Breaking
Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairs Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), David Valadao (CA-22), and Brad Sherman (CA-32) and 21 additional bipartisan members sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz requesting strong American engagement in the ongoing peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan:
“We welcome recent efforts to ensure a negotiated and peaceful settlement of this long-standing conflict. We also strongly agree with Secretary Rubio’s statement that “now is the time to commit to peace” in the South Caucasus and NSA Waltz’s call to “finalize this peace deal now, release the prisoners, and work together to make the region more secure and prosperous.”
“As Armenia seeks to reduce its dependence on Russia and pivot toward the West, securing a lasting peace in the South Caucasus is a national security imperative and directly in line with President Trump’s global peace initiatives. Considering Azerbaijan’s ongoing threats toward Armenia and the risk this poses to a fragile peace process, we believe the United States has a responsibility to pursue important confidence and security- building measures.”
European Parliament Commemorates Armenian Genocide Anniversary, Highlights Parallels with Ethnic Cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh
The European Parliament held a significant plenary session marking the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. MEPs passionately drew parallels between the historical tragedy and the recent forced displacement of ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh. Key statements included Miriam Lexmann’s (EPP) assertion that recognition is vital for normalization:
“This month we honour the memory of 1.5 million people – innocent lives lost in one of the darkest tragedies of the 20th century (..) This is even more important today, and hundreds of thousands of people are displaced in Armenia and from Nagorno-Karabakh, escaping atrocities from the side of Azerbaijan. (..) I call on the Turkish authorities to embrace this process and advance on the dialogue with Armenia (..) It is high time to pave the way for genuine reconciliation, and bring peace and prosperity to the South Caucasus, and justice to Armenian people in Armenia and around the world.”
Ilham Aliyev to Visit China
Azerbaijan’s Ethnic Cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh and Genocidal Policy
Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Calls for Protection of Armenian Prisoners and Right of Return to Nagorno-Karabakh
“I’ve approached [the Azerbaijani authorities] now twice, I will return a third time and a fourth time… I am by no means neglecting this issue.” – Michael O’Flaherty, CoE Human Rights Commissioner, in response to a question during a PACE Q&A session.
UK MPs Urge Azerbaijan to Release Armenian Detainees and Ensure Fair Trials
On April 1st, 2025, during a session of the House of Commons, Jessica Morden, Labour MP for Newport East and Chairperson of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Armenia, brought critical attention to Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh:
“The offensive by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh resulted in the forced displacement of up to 120,000 Armenians and the continued detention of 23 officials and civilians. There is much concern about the conduct of the trials, their welfare and their access to legal support, so what more can the Minister do to put pressure on the Government of Azerbaijan to look for their release and to get access to the prisoners?”
Responding to her question, Stephen Doughty, Labour MP for Cardiff South and Penarth and Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), reiterated the UK’s position:
“The UK has consistently called for the release of all the remaining prisoners of war. “
Belgian Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee Holds Hearing on Nagorno- Karabakh
On April 2, 2025, the Belgian Federal Parliament’s Committee on External Relations held a hearing on resolutions concerning Nagorno-Karabakh. The European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD) President Kaspar Karampetian delivered a powerful address, warning that Azerbaijan’s ongoing demands—including disarmament of Armenia, constitutional changes, and prosecution of former Armenian leaders—pose “an existential danger to Armenia’s sovereignty and independence.”
He urged the EU to increase pressure on Baku and impose sanctions, while also calling for international guarantees to ensure a just peace and the safe return of Armenians to Artsakh. “Yes, we want peace,” he said, “but an international body needs to be present to be the guarantor.” Karampetian also emphasized the urgent need to release Armenian prisoners held in Baku, protect cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh, and uphold the collective right of return for displaced Armenians.
Armenian Church Catholicos Urges German President to Advocate for Release of Armenian POWs in Azerbaijan
Canadian FM Mélanie Joly Honors Victims of 2016 Nagorno- Karabakh 4-Day War
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly commemorated the victims of the 2016 Nagorno-Karabakh Four-Day War, which was illegally launched by Azerbaijan. In a statement on X, she reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to peace and dialogue, emphasizing that a lasting resolution can only be achieved through diplomacy and respect for international law.
Driven by Fear from Nagorno-Karabakh
Motherhood Day in Armenia: A Celebration Amid Grief
On April 7, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, a day dedicated to honoring motherhood. However, amidst these celebrations, thousands of Armenian mothers are carrying profound grief—the loss of their sons to the war instigated by the Aliyev regime.
Zarine Ghazaryan lost two young sons in Azerbaijan’s September 2023 attack on Artsakh. One more was injured, her husband wounded, and her family displaced. “My dream now is to build a small home near their graves,” she says.
A Court without Honor: Armenian Leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh Turn from Defendants into Hostages
By Rasmus Canbäck
The state of limbo between war and peace enables Baku to escalate both the conflict and domestic repression.
Repression against the Armenian leaders of Artsakh is both destabilizing the situation inside Armenia and fueling anti-Armenian sentiments in Azerbaijan.
Photos of the Week
On Motherhood Day in Armenia, a refugee from Nagorno-Karabakh stands near the graves of her sons and her grandson. She lost them all during the wars of Aliyev’s regime.
Photo Courtesy of Armenian Weekly.
EU monitoring mission in Armenia marks 5000th patrol.
Photo Courtesy of EUMA.
Rule of Law
U.S. Ambassador Meets Armenian Minister of Justice to Deepen Legal Cooperation Ahead of D.C. Visit
Ambassador Kvien met Minister of Justice Srbuhi Galyan to discuss further advancing U.S.-Armenia legal cooperation, and preview the Minister’s upcoming travel to Washington, D.C.
Security
“How would a U.S. withdrawal from global leadership in support of Ukraine impact smaller nations’ ability to demonstrate independence from Russia?”
“All nations are watching closely what the U.S. is doing any place all the time. That is especially true in those states that have the opportunity to get out from Russia’s shadow. Armenia would be an excellent example of that.”
FM Mirzoyan and EU Envoy Grono Discuss Peace, Regional Communications, and Armenia-EU Partnership
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with EU Special Representative Magdalena Grono to discuss regional stability, emphasizing the need for a peace agreement with Azerbaijan and the unblocking of communications based on international law. They also addressed humanitarian concerns such as missing persons and prisoners of war, while reaffirming efforts to deepen Armenia-EU cooperation.
European Parliament Adopts Reports on EU Foreign, Defense, and Security Policy, Reaffirms Support for Armenia
- Highlights Armenia’s efforts to finalize the peace treaty with Azerbaijan.
- Mentions the importance of Azerbaijan protecting Armenian cultural and religious heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh.
- Calls for the release of 23 Armenian captives illegally held in Baku.
- Urges the EU to suspend its energy cooperation with Azerbaijan.
- Acknowledges Armenia’s decision to freeze its participation in the CSTO.
- Stresses the importance of ensuring the return of Karabakh Armenians to their homes.
- Encourages the EU to adopt a more independent and consistent foreign policy based on democratic values.
Economy
PM Pashinyan Welcomes CEO of US-Based Siemens EDA, Highlights Expansion and High- Tech Education Cooperation
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Mike Ellow, CEO of the US-based Siemens EDA, to discuss expanding the company’s operations in Armenia and strengthening cooperation in high-tech education. Pashinyan emphasized the government’s commitment to creating favorable conditions for tech investment and educational reform.
AmCham Executive Anushik Avetyan Appointed New Deputy Minister of Economy
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan appointed Anushik Avetyan as the new Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia. Avetyan previously served as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Armenia (AmCham).
Armenia Elected to Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS for 2026-2028 Term
Armenia was elected to the Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme/United Nations Population Fund/United Nations Office for Project Services for the term 2026-2028.
Armenian Deputy Minister and EESC Executive Discuss Armenia-EU Cooperation on Labor Reforms
German President Steinmeier Attends Opening of Hydrometeorological Measuring Station Near Lake Sevan
Opinion
Trump Shouldn’t Back a Loser in Turkey. It’s Time to Dump Erdoğan
By Michael Rubin
Erdoğan, like Bashar al-Assad in Syria, may be tempted to hang on. While the United States will never say directly, the White House likely would not look askance at regional states that would offer reward to any Erdoğan bodyguard who turns their guns on the would-be despot to arrest him or, if he resists, to kill him. After all, Turkey’s elite soldiers swear allegiance to the state and the people of Turkey, not one man who holds the constitution and rule of law with disdain.
Starlink Arrives in Armenia: Backup Internet for Mountainous Regions and Military
By Armine Martirosyan
Armenia currently receives its external internet traffic through two cables that pass through neighbouring countries. Given the unresolved conflict with Azerbaijan, there is always the risk of sabotage or communication loss. In this context, Starlink’s arrival is seen as a game changer—not just a new provider, but a strategic backup system that could shift the balance.
Don’t Bet on Fruitful Friendship With Baku
By Michael Rubin
Michael Doran’s suggestion that embracing Azerbaijan best guarantees the West’s security doesn’t pass the smell test.
Mr. Doran wrote a book about how Egypt flipped during the Cold War. He now fails to recognize a similar dynamic at play in the Caucasus: Armenia has flipped to the West while Azerbaijan pivots away from it. Baku’s transactional tyranny benefits Beijing and Moscow, not Washington and Jerusalem.
Peace Treaty Risks Further Cultural Erasure in Artsakh Amid Ongoing Destruction
By Philippe Raffi Kalfayan
Only a just peace can be a true peace. The acknowledgment of Azerbaijan’s responsibility for the violation of the ICERD in all its forms is key in this process and the only path to sustainable peace. Otherwise, impunity for systemic anti-Armenian hatred, forced displacement of the Armenian population and destruction of the cultural heritage of Nagorno-Karabakh, mistreatment and unlawful trials of Armenian prisoners will prevail.