and UNESCO, requesting international intervention for the safe return of Artsakh Armenians and the preservation of cultural heritage. At the same time, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has strongly criticized the Biden-Harris administration for pursuing poor policy regarding the Artsakh issue and for supporting Azerbaijan.
There is also interesting news in cultural life. The Armenian-American Museum of California is presenting the world premiere of the "Hope Rising" project, dedicated to Armenian dance and music. Additionally, the powerful 1996 words of 13-year-old Maral Melkonian are recalled: "I stood up, I am ready to fight for Armenia," which continue to inspire young activists today.
Finally, we report on community losses. On July 20, beloved mother and sister Hasmik Kolanjian, who was born in Lebanon, passed away. We also inform you that on August 4, the 40th-day memorial service for Valentin Sarafian will take place at the Holy Martyrs Church.