[continued] 2010 and completed the process in 2014, Georgia started in 2012 and reached the goal in 2017, and Ukraine launched its dialogue in 2010 and achieved visa-free entry in 2017. Even with steady progress, no country has finished in less than four years. Armenia should expect a similar timeline, depending on the pace of reform and the EU’s evaluation standards.
Although the Action Plan is technical, its timing is politically significant. Armenia’s closer engagement with the EU follows a broader shift in foreign policy after the 2023 war and the loss of Artsakh. The government is seeking deeper ties with European institutions while reducing dependence on traditional allies such as Russia. For Brussels, supporting Armenia’s reform agenda also helps stabilize a tense region.
EU officials stressed that success will depend on measurable results, not declarations. Armenia now faces the challenge of turning reform pledges into lasting institutional change.
Although the Action Plan is technical, its timing is politically significant. Armenia’s closer engagement with the EU follows a broader shift in foreign policy after the 2023 war and the loss of Artsakh. The government is seeking deeper ties with European institutions while reducing dependence on traditional allies such as Russia. For Brussels, supporting Armenia’s reform agenda also helps stabilize a tense region.
EU officials stressed that success will depend on measurable results, not declarations. Armenia now faces the challenge of turning reform pledges into lasting institutional change.
Armenian tennis player Elina Avanesyan made her long-awaited return to the court after a two-and-a-half-month hiatus but faced a tough start. Competing at the WTA 125 tournament in Tucumán, Argentina, the 23-year-old was defeated in the opening round.
Currently ranked No. 119 in the world, Avanesyan faced Georgia’s Ekaterine Gorgodze (No. 191 WTA) and lost in straight sets, 3–6, 3–6. The match lasted one hour and twenty-two minutes.
This marked Avanesyan’s first official appearance since August 27, when she last played at the US Open, losing in the first round to Russia’s Anastasia Zakharova. Following that defeat, Avanesyan announced a temporary break from competition due to the lingering effects of infectious mononucleosis and a series of injuries that left her struggling with fatigue and recovery issues.
Although her comeback began with a loss, the match in Tucumán signaled an important step forward in her return to full form.
Currently ranked No. 119 in the world, Avanesyan faced Georgia’s Ekaterine Gorgodze (No. 191 WTA) and lost in straight sets, 3–6, 3–6. The match lasted one hour and twenty-two minutes.
This marked Avanesyan’s first official appearance since August 27, when she last played at the US Open, losing in the first round to Russia’s Anastasia Zakharova. Following that defeat, Avanesyan announced a temporary break from competition due to the lingering effects of infectious mononucleosis and a series of injuries that left her struggling with fatigue and recovery issues.
Although her comeback began with a loss, the match in Tucumán signaled an important step forward in her return to full form.
Businessman, philanthropist, and former State Minister of Artsakh Ruben Vardanyan recently held a phone conversation with his eldest son, David Vardanyan, during which he shared three personal reflections:
“Artsakh was, is, and will be.”
“Believe in yourself — as a part of God, in goodness, and in light.”
“A true hero is someone who can ignite hope where none remains; who becomes a support for others when they have lost faith.”
Vardanyan has remained imprisoned in Baku since his capture near the Lachin corridor on 27 September 2023, amid the mass displacement and forcible detention of Armenians from Artsakh.
“Artsakh was, is, and will be.”
“Believe in yourself — as a part of God, in goodness, and in light.”
“A true hero is someone who can ignite hope where none remains; who becomes a support for others when they have lost faith.”
Vardanyan has remained imprisoned in Baku since his capture near the Lachin corridor on 27 September 2023, amid the mass displacement and forcible detention of Armenians from Artsakh.
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Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remains in contact with both Azerbaijan and Armenia over the so-called Zangezur issue. Araghchi noted that Iran has been assured there is no threat to its security, but emphasized that the country continues to closely monitor developments.
“We have clearly stated that we do not accept any geopolitical changes along the borders,” he said.
“We have clearly stated that we do not accept any geopolitical changes along the borders,” he said.
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Rachida Dati, currently a candidate for Mayor of Paris, has filed an official complaint against French-Armenian lawyer and activist François Devedjian, accusing him of “serious and repeated breaches of the essential principles” of the legal profession. The complaint was submitted to the Paris Bar Council and alleges violations of dignity, integrity, and professional conduct.
In reality, the dispute centers on Devedjian’s public reminders that Dati is set to stand trial for corruption and influence peddling, and on his criticism of her longstanding political proximity to the authoritarian Azerbaijani regime, led by President Ilham Aliyev.
Devedjian maintains that his statements are based on documented facts and do not challenge Dati’s presumption of innocence. He argues that the complaint is meant to intimidate and silence criticism rather than address misconduct:
“France is not Azerbaijan,” he wrote, “and citizens — including lawyers — still have the right to speak.”
Background on Rachida Dati
Rachida
In reality, the dispute centers on Devedjian’s public reminders that Dati is set to stand trial for corruption and influence peddling, and on his criticism of her longstanding political proximity to the authoritarian Azerbaijani regime, led by President Ilham Aliyev.
Devedjian maintains that his statements are based on documented facts and do not challenge Dati’s presumption of innocence. He argues that the complaint is meant to intimidate and silence criticism rather than address misconduct:
“France is not Azerbaijan,” he wrote, “and citizens — including lawyers — still have the right to speak.”
Background on Rachida Dati
Rachida
[continued] Dati rose to prominence in the late 2000s as Minister of Justice under President Nicolas Sarkozy. Known for her sharp political instincts and combative style, she later became mayor of Paris’s upscale 7th arrondissement and is currently running again for the Paris mayoralty.
However, her career has also been marked by controversy. She faces ongoing legal proceedings for alleged involvement in concealed consulting payments linked to the Renault–Nissan corporate scandal, which prosecutors say may constitute corruption and influence trafficking.
In parallel, Dati has cultivated a notably close relationship with Azerbaijan’s ruling elite, appearing alongside officials from Baku and defending positions broadly aligned with Azerbaijani state narratives — a relationship that has drawn criticism from the French-Armenian community, especially in the wake of Azerbaijan’s 2023 mass displacement of the Armenians of Artsakh.
However, her career has also been marked by controversy. She faces ongoing legal proceedings for alleged involvement in concealed consulting payments linked to the Renault–Nissan corporate scandal, which prosecutors say may constitute corruption and influence trafficking.
In parallel, Dati has cultivated a notably close relationship with Azerbaijan’s ruling elite, appearing alongside officials from Baku and defending positions broadly aligned with Azerbaijani state narratives — a relationship that has drawn criticism from the French-Armenian community, especially in the wake of Azerbaijan’s 2023 mass displacement of the Armenians of Artsakh.
The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has announced the defrocking of Fr. Taron Hunanyan, a clergyman of the Diocese of Tavush.
According to the statement, Hunanyan left his assigned parish in May 2024, disregarded directives from the diocesan locum tenens, and continued acting in defiance of Church authority. He also participated in an uncanonical ceremony led by Stepan Asatryan, who had previously been defrocked, thereby becoming an accomplice in the violation.
The Mother See noted that Hunanyan made public statements discrediting the Armenian Apostolic Church and its clergy, showed disrespect toward Church leadership, and violated his vow of obedience.
As a result, he will now be regarded as a layman under the name Vardan Hunanyan.
This decision follows the recent defrocking of Stepan Asatryan for similar acts of disobedience and participation in uncanonical rites.
According to the statement, Hunanyan left his assigned parish in May 2024, disregarded directives from the diocesan locum tenens, and continued acting in defiance of Church authority. He also participated in an uncanonical ceremony led by Stepan Asatryan, who had previously been defrocked, thereby becoming an accomplice in the violation.
The Mother See noted that Hunanyan made public statements discrediting the Armenian Apostolic Church and its clergy, showed disrespect toward Church leadership, and violated his vow of obedience.
As a result, he will now be regarded as a layman under the name Vardan Hunanyan.
This decision follows the recent defrocking of Stepan Asatryan for similar acts of disobedience and participation in uncanonical rites.
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Yerevan and Aleppo will once again be connected by direct flights, according to Lilit Agabekyan, assistant to the head of Armenia’s Civil Aviation Committee.
The flights will be operated once a week, on Fridays, by Fly Cham Airlines, starting November 7.
Previously, the Armenian community newspaper in Aleppo — Kantsasar — reported that direct Aleppo–Yerevan flights had been launched and suspended several times due to the unstable security situation in the region. The Aleppo airport itself was repeatedly bombed and damaged. After restoration work, the airport has reopened to receive flights from various countries.
It is emphasized that flights are resuming after nearly a one-year hiatus. Previously, to reach Armenia, Syrian Armenians had to travel to Yerevan via Beirut.
The flights will be operated once a week, on Fridays, by Fly Cham Airlines, starting November 7.
Previously, the Armenian community newspaper in Aleppo — Kantsasar — reported that direct Aleppo–Yerevan flights had been launched and suspended several times due to the unstable security situation in the region. The Aleppo airport itself was repeatedly bombed and damaged. After restoration work, the airport has reopened to receive flights from various countries.
It is emphasized that flights are resuming after nearly a one-year hiatus. Previously, to reach Armenia, Syrian Armenians had to travel to Yerevan via Beirut.
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In the third round of the UEFA Conference League group stage, Noah lost 1–2 at home to Sigma.
All goals came in the first half — Nardin Mulahuseynović scored for the Armenian champions, while Filip Slavíček and Abdoulaye Sylla found the net for the Czech Cup holders.
The team led by Sandro Perković remains with 4 points, sitting 15th, while Sigma holds the 16th position with the same number of points.
All goals came in the first half — Nardin Mulahuseynović scored for the Armenian champions, while Filip Slavíček and Abdoulaye Sylla found the net for the Czech Cup holders.
The team led by Sandro Perković remains with 4 points, sitting 15th, while Sigma holds the 16th position with the same number of points.
Opposition-initiated hearings on political prisoners are beginning in the National Assembly.
Photos of the political prisoners have been placed on the tables of the government members.
Armenia now has more than 60 political prisoners, including senior clergy, national benefactors, elected mayors, and parents of fallen soldiers.
Photos of the political prisoners have been placed on the tables of the government members.
Armenia now has more than 60 political prisoners, including senior clergy, national benefactors, elected mayors, and parents of fallen soldiers.
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On November 25, 2025, the Armenian bishops and diocesan primates convened at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II. The meeting addressed recent cases in which certain clergy deliberately omitted the names of the Catholicos and their diocesan primate during the Divine Liturgy.
The participants condemned this conduct as a violation of church canons with the potential to trigger schismatic tensions. They stressed that any cleric who refuses to repent and return to proper order will face strict disciplinary measures.
The assembly underscored that the unity of the Church cannot be compromised by individual or group actions and noted the damage such behavior inflicts on liturgical integrity and the trust of the faithful. Concluding the session, the bishops reaffirmed that church unity remains paramount and urged all clergy to act responsibly, avoid provocations, and uphold canonical discipline.
The participants condemned this conduct as a violation of church canons with the potential to trigger schismatic tensions. They stressed that any cleric who refuses to repent and return to proper order will face strict disciplinary measures.
The assembly underscored that the unity of the Church cannot be compromised by individual or group actions and noted the damage such behavior inflicts on liturgical integrity and the trust of the faithful. Concluding the session, the bishops reaffirmed that church unity remains paramount and urged all clergy to act responsibly, avoid provocations, and uphold canonical discipline.
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Arman Tatoyan, head of the Wings of Unity movement and former Human Rights Defender, urged Armenia’s ex-presidents not to run in the 2026 parliamentary elections if they are serious about removing Nikol Pashinyan from power.
At a press conference on Tuesday, he said: “Gentlemen, ex-presidents, if you truly want Nikol Pashinyan to lose, you should not participate in the 2026 campaign.”
Tatoyan stressed that the public’s stance is clear: former presidents cannot return to power, and Pashinyan knows this well, which is why he tries to present them as his opponents.
He warned that by entering the race, they risk becoming unwitting allies of the current leadership: “By participating, they become tools in the hands of the authorities, helping Nikol Pashinyan strengthen himself as a dictator.”
Tatoyan called for a new political front free from past leadership figures, as part of wider opposition efforts ahead of the 2026 elections.
At a press conference on Tuesday, he said: “Gentlemen, ex-presidents, if you truly want Nikol Pashinyan to lose, you should not participate in the 2026 campaign.”
Tatoyan stressed that the public’s stance is clear: former presidents cannot return to power, and Pashinyan knows this well, which is why he tries to present them as his opponents.
He warned that by entering the race, they risk becoming unwitting allies of the current leadership: “By participating, they become tools in the hands of the authorities, helping Nikol Pashinyan strengthen himself as a dictator.”
Tatoyan called for a new political front free from past leadership figures, as part of wider opposition efforts ahead of the 2026 elections.
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Representatives of Vicken Euljekjian, who remains illegally captive in a Baku prison, have sent a formal letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to intervene and help secure his release. The appeal was confirmed by Baibzig Kalajyan, a close family friend and member of the Payqar newspaper’s editorial staff, in comments to Sputnik Armenia.
According to earlier reports, Euljekjian’s health has severely deteriorated during his detention. He is unable to walk and requires a wheelchair-yet authorities have not provided one. He has been denied essential medical care, in blatant violation of basic humanitarian standards.
His family and representatives emphasize that international action is urgently needed to prevent his condition from worsening further.
According to earlier reports, Euljekjian’s health has severely deteriorated during his detention. He is unable to walk and requires a wheelchair-yet authorities have not provided one. He has been denied essential medical care, in blatant violation of basic humanitarian standards.
His family and representatives emphasize that international action is urgently needed to prevent his condition from worsening further.
The detention of Armenia’s only female political prisoner, Lidia Mantashyan, has been lifted following sustained public pressure. The court replaced detention with administrative supervision and set bail at 2,500,000 AMD (approximately 6,400 USD).
Mantashyan was arrested on June 25 together with supporters of the Sacred Struggle movement led by Bagrat Galstanyan. Authorities accused them of attempting to organize terrorist activities and attempting to seize power. Mantashyan rejected the accusations from the outset. In a letter written from detention, she stated that she had committed no crime and described the case as political retaliation for exercising constitutional rights.
Her pre-trial detention became a point of intense controversy. On October 6, the Court of Appeal upheld her detention despite objections from her lawyers. On November 20, judge Karen Farhoyan extended her detention until February 25, 2026, a decision that triggered significant public outrage.
Read more at 301.am
Mantashyan was arrested on June 25 together with supporters of the Sacred Struggle movement led by Bagrat Galstanyan. Authorities accused them of attempting to organize terrorist activities and attempting to seize power. Mantashyan rejected the accusations from the outset. In a letter written from detention, she stated that she had committed no crime and described the case as political retaliation for exercising constitutional rights.
Her pre-trial detention became a point of intense controversy. On October 6, the Court of Appeal upheld her detention despite objections from her lawyers. On November 20, judge Karen Farhoyan extended her detention until February 25, 2026, a decision that triggered significant public outrage.
Read more at 301.am
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A defining moment for Armenia’s cultural and intellectual landscape, the inaugural Chess Fest Armenia is scheduled for October 2026, as announced by PR Newswire. This event positions Armenia on the global stage as a center of strategic thought, education, and cultural exchange.
The festival will take place under the patronage of Grandmaster Levon Aronian, one of the most celebrated figures in contemporary chess. Distinguished international guests include Viswanathan Anand, five-time World Chess Champion, and Judit Polgár, widely regarded as the strongest female chess player in history.
Read more at 301.am
The festival will take place under the patronage of Grandmaster Levon Aronian, one of the most celebrated figures in contemporary chess. Distinguished international guests include Viswanathan Anand, five-time World Chess Champion, and Judit Polgár, widely regarded as the strongest female chess player in history.
Read more at 301.am
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BREAKING: Black Beret special police units have again entered the grounds of the Mother See Etchmiadzin while the Supreme Spiritual Council is in session. The timing of today’s intrusion is no coincidence. It comes immediately after Pashinyan’s meeting with eight clergymen who have broken from the church and aligned themselves with his effort to weaken its leadership.
Read more at 301.am
Read more at 301.am
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BREAKING: Two Armenian servicemen injured in a landmine explosion near Vardenis, Gegharkunik Province.
Armenia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the incident, stating that the injuries occurred under circumstances unrelated to their military duties and at a time when they were not performing service tasks. The ministry added that both servicemen are in stable condition and their lives are not at risk.
A full investigation is now underway. Authorities are working to determine how the soldiers entered a mine-contaminated area and to clarify all other circumstances surrounding the explosion. Further details will be provided as the inquiry progresses.
Armenia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the incident, stating that the injuries occurred under circumstances unrelated to their military duties and at a time when they were not performing service tasks. The ministry added that both servicemen are in stable condition and their lives are not at risk.
A full investigation is now underway. Authorities are working to determine how the soldiers entered a mine-contaminated area and to clarify all other circumstances surrounding the explosion. Further details will be provided as the inquiry progresses.
The 12th meeting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani border delimitation commissions convened in Gabala, Azerbaijan, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan and Azerbaijan’s Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev.
According to the official statement, the sides reiterated the earlier agreement from the January 16 meeting to begin comprehensive delimitation work from the northern tri-border point with Georgia and proceed south toward the Armenia–Azerbaijan–Iran intersection.
The delegations also agreed to coordinate the date of their next meeting, which is expected to take place in one of Armenia’s cities.
All of this unfolds while Azerbaijan continues to occupy more than 200 square kilometers of Armenia’s sovereign territory and illegally hold Armenian prisoners of war and civilian hostages. This ongoing unlawful conduct erodes trust and raises serious doubts about the sincerity and legitimacy of the negotiation process.
According to the official statement, the sides reiterated the earlier agreement from the January 16 meeting to begin comprehensive delimitation work from the northern tri-border point with Georgia and proceed south toward the Armenia–Azerbaijan–Iran intersection.
The delegations also agreed to coordinate the date of their next meeting, which is expected to take place in one of Armenia’s cities.
All of this unfolds while Azerbaijan continues to occupy more than 200 square kilometers of Armenia’s sovereign territory and illegally hold Armenian prisoners of war and civilian hostages. This ongoing unlawful conduct erodes trust and raises serious doubts about the sincerity and legitimacy of the negotiation process.
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