Tag: Armenia

In the second installment of a series, Taline Oundjian examines the process of media information dissemination, offering insights into practical and theoretical aspects. This understanding sheds light on the challenges media encounters and its implications for coverage, especially in countries like Armenia.

Reflecting on her experience in law school, Sheila Paylan highlights the prevalence of form over substance in many aspects of society and calls for cutting through the superficial glitz to appreciate the true value of what lies beneath and within.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of April 19: Russian peacekeepers begin withdrawing from Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh; border commissions of Armenia and Azerbaijan reach preliminary agreement on the demarcation of the northern part of the state border; France recalls its ambassador to Azerbaijan and more.

Freedom House's Nations in Transit 2024 report downgraded Armenia's democracy score. It also highlighted the spread of autocracy in the region, emphasizing that Western democracies have been inconsistent and hesitant in defending international norms, enabling autocracies to evade accountability.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of April 12: Amid increasing aggressive rhetoric from Azerbaijan and several ceasefire violations, an Azerbaijani serviceman is wounded following a border incident; a delegation of the EU Political and Security Committee holds meetings in Yerevan; Armenia and Georgia agree to finalize border delimitation and more.

When she unexpectedly had to deliver her first baby at 29 weeks, Hranoush Dermoyan had no idea what the journey ahead entailed. Weighing only 700 grams, her daughter spent the first 75 days of her life in NICU. The experience revealed emotional and medical challenges, and healthcare disparities in Armenia.

Dr. Nerses Kopalyan, author of the monthly series "EVN Security Report" talks about why establishing a Western pivot was crucial for Armenia to achieve an independent foreign policy and enhance its security capabilities. Kopalyan explains why this process involves pivoting first and only then adopting hedging strategies.

Armenian journalists reporting on breaking news in Armenia and Artsakh for global media outlets frequently face scrutiny regarding their objectivity because of their ethnicity, suggesting an underlying bias that undermines their professionalism and reflects a covertly racist perspective.

Is Armenia a nation-state? While the answer may seem obvious at first glance, upon closer examination, the question's significance becomes apparent, writes Tigran Yegavian.

A high-level meeting designed to support Armenia’s economic resilience took place in Brussels on April 5 and was met with criticism by Azerbaijan and Russia. Hovhannes Nazaretyan explains.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of April 5: A much anticipated trilateral meeting kicked off in Brussels between the EU, the U.S. and Armenia; in response, Azerbaijan ramped up its rhetoric accusing the West of exclusionary and inflammatory steps; a former Artsakh official is arrested on espionage charges while being escorted to Armenia from Artsakh by the ICRC and more.

Armenia's justice system is striving to transition from traditional punitive practices to rehabilitation, a shift exemplified by the introduction of the probation service. Lilit Avagyan looks at the issues addressed by this service, its functions, and the beneficiaries it serves.

Azerbaijan has been demanding Armenia withdraw from four villages in the Tavush region. There is much confusion around what these villages are and what a potential withdrawal could mean for Armenia. Hovhannes Nazaretyan explains.

Lilit Margaryan, the operations manager of Gituzh, joins us to discuss what the initiative has managed to achieve over the last three years. We also dive into the concept of national research and innovation systems, and discuss the prioritization of strategic scientific directions. Lastly, Lilit shares with us their upcoming initiative called Science Week, a week-long series of events that aims to promote science in Armenia.

Residents of the border village of Voskepar express concerns about the expected launch of the demarcation and delimitation of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. Lilit Avagyan met with villagers to hear their perspectives firsthand.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of March 29: A group of armed men storm a police station in Yerevan; Armenia bans two Russian TV programs hosted by Kremlin propagandist Vladimir Salavyov; Armenia’s Prime Minister says that there is only one government in Armenia, in response to the last President of Artsakh’s announcement that the Artsakh government is operating in exile in Armenia and more.

The 2020 Artsakh War served as a stark reminder of the transformative role that drones are playing on the modern battlefield. Davit Khachatryan argues, however, that the overemphasis surrounding drones requires a more sober and critical analysis.

"Noli Me Tangere" delves into the significance of the Latin phrase, exploring its symbolism in religious and literary contexts. Sheila Paylan unveils personal encounters with the phrase, reflecting on its relevance in navigating life's challenges and asserting individual sovereignty.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of March 22: Discussions about the handover of four abandoned villages to Azerbaijan continued; Armenians from Artsakh hold a rally in Yerevan’s Freedom Square demanding more aid from the Armenian government and international security guarantees for their return; Armenia’s national carrier, FlyArna’s license is suspended for six months and more.

The Coordinating Council of Armenian Associations in France recently hosted its annual dinner in Paris against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions and concerns over Armenia's security. The focus shifted to the role of France in implementing deterrence measures and sanctions against Azerbaijan.

Vahe Nigoghosian, the founder of EngineerX, joins us to discuss their efforts in building a mechanical engineering ecosystem in Armenia. Vahe shared their recent achievement of becoming an official partner of engineering software provider SolidWorks in Armenia, and the importance of building up a talent pool with expertise in using the system. We also spoke about Vahe’s experience doing business in Armenia, and what it would take to attract a Fortune 500 engineering firm to open an office in the country․

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of March 15: According to a new poll, 40% of respondents in Armenia view Russia as a political threat; Yerevan City Council to raise transportation fares starting September; India launches strategic air cargo flights for exports to Armenia and more.

The latest survey by the International Republican Institute, conducted in December 2023, reveals the consolidation of public distrust in Russia, strong support for the Government’s pivot toward the West, and a growing sophistication in the Armenian public’s understanding of its complex security concerns.

An Armenian film, “1489” won the Main Jury and the International Federation of Film Critics prizes at the International Documentary Film Festival of Amsterdam in 2023 amid upheaval and controversy that triggered a series of withdrawals and boycotts of the festival for its perceived silence regarding Israel’s invasion of Gaza.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of March 8: Armenia asked Russia to withdraw its border guards from Yerevan’s Zvartnots International airport; Armenia repatriates the Azerbaijani serviceman, who crossed the border in Syunik last week as a show of goodwill; the unfinished uppers section of the Cascade complex has been returned to the Yerevan Municipality by the Cafesjian Museum Foundation.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of March 1: Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan meet in Berlin; PM Pashinyan says Armenia may consider freezing its membership in the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization; armed Azerbaijani soldier crosses into Armenian territory and is apprehended.

Azerbaijan has been using military and diplomatic coercion to achieve its maximalist and expansionist objectives, employing wide-ranging tools of hybrid war while also deceiving and harassing international actors. Sossi Tatikyan explains.

If we can achieve consistent stillness, focus and wisdom that can be called upon even in the most trying situations, then we obtain a ferocious capacity to build and grow, writes Sheila Paylan, whose frequent flights have helped her learn the art of letting go.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of February 23: France’s Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu is in Armenia, marking the first time a French defense minister has made an official visit; the remains of French-Armenian Resistance fighters Missak and Melinee Manouchian are inducted as French national heroes in the Pantheon in Paris; the EUMA marks one year anniversary in Armenia and more.

Over the past decade, the number of marriages in Armenia has been decreasing, while divorces are on the rise. Gohar Abrahamyan looks at the psychological, social and financial implications of deciding to untie the knot.

Mount Ararat doesn't stand as an obstacle to building a functional state, and suddenly loving Mount Aragats will not help us achieve our goals. Before we jettison our national symbols en masse, we need concrete plans and state-driven programs to improve the lives of an already beleaguered nation, writes Daniel Tahmazyan.

Karine Martirosyan, the founder and CEO of Wearify, joins us to discuss her start-up’s vision for helping online consumers try on clothes virtually before buying them. Karine shares how Wearify builds 3D avatars of their users so that they can see how clothes look on them while shopping online, just as they would in a real store. We also spoke about the role that 3D avatars will take on in the coming years as digital environments become increasingly used for a variety of use cases. Lastly, Karine shared her thoughts on how to decentralize tech in Armenia and promote greater activity outside of Yerevan.

In Part II of a two-part series examining Armenia’s pivot to the West, Gaidz Minassian examines the question of the reliability of the partnership with Americans and Europeans.

While Armenia undertook a “huge strategic shift” toward the West two years ago, the question of the reliability of the partnership with Americans and Europeans remains unresolved, writes Gaidz Minassian.

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare, the significance of cyber operations has grown significantly, providing nations with additional means to project power, exert influence and secure strategic advantages. Davit Khachatryan looks at the contemporary nature of conflicts in the digital age and their adherence to the foundational principles established by the UN.

In a voluminous collection of texts, historian and former diplomat Jirair Libaridian examines the reasons behind the moral, military and intellectual defeat of the Armenian elite in the context of three issues: the contemporary history of the Republic of Armenia, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and Armenian-Turkish relations.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of February 2: Deputy Minister of Economy and six others arrested on corruption charges; Armenia’s National Airline Carrier FlyArna announces that it is suspending flights; constitutional changes look to be on the horizon and more.

Banks make up the largest portion of Armenia's domestic financial system, accounting for approximately 79% of its total assets. While the banking system is well-regulated and devoid of bankruptcies for more than two decades, Armenia needs to diversify its financial system to ensure growth and prosperity.

2024 has gotten off to a bad start, with several destabilizing fires fueling the specter of a widespread conflict. In these circumstances, Armenia must opt for a global view of the regional situation, writes Tigran Yegavian.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of January 19: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov blames Armenia for lack of progress in peace talks; French Senate adopts resolution condemning Azerbaijan’s military offensive in Artsakh, deploring any further attempt at aggression and violation of the territorial integrity of Armenia; third non-combat death in one week registered in the country and more.

Defying expectations, Armenia has been enjoying some very strong economic growth. However, local consumption-savings habits and other factors continue to hinder local production and competitiveness. Samson Avetian explains what needs to change.

Armenia has a significant potential to become an international hub for digital nomads and remote workers, however, it remains largely undiscovered within the global digital nomad scene. Mathew Zein explains what needs to be done.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of January 12: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev threatens to keep Armenia in an “eternal deadlock”; Greece’s Foreign Affairs Minister visits Armenia; two non-combat deaths were reported in one day and more.

In September, two families-in-law from Artsakh found refuge in the village of Yeghvard, Armenia, joining over 100,000 displaced Armenians facing similar challenges. Marut Vanyan, a journalist from Artsakh, provides insight into their experiences.

This article presents a comprehensive perspective on the concept of “Western Azerbaijan,” portraying it as a continually evolving agenda that Azerbaijan might be integrating into a broader framework of bolstering Turkish influence in the Caucasus.

An institutional theory of security is necessary for Armenia so that it escapes institutional underdevelopment and the culture of inchoate security thinking inherited from the Soviet legacy, writes Nerses Kopalyan for the December 2023 security report.

Since the restoration of its independence in 1991, Armenia has sought to maintain a balance of power in the region. However, maintaining this balance became challenging starting from the early years. Sossi Tatikyan presents an overview and analysis of Armenia’s foreign and security policies spanning three decades.

Following the story of Dastakert, Armenia’s smallest city, this next essay in the “Outside In” series looks behind the veil of yet another small Armenian city and offers a glimpse into the lives of its “void dwellers”, namely Siranush.

Ինչպե՞ս Կարթագենի առաջնորդ Հաննիբալը հայտնվեց Հայաստանում ու ինչպիսի դեր ունեցավ Հայաստանի հետագա զարգացման վրա, ի՞նչ պայմաններում գահ բարձրացավ Արտաշես Մեծն ու հեղափոխական ինչ բարեշրջումներ կատարեց, անդրադառնում է Վահրամ Մարտիրոսյանի ՁայնաՊատումը, որտեղ հեղինակն առավել մանրամասն է ներկայացնում իրավիճակն ու ավելի շատ փակագծեր բացում, քան հոդվածում։

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of December 22: Armenia’s National Commission on Television and Radio temporarily suspends broadcast of the Russian Sputnik Armenia news agency; 26 fishermen are arrested after attacking officers in Lake Sevan; for the first-time ever, an Armenian film has been short-listed for the Oscars and more.

Sona Veziryan, Director of the Business Angel Network of Armenia (BANA), joins us to provide a review of the progress and developments in Armenia’s tech ecosystem throughout 2023. Sona offered insights into the variety of companies she encounters as an investor, and the kinds of companies she aspires to see more of in Armenia in the future. She also shared with us her thoughts on the state of the investment landscape both in Armenia, as well as globally, and what she expects in 2024. Lastly, Sona shared her thoughts on how to popularize angel investing in Armenia.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of December 15: 32 Armenian POWs return to Armenia from Azerbaijani captivity; Armenia’s Foreign Minister receives an exclusive invitation to participate in EU Foreign Affairs Council gathering in Brussels; the EUMA expands its mission in Armenia bringing the total number of staff from 138 to 209.

More than three decades after Armenia's independence, Canada finally opened its embassy in Yerevan. Canada's first resident Ambassador Andrew Turner, a career diplomat, speaks to EVN Report's Maria Titizian about the journey to establish an embassy and Canada's strong commitment to support Armenia's democracy and security.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of December 8: Armenia and Azerbaijan announce an exchange of prisoners — 32 Armenian POWs for two Azerbaijani servicemen; an Armenian soldier is killed by an Azerbaijani sniper in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region; EU Ambassador to Armenia announces that the EU is considering providing non-lethal military aid to Armenia as part of the European Peace Facility.

Irina Merdinyan traveled into the heart of a tragedy to help the forcibly displaced Armenians of Artsakh. In the midst of that experience, she was confronted with pain, confusion, anger and fleeting moments of joy.

The home of Aram Manukyan, widely recognized as the founder of the First Armenian Republic, located on 9 Aram Street in downtown Yerevan, continues to be abandoned and dilapidated and its future uncertain.

EVN Report's Editor-in-Chief Maria Titizian speaks with Dr. Nerses Kopalyan, author of the monthly series "EVN Security Report" about the objective of Armenia's Western pivot, which is neither ideational nor conceptually geopolitical but rather the need to rupture the entire logic of dependency and establish sustainable security independence for the Republic of Armenia.

As the forcibly displaced Armenians of Artsakh struggle to comprehend the magnitude of their loss, memories of the homes and lives they were forced to leave behind suffocate them. Theirs is a story of being ripped from their roots, of pain and dispossession.

More than 500 forcibly displaced Armenians from Artsakh are now in the village of Zorak in Armenia’s Ararat region, where several families are living together in one house, some even in their trucks. Photojournalist Ani Gevorgyan tells their story.

Sargis Karapetyan, the interim CEO of the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE), joins us to discuss the tech community’s role in building a prosperous and secure future for Armenia. Karapetyan explained his vision for UATE and the role it needs to play in talent building, fostering connections in the industry and advocating for a regulatory framework under which companies in Armenia can solve hard tech problems. We also spoke about Digitec 2023’s reboot, and its emphasis on building for the local market. Lastly, Karapetyan spoke about the innovation center that UATE launched in Ijevan earlier this year, and plans for building similar innovation centers across the country.

Communications Manager and Spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Zara Amatuni, speaks to EVN Report about the work of the ICRC following the mass exodus of the indigenous Armenian population of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) after Azerbaijan's large-scale attack, the challenges facing the forcibly displaced who are now in Armenia and the fate of the missing.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of September 15, 2023: Tensions in the region continue to dominate headlines, including the growing rift between Russia and Armenia; a Russian Red Cross truck carrying humanitarian aid crosses into Artsakh through the Aghdam road; the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hosts a hearing on the situation in Artsakh and more.

EVN Report's Editor-in-Chief Maria Titizian speaks with Dr. Nerses Kopalyan, author of the monthly series "EVN Security Report" who explains the madman theory, a strategy in coercive bargaining, where the perceived extremism of an actor is leveraged to achieve one-sided outcomes. In this context, Kopalyan explains how Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s bargaining posture operates off of the logic that if his terms are not met, he reserves the right to wage war, thus anchoring the threat of destruction to force acquiescence from Armenia and the international community.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of September 8, 2023: Heavy Azerbaijani military buildup around Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia as fears of a new war mount; three students arbitrarily detained by Azerbaijani forces at the Hakari bridge are released; amid escalating tensions, US-Armenia joint military exercise to take place in Armenia next week and more.

Mariam Torosyan, the CEO and founder of Safe YOU, joined us to discuss her platform's mission to empower women by providing tools to report cases of sexual and domestic violence, seek help, and to create a virtual safe space for women. We delved into the progress Safe YOU has made since its inception three years ago, including the thoughtful consideration of various cultural factors that guide their implementation strategies. Lastly, Mariam shared her insights on the current state of women in the tech industry in Armenia, highlighting the efforts and challenges in ensuring that women not only have access to opportunities but are also encouraged to establish companies and assume leadership roles.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of August 18, 2023: The UN Security Council convenes emergency meeting to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh where the first case of death by starvation was recorded; Azerbaijan cuts Internet supply to the population of Artsakh for several hours; eleven people are killed in a tragic car crash on the Yerevan-Gyumri highway and more.

In this episode, Narek Aslikyan, co-founder and CEO of Armenian Code Academy, provides insight into the Armenian tech industry's talent infrastructure. He explains how the Academy prepares individuals for employment in both technical and non-technical roles. We also discussed what is required to create employment opportunities outside Yerevan, and the strategies to encourage various stakeholders to expand into different regions of Armenia.

Nothing in Artsakh is what it used to be. The Stepanakert market, once known as a feast of tastes and colors has now become a concentrated mosaic of all our misery, writes Tamara Grigoryan, a resident of the capital city.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of August 4, 2023: Despite calls from around the world to lift the blockade of Artsakh, Baku continues to strangulate 120,000 people; the abduction and arrest of a 68-year-old resident of Artsakh during a humanitarian transfer raises fears of deepening the already acute crisis in the region; diplomats accredited to Armenia and UN agencies visit Kornidzor where trucks of humanitarian aid continue to be blocked by Baku.

International mediators have to step up their pressure on Baku, which must include the threat of sanctions in response to further military action against Armenia and continued refusal to unblock the Lachin Corridor.

Photojournalist Vaghinak Ghazaryan and Russian writer and journalist Yan Shenkman explore notions of immigration, exile, perhaps even sojourner through images and words to describe the challenges of leaving one life to start another one in a new country.

Suzanna Shamakhyan, Vice President of Strategic Programming at the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST), joins us to discuss the organization’s initiatives to improve education and science in Armenia. She breaks down how the current poor state of the country’s education system can be viewed as an opportunity to pilot innovative new solutions. We also discussed FAST’s new Generation AI program, which aims to bring artificial intelligence education to high schools in Armenia.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of July 14, 2023: Baku bans the ICRC from providing humanitarian aid through the Lachin Corridor, accuses the organization of smuggling illegal goods; a large rally takes place in Stepanakert, Artsakh demanding the unblocking of the Lachin Corridor and an adequate international response; the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan are set to meet in Brussels tomorrow.

Much has been written about Armenia’s political and security ties, including its dependence and overreliance on Russia. Hovhannes Nazaretyan provides an overview of Russian control and influence in Armenia's economy.

Albanians and Armenians are different peoples with different histories. However, there is value in analyzing the conflict comparatively, both through engaging with scholarship on the region and, on a practical level, with Kosovo's experience.

Hamlet Azarian, CEO and founder of Azarian Growth Agency joins us to discuss validating start-up ideas, gaining traction, and scaling companies. Azarian breaks down the data-driven approach the agency takes to growth marketing, and what metrics they track to ensure that start-ups reach their growth goals. We also discussed Azarian Growth Agency’s upcoming initiative called “ Growth Academy” that aims to teach growth marketing in Armenia.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of June 30, 2023: Four servicemen are killed in an Azerbaijani attack in Artsakh; the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan conclude the latest round of talks in Washington; after a total blockade, the ICRC is able to resume the transfer of patients from Artsakh to Armenia for now.

Hayk Margaryan, the CEO of the National Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NCIE), joins us to discuss initiatives to facilitate technology transfer in Armenia. Margaryan also speaks about the scope of NCIE’s mission, and what plans the center has for the near future. Lastly, we discussed the Mars Simulation Mission, which is scheduled to take place in Armenia in spring of 2024.

In this episode, Hovakim Zakaryan, co-founder and CEO of Denovo Sciences, discusses how his company is using reinforcement learning for drug discovery, making the process faster and more efficient. He shares insights on the challenges involved in drug discovery, and how AI tools can help overcome them. Additionally, Hovakim sheds light on Armenia's biotech industry and makes the case for why strategic investments should be made in this area.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of June 2, 2023: The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan meet in Chisinau on the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit; Armenia applies to the ECHR requesting the court to indicate provisional measures for the protection of the rights of two Armenian soldiers captured by Azerbaijan; a statement issued by the U.S. State Department causes a stir in Armenia and Artsakh.

Without a clear recognition of the reality on the ground, especially Azerbaijan's obstructionist behavior, and without substantive enforcement instruments provided by international actors, a piece of paper cannot serve as a real peace deal, Tatevik Hayrapetyan writes.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of May 19, 2023: An Armenian soldier is killed by Azerbaijani fire in Gegharkunik as Baku continues to violate the ceasefire regime; the foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia meet in Moscow today; Armenia’s Government appoints a military attache to India and more.

The National Assembly has presented a new legislative regulation aimed at preventing domestic violence. Astghik Karapetyan examines to what extent it can achieve its goals.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of May 12, 2023: Azerbaijani Armed Forces launch attack against Armenian positions in Sotk, leaving six Armenian soldiers wounded; EU-mediated meetings between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan are expected in the coming weeks; over 450,000 tourists visited Armenia in the first quarter of 2023, an increase of over 80% compared to the previous year.

Although Italy and Armenia have a long history of ties, Italy’s current economic interests and choice of strategic partners leave little room for maneuver in support of Armenia or Artsakh.

Despite efforts to strengthen intellectual property laws in Armenia, the country still faces challenges in effectively protecting and enforcing these rights.

Iran will never accept any Azerbaijani military or political control of southern Armenia. While Tehran is pursuing a policy of strategic patience vis-à-vis Azerbaijan, it does have red lines that, if crossed, would likely produce a swift reaction.

Rem Darbinyan, the founder and CEO of Viral Mango and Smart Click, joins us to speak about the work being done in AI and influencer marketing by his companies. During the first half of the show, we delved into Smart Click's technology-as-a-service approach that makes computer vision algorithms accessible through APIs. In the second half, we explored Viral Mango, an influencer marketing platform, and discussed the inner workings of influencer marketing and its effectiveness. We also examined the impact of influencer and social media culture on society.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of May 5: The foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan hold four-day talks in Washington; Turkey closes its airspace to Armenia’s national carrier in response to the unveiling of a statue for OperationNemesis; while in Prague, PM Nikol Pashinyan says mechanisms for safeguarding the rights and security of Armenians of Artsakh are still uncertain and more.

May 3 is World Press Freedom Day and on that occasion Reporters Without Borders released its 2023 World Press Freedom Index. While Armenia’s ranking improved, concerns about impartiality and the business interests of media owners persists.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of April 28: Azerbaijan installs checkpoint at the entrance of the Lachin Corridor in flagrant violation of the tripartite statement that ended the 2020 war; Azerbaijani eco-activists, who had been blocking the Corridor for 138 days, have temporarily suspend their protest; France’s Foreign Affairs Minister is in Armenia, says Baku must comply with the ICJ decision on the Lachin Corridor and more.

While the EU is one of Armenia’s largest trading partners, exports from Armenia remain relatively low. This trade deficit can present an opportunity for Armenian exporters to expand their presence in the European market and increase their export volume.

Regardless of efforts to normalize relations between Armenia and Turkey, it is clear that as long as the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict remains unresolved, Armenian-Turkish relations will be held hostage to it. Hranoush Dermoyan explains.

Fences made from radiators are a powerful symbolic and tangible point of inquiry into the entangled history of Armenia's (de)modernization, which is linked to the dynamics of colonialism and independence, as well as the different state practices in the making.

The EU monitoring mission can provide a useful tool for accountability and transparency, but it is not a substitute for hard security. Armenia needs to address its own security concerns and focus on creating a stable and secure environment for its citizens.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of April 14: Four Armenian soldiers are killed, another six wounded after Azerbaijani troops open fire near the Armenian village of Tegh; two Azerbaijani serviceman cross into Armenian territory from Nakhijevan, and are captured; the people of Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh continue to remain under siege as the blockade of the Lachin Corridor enters its 124th day.

Armenia's alcoholic beverage industry is a prominent sector in the country’s economy. Production and trade data for brandy, wine and beer showcase a dynamic pattern of growth. Hovhannes Nazaretyan explains.

Since the end of the 2020 Artsakh War, Azerbaijan’s warmongering has extended to the borders of Armenia proper through incursions and provocations bringing about human and territorial losses. Follow live updates from Armenia’s security situation in EVN Report’s Border Watch.

Armenia has fulfilled nearly all its obligations under the tripartite ceasefire statement that brought the 2020 Artsakh War to an end. Azerbaijan has not upheld its side of the bargain, nor does it seem intent to. Karena Avedissian explains.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of April 7: 27 civilians, trying to return home to Artsakh with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers are prevented entry by Azerbaijanis; Azerbaijan continues to violate the ceasefire on the Line of Contact with Artsakh; Russia moves to ban imports of Armenian dairy products and more.

Davit Buniatyan is the co-founder and CEO of Activeloop, a data infrastructure company that specializes in building optimized data lakes for deep learning. Davit discusses the importance of optimized data infrastructures for deep learning and how the MLOps ecosystem is evolving with the rise of foundational models such as GPT. We also explore the exciting future of AI, including the role of multimodal models and how they will shape the landscape of deep learning.

Dr. Anu Noorma, the director general of the Estonian Research Council, joins us to discuss the development of Estonia’s scientific and innovation ecosystems over the last 30 years. We also spoke about the importance of communicating the need for public funding of science research to society. Lastly, Dr. Noorma shared her thoughts on how to make innovation more inclusive, so that its positive impacts are felt across all of society.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of March 24: An Armenian soldier is killed by Azerbaijani fire near the village of Yeraskh in Armenia; while in Talish, now under Azerbaijani control, Ilham Aliyev makes threatening statements against Armenia; Armenia’s Constitutional Court announces decision declaring obligations enshrined in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to be constitutional and more.

One week after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued Putin's arrest warrant, Armenia's Constitutional Court announced a decision paving the way for Armenia to join the ICC. Sheila Paylan argues it still should.

Armenia has voted on a variety of conflicts and issues at the UN, including at the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council. An analysis of its voting patterns reveals some overlooked aspects of Armenia’s foreign policy and its evolution.

Tony Safoian, CEO of SADA Systems, joins us to discuss how his company helps businesses utilize cloud solutions and how current trends in the industry are accelerating the rate of cloud adoption. Lastly, we spoke about SADA’s presence in Armenia, and what the implementation of new cloud infrastructure will bring to the country’s tech ecosystem.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of March 17: European Parliament adopts resolution on EU-Armenia relations, strongly condemning Azerbaijan’s aggression, welcoming reforms made by Armenia; former NATO Secretary General visits Lachin Corridor, says EU must push Baku to lift blockade; Yerevan’s mayor resigns and more.

Improvements in low-carbon technologies, driven in part by foreign energy policy, have created new opportunities for Armenia, a country without fossil fuel reserves, aligning environmental concerns and the pursuit of higher energy security more than ever before.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of March 10: Three police officers in Artsakh are killed following an Azerbaijani ambush; in the Freedom in the World 2023 report, Azerbaijan is designated as one of the “worst of the worst” in the world for political rights and civil liberties; U.S. Intelligence Community warns of Azerbaijan’s readiness to use “calibrated military pressure” to advance its goals in talks with Armenia and more.

Last year, Teach for Armenia launched the Tech4Armenia initiative. The program allows tech professionals to move to underprivileged areas of Armenia and teach computer science while continuing to work remotely in their current roles. Gor Nazaryan, the managing director of talent initiatives at Teach for Armenia joins us to discuss the program’s objectives and the overall state of education in Armenia.

Արցախաբնակ Թամարա Գրիգորյանի՝ չավարտվող շրջափակմանն ու այս օրերի դժվար պատասխաններ ունեցող հարցերին վերաբերող անդրադարձի ՁայնաԳիրը։

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of March 3: Despite the ICJ ruling ordering Azerbaijan to ensure free movement, the Lachin Corridor still remains blockaded; Azerbaijan violates the ceasefire in Artsakh three times; Germany’s Chancellor advocates for a peaceful resolution that respects the right to self-determination for the people of Artsakh and more.

Since the 2020 Artsakh War, during which Turkey provided military and political support to Azerbaijan, Armenians in Turkey have felt increasingly isolated. How do young Armenians in Turkey feel about the use of genocidal language by ultra-nationalist groups in the country and not only?

The EU civilian monitoring mission launched today is expected to be a deterrent to potential new Azerbaijani offensives through its political leverage and physical presence. Armenia must, however, restore its security and defense sector to defend its territory and people.

Children who were separated from their families because of Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor, were finally able to return home to Artsakh after 47 days. They shared their thoughts before their long-awaited reunion.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of February 10: The population of Artsakh has been left without gas supply again Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor enters its 61st day; Armenia sends humanitarian aid and rescue teams to Syria and Turkey in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes; Seyran Ohanyan, Armenia’s former defense minister and member of the opposition Armenia Alliance was stripped of his parliamentary immunity this week.

Armenian experts help make sense of the ongoing discussions surrounding a possible peace deal between Baku and Yerevan, and what developments can actually be expected in the coming months.

Բայց և սակայն, այնուամենայնիվ… Հայ առաքելական եկեղեցիների ձևերի արդիականացումը Հայաստանում, թերևս, առավել զգայուն թեմաներից է հայկական ժամանակակից ճարտարապետության պարունակում։ Եթե արևմտյան եկեղեցում կրոնական գործառույթի ազատ ու համարձակ մեկնաբանությունը ճարտարապետների կողմից վաղուց ի վեր քաջալերվում է, ապա մեզ մոտ եկեղեցու ավանդական ձևերը համարվում են անձեռնմխելի նախապայման ու արժեք, ինչպես օրինակ քաղկեդոնական ու մահմեդական կրոնների դեպքում։ Որքանո՞վ են, սակայն, նման փոփոխություններն անհրաժեշտ կամ «վտանգավոր»։ Կարո՞ղ է ճարտարապետությունն ինքնին ներազդել կրոնի ընկալման, նշանակության ու իմաստների վրա, թե՞ ոչ։ Ու արդյոք մեր եկեղեցական ճարտարապետությունը եղել է այնքան անփոփոխ, որքան ընդունված է համարել։ Այս և ուրիշ հարցեր քննարկում ենք ճարտարապետ, Փամբակ գյուղի նոր եկեղեցու նախագծի հեղինակ Տիգրան Գալստյանի հետ։

While menopause is generally a taboo subject and not something openly discussed in Armenian society, in recent years, the situation seems to be changing. Gohar Abrahamyan speaks to healthcare professionals and women who are going through this change in their lives.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of February 3: The International Court of Justice hears cases presented by Armenia and Azerbaijan against each other on the application of CERD; Azerbaijan’s ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor is now in its 54th day; Russia’s Foreign Affairs Minister says that as a result of the 2020 Artsakh War, Azerbaijan was able to reclaim the territories which belonged to it and more.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of January 27: The population of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) continues to be under siege as Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor is now in its 48th day; this week the EU approved the deployment of a 100-person civilian mission to Armenia for a two-year term, triggering a furious response from the Russian Foreign Ministry; U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken tells Aliyev to reopen the Lachin Corridor, underscoring the risk of a humanitarian crisis and more.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of January 20: Fifteen soldiers are killed when a fire erupts in a military barrack in Armenia’s Gegharkunik region; Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor is now in its second month; Armenian children returning to Nagorno-Karabakh accompanied by Russian peacekeepers are harassed by masked Azerbaijanis and more.

Fifteen soldiers died today in Armenia. Another three were wounded, two of whom are in critical condition. They were not killed by enemy fire. They were simply trying to stay warm.

For more than a month, Artsakh has been cut off from the rest of the world by the joint will of Azerbaijan and Russia as the international community watches silently because Artsakh is the blind spot of the peace negotiations, writes Gaidz Minassian.

Viktoria Khechumyan, the CEO of nooor, joins us to discuss the evolution of Armenia’s blockchain ecosystem over the past few years. Nooor is a consulting company that advises on topics related to blockchain technology, including idea validation and talent recruitment. They’ve been involved in developing the blockchain ecosystem in Armenia from the early days. Viktoria also shared her thoughts on current trends in blockchain, and what the coming years hold for the technology.

Relations between Armenians and Kurds date back to the time of the Medes. The relationship has fluctuated, sometimes uniting, other times dividing the two peoples living on the same land and now facing the same threats.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of January 13: The blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan enters second month; Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev says the road is not closed for those Armenians of Artsakh who do not wish to become citizens of Azerbaijan, they can leave; a delegation headed by the President of France’s National Assembly arrives in Yerevan and more.

Why has the UN Security Council failed to react in a meaningful way to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? Hovhannes Nazaretyan looks at some of the possible reasons.

The vast majority of air pollution in Armenian cities is from transport emissions, and both the concentration and quantity of automobiles in Yerevan prevent residents from living in an environment with clean air.

There are three scenarios of how the war in Ukraine might end for Russia and what this will mean for the three countries of the South Caucasus. Gaidz Minassian examines the strategies of the players in the region.

Raffi Kassarjian, CEO of Sensyan and advisor to the CEO of the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises, joins us to recap the major events that took place in Armenia’s tech sector over the last year. We spoke about the state of the global tech sector and how it relates to Armenia’s context, particularly the slowdown of venture capital financing and how start-ups are thinking about their run rates. Raffi also shared his thoughts on the influx of Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian tech talent to the country this year, and the arrival of several global tech companies. Lastly, we spoke about the impact of the appreciation of the Armenian dram and its impact on the industry.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of December 23: For 12 days now, Azerbaijan has been blockading Artsakh; the European Court of Human Rights applied interim measures against Baku for the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor; PM Nikol Pashinyan criticizes the inaction of Russian peacekeepers and says Azerbaijan’s blockade grossly violates provisions of the November 9 trilateral statement.

People living with infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS often face discrimination not only by society, but by medical staff. This causes challenges with the care these patients desperately need.

Baku does not want an equitable peace, the West struggles to advance the negotiations, and Moscow prefers freezing the process to create a new status quo it can control. Yerevan will need to enhance its bargaining abilities by engaging in asymmetrical aggressive bargaining.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of December 16: Artsakh continues to remain in a blockade after so-called Azerbaijani “environmental activists” shut down the Lachin Corridor; after international pressure, Azerbaijani authorities restore natural gas supply to Artsakh; Armenia’s parliament adopts bill on creating a Ministry of Internal Affairs and more.

Armenia's Human Rights Defender Kristinne Grigoryan speaks to EVN Report about the consequences of Azerbaijan's blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the violation of the rights of the people of Artsakh as a result of that blockade and the legal instruments that Armenia can and has implemented to counter the consequences.

A group of Azerbaijani “environmental activists” blocked the Lachin Corridor on December 12, effectively isolating the population of Artsakh. Later, Azerbaijani authorities shut off the natural gas supply to the Republic triggering a pending humanitarian catastrophe. The blockade of Artsakh continues. Live updates on the unfolding situation.

Armenian experts were hardly under the illusion that the CSTO would fulfill its statutory obligations toward Armenia, given strong military and political ties between Azerbaijan and some CSTO members.

The interplay between two conflicts, one in Eastern Europe, the other in the Caucasus provides a global dimension to the issues they contain. Beyond the common space-time matrix, what can we learn from what lies at the nexus of these two conflicts?

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of December 9: A group of Azerbaijanis in civilian clothes block only highway linking Armenia and Artsakh for several hours citing “illegal exploitation of minerals”; Armenia’s Parliament approves the Government’s 2023 budget and adopts number of new laws including the establishment of a Foreign Intelligence Service; airlines registered in Armenia to remain on the EU black list and more.

The Gituzh initiative recently issued a statement expressing its disappointment in the Armenian Government’s inability to support the country’s scientific modernization and to implement plans around science and research and development investments.

In Nagorno-Karabakh, the consequences of upholding Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity entails the imminent threat to the indigenous Armenian population that is no different than Kosovo, Timor-Leste or South Sudan: the inevitability of ethnic cleaning and genocide.

The scope of gross human rights violations that ethnic Armenians were subjected to during and after the 2020 Artsakh War contributes to the body of empirical data that could be used if Armenia were to become a party to the Rome Statute.

For Chinar Movsisyan, founder and CEO of manot, a genuine love for math and science formed the basis for her academic pursuits, and the desire to apply theory in the real world pushed her pivot to business.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of December 2: Azerbaijani Armed Forces consistently violated the ceasefire with Armenia and Artsakh over this past week, injuring three Armenian servicemen; France’s parliament unanimously adopts a resolution supporting Armenia and calls for sanctions against Azerbaijan; Russia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov states that asking Moscow to reconfirm its offer regarding leaving the status of Nagorno-Karabakh to the future is not in the spirit of the negotiations.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of November 25: The CSTO Summit and Collective Security Council Session takes place in Yerevan; Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan refuses to sign final CSTO document, says text does not include appropriate assessment of the September Azerbaijani attack against Armenia; Azerbaijani Armed Forces continue to violate ceasefire with Armenia and Artsakh on a daily basis and more.

Residents of Yerevan will no longer be able to take advantage of an income tax refund system for mortgages that allowed middle-class families to purchase homes. The Government justified the move in order to boost construction in the regions.

While the actors have changed and the Old World framework was replaced by a New World format comprised of 21st century individuals, the recent Global Armenian Summit missed the mark, writes Gaidz Minassian.

Earlier this year, the Armenian Government announced a new subsidy program to help attract top talent to the country. The program will subsidize anywhere from 20%-70% of the salaries of graduates from top 400 universities or people who have 10 years of work experience at leading global companies. The program was developed jointly by the Investment Council of Armenia and the Ministry of Economy. Hovsep Patvakanian, head of the Investment Council, joins us to discuss the impact he hopes this program will have, and what other legislative proposals they are currently working on. Hovsep also shared with us his take on Armenia’s economic growth in 2022.

A new law regulating the acquisition of arms and the sale and circulation of military products was adopted in Armenia. Astghik Karapetyan looks at the risks, dangers and advantages of the law.

An old nation but a young state, Italy shares many similarities with Armenia. In this next installment of a series on diaspora models, Tigran Yegavian writes that Italy must reform its nationality and emigration policies if it is to optimize its relationship with its diaspora.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of November 18: Azerbaijani Armed Forces violate the ceasefire several times in Armenia and Artsakh; France’s Senate adopts resolution calling on the French Government to sanction Azerbaijan for its aggression against Armenia and Artsakh; Russian President Vladimir Putin will be in Armenia taking part in the summit of the leaders of CSTO member states next week.

Armenia’s new Anti-Corruption Court is now operational and will hear criminal cases on corruption and civil cases of confiscation of illegally obtained assets. Was the creation of a new court necessary and can it have an impact on the fight against corruption?

In order for tech to truly benefit Armenia, it needs to benefit all of Armenia. For this to become a reality, accessibility to education in the regions as well as the creation of more local job opportunities are essential.

Abortion continues to be the primary measure of fertility regulation in Armenia and despite efforts to decrease the number of sex-selective abortions, these issues remain prevalent in the country. Sona Martirosyan explains.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of November 11: Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan meet in Washington, agree to expedite negotiations; Azerbaijani President makes egregious comments in Shushi triggering a retaliation by PM Nikol Pashinyan; the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention expresses grave concern regarding Aliyev’s speech; Russian President Vladimer Putin to visit Yerevan for the summit of CSTO leaders and more.

Who is the most influential and determined mediator to prevent the possibility of another aggression against Artsakh or Armenia? The answer will define who can be the main guarantor of peace for the South Caucasus.

Հոկտեմբեր ամսվա հայաստանյան անվտանգության համատեքստը բնութագրող EVN անվտանգության զեկույցի ՁայնաԳիրը:

Հայաստանի պետական պարտքին, դրա հետ կապված խնդիրներին ու տեսլականին անդրադարձող հոդվածի ՁայնաԳիրը։

Armenia's state debt is approaching $10 billion US, but to what extent is it manageable, and what risks does it have? Seda Ghukasyan explains.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of November 4: The leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia meet in Sochi; Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan travels to Tehran; Artsakh’s Parliament holds extraordinary session, states that any attempt to forcibly annex Artsakh to Azerbaijan would be a gross violation of international law and a license to commit another genocide, while a massive rally takes place in Stepanakert’s central square and more.

An interview by Gaidz Minassian with former French Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group and former French Ambassador to Ukraine, Jacques Faure, who discusses the Ukraine-Russia and Armenia-Azerbaijan wars.

Suddenly Yerevan felt like Europe in the 1930s or 1940s: a crossroads, full of people from different places, with different histories, living with different temporalities of trauma related to different conflicts, and the sense that everything could change in a moment.

Cemeteries serve as a reflection of societal beliefs, values and ideas and impact how we live and develop our identities; there we find every human manifestation, from the subtlest to the crudest.

The Armenian government has recently attempted to reconfigure the country’s educational system, with the stated goal of increasing efficiency and enhancing quality. While this is a noble effort, without quantified analysis, it leads to more questions than answers.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of October 28: The Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization holds extraordinary session about potentially providing assistance to Armenia; Russian President Vladimir Putin says Armenia has two options for settling the conflict; leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia to meet in Sochi on October 31 and more.

The security context for the month of October can be better understood as the changing configuration between Armenia’s implementation of its diplomatization-of-security doctrine against Azerbaijan’s multi-tiered hybrid warfare doctrine.

While innovation is increasingly being acknowledged as key to a country’s competitiveness in global markets, contributions of the humanities and social sciences to the body of knowledge are largely left out of debates.

A young Armenian woman, born and raised in Stepanakert, the capital of Artsakh, reflects on the changing, contradictory reality of her hometown two years after Azerbaijan launched a devastating war.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of October 21: OSCE Needs Assessment Mission expected to arrive in Armenia today; while in India for an official visit, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan meets his counterpart and takes part in DEFEXPO defense exhibition; while in Yerevan, Iran’s Foreign Minister reiterates Tehran’s stance that it will not accept any change of historical borders in the region, which he called a red line for Iran.

After almost three decades of remaining on the sidelines of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict negotiation process, the EU has now stepped in, positioning itself as a mediator in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conciliation process.

Կենդանիների կաթնատվության և մթերատվության ավելացմանն ուղղված կառավարության ծրագրին անդրադարձող հոդվածի ՁայնաԳիրը։

Armenia’s government launched a state assistance program in 2019 for the creation of what they called “smart” barns to improve livestock care and increase milk production. Araks Mamulyan looks at the challenges and shortcomings.

Ongoing security threats by Azerbaijani Armed Forces since the end of the 2020 Artsakh War have prompted Armenian policy makers to speed up planned upgrades to the country’s transport infrastructure. Raffi Elliot explains.

Շահումով խաղեր և վիճակախաղեր կազմակերպող ընկերությունների գովազդային սահմանափակումների մասին հոդվածի ՁայնաԳիրը։

Although betting companies are among the largest taxpayers in Armenia, the state has decided to implement laws restricting ads for online betting and lotteries to mitigate the spread of gambling in the country.

Despite leading the region in many progressive metrics, the past few years have reinforced how peace isn’t something Armenia can take for granted: it must cultivate optimal conditions for innovation because of external threats, and that will take conscious architecting.

An existential crisis has erupted within the Armenian public discourse since the defeat in the 2020 Artsakh War. Gaidz Minassian argues that “all for the state and the state for all” must be the slogan of Armenians in the 21st century.

Historian Suren Manukyan discusses the process, mechanisms and goals of the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

Հայոց ցեղասպանության միջազգային ճանաչման ընթացքին անդրադարձող հոդվածի ՁայնաԳիրը։

BigStory VC, a founder-led venture capital fund, promises to be the first of its kind, as Armenia’s start-up ecosystem continues to grow and its members attain success.

This week on EVN Disrupt we are launching a new series of podcasts that were recorded with guests and participants of the Science and Technology Convergence Conference that took place on September 28-29, 2022. Our first guest of the series is Dr. Mary Papazian, the former president of San Jose State University. We discussed the evolving role of the university today, and her thoughts on Armenia’s higher education ecosystem.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of September 30: Three Armenian servicemen killed after another attack by Azerbaijani Armed Forces this week; Prime Minister Nikol Pahsinyan meets with French President Emmanuel Macron; diplomats accredited in Armenia visit Gegharkunik region to assess damage to civilian infrastructure following Azerbaijani attack and more.

Զոհրաբ Մնացականյանի՝ կայուն և ոչ միակողմ խաղաղության ձեռքբերման ճանապարհին հանդիպող մարտահրավերներն ու Հայաստանի անելիքները մատնանշող հոդվածի ՁայնաԳիրը։

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of September 23: After days of relative calm, Azerbaijani forces have started violating the ceasefire on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border; Armenia’s Prime Minister delivers speech at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly; Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives leads a congressional delegation to Armenia and more.

Pursuing peace is a noble and vital objective, but only when it is genuine. Azerbaijani and Turkish rhetoric about peace is anything but convincing at this moment. Lopsided peace is unsustainable and fragile and will not work if it is pursued at our expense.

There’s a sense of powerlessness among the Armenian people surrounded by two states—Azerbaijan and Turkey—whose sole intention appears to be our annihilation. But we are not powerless if we remain vigilant, rational and resolute.

On September 15-16, at France’s request, the UN Security Council dealt with the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict for the first time since 1994. As uncertainty reigns, all options are on the table, even the darkest—that of a renewed aggression by Baku.

Azerbaijan has made an enormous strategic mistake, Russia has allowed for a sizable power vacuum in the region, and the United States has determined to capitalize on these developments, undertaking a policy pivot in the South Caucasus.

For years, the EU did nothing to reign Putin in. Finding an alternative for its energy needs, the EU traded one gas supplier waging a genocidal war of aggression—Russia, with another—Azerbaijan.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of September 16: This week our editors Maria Titizian and Roubina Margossian present a chronology of events following Azerbaijan’s large-scale attack against the sovereign territory of Armenia that was launched just after midnight on September 13.

Following Azerbaijan’s latest attack, this time against Armenia proper, international actors are calling on both sides to de-escalate the situation. Bothsidism in this context is ridiculous, tiresome, and shameful. Not naming the aggressor or who is benefiting from violence is not a neutral act. It is not telling the truth.

Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched a major attack on the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia at approximately midnight on September 13, 2022. A US-brokered ceasefire came into effect late on the evening of September 14, which continues to hold.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has been working in Armenia for the past three decades focusing on developing the country’s financial sector, supporting development of value-added industrial companies, improving the business environment and more. Head of EBRD’s Yerevan Resident Office, George Akhalkatsi, speaks to EVN Report about the organization’s activities and plans for the future.

A recent IRI survey provides expansive empirical evidence in understanding political developments in Armenia over the last six months; the activities and stated objectives of the opposition have enhanced the current government's favorability.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of September 9: Five Armenian POWs are repatriated following the Pashinyan-Aliyev meeting in Brussels; the new U.S. co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group is in Armenia; opposition forces announce that they will boycott parliament again; Starmus Festival kicks off in Yerevan and more.

Draft legislation addressing voluntary medical sterilization was unveiled for public discussion in July 2022. Some of its provisions were deemed highly problematic, particularly by human rights defenders. Astghik Karapetyan explains.

If the EU is honest in its commitment to make peace possible in the South Caucasus, then it needs to address Baku’s ongoing anti-Armenian rhetoric and policy of creating permanent tensions on the borders to pressure Armenia for further concessions.

«1991 ստորաբաժանման» պարբերական նախապատրաստական դասընթացներին անդրադարձող հոդվածի ՁայնաԳիրը։

A training course for young men and women launched in 2019 by the FAST Foundation—Unit 1991—is a new military unit focused on the creation of arms using the latest technologies.