MassisPost

By PANOS TITIZIAN Armenia’s political life today is confused and deeply polarized. Numerous commentators, interviewers, intellectuals, and journalists are sharing their views with the Armenian public. Yet what is missing is genuine leadership—leadership capable of providing direction and opening a path forward. In all of this, the Armenian Diaspora has remained largely silent. It is this reality that compels me to raise my voice. Why do I believe I have the right to speak out? Naturally, this requires some explanation. First, let me say that I am 100 years old and have closely followed the twists and turns of Armenian…

SANTA CLARA — NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang issued a message marking the launch of Firebird AI’s artificial intelligence factory in Armenia. “Firebird is launching the largest AI factory in the CIS region in Armenia, creating a new artificial intelligence computing hub powered by NVIDIA’s accelerated computing technologies and Dell Technologies’ high-performance AI infrastructure,” the accompanying message stated. “The project aims to bring global demand for AI infrastructure to the region, create new opportunities for local development, and promote economic growth.”

HRAZDAN — Firebird AI officially launched its ambitious megaproject in Armenia on August 8, opening what it describes as the region’s largest artificial intelligence factory. The launch of the megacenter near Hrazdan marks the beginning of Firebird AI’s global AI infrastructure platform and positions Armenia as a strategic hub for artificial intelligence computing capacity. The opening ceremony was attended by senior government officials, ambassadors accredited to Armenia, representatives of major global technology companies and the scientific community, investors, and strategic partners. Speakers at the official ceremony included Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan; Minister of High-Tech Industry Davit Tadevosyan; NVIDIA founder…

YEREVAN — Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on August 8 that the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan has marked a historic turning point for Armenia, opening new economic, investment, and regional opportunities. In a message marking the first anniversary of the August 8, 2025 Washington Peace Summit, Pashinyan said that the agreement reached a year ago, with the initiative and participation of U.S. President Donald Trump, had established peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. “One year ago today, on August 8, 2025, as a result of the trilateral meeting convened at the White House in Washington at the initiative…

YEREVAN — Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump. Pashinyan thanked President Trump for organizing the August 8, 2025 Peace Summit at the White House in Washington and for signing, as a witness, the Peace Declaration adopted by the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Armenian prime minister emphasized the decisive importance of President Trump’s personal efforts in establishing peace. The two leaders welcomed the fact that the Washington Peace Summit had resulted in genuine peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which they said is now being seen and felt by the peoples of both…

CHOLPON-ATA  – “If anyone has leverage to exert pressure on Armenia, that leverage is not in Brussels, nor is it in the West, South, or East,” Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on August 7 during a conversation with Russian journalists. “As for Armenia’s policy, there is nothing new about it. Like all states, we are pursuing a policy of diversification. That is the sovereign and legitimate right of any country,” Pashinyan added. He stressed that the European Union has no leverage to influence Armenia or its decisions. Speaking about trade and economic relations with Russia, Pashinyan criticized the recent…

CHOLPON-ATA – During a meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union’s Intergovernmental Council, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan presented his counterparts from EAEU member states with figures on Armenia’s contributions to the organization’s budget. Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia has contributed more to the EAEU’s common budget than it has received. “This is direct evidence of our responsible approach to our obligations within the EAEU,” Pashinyan said. He also presented figures illustrating Armenia’s fulfillment of its commitments and its role within the organization. “In 2025, Armenia contributed approximately $319 million to the EAEU’s common customs budget, while the total amount allocated to…

ETCHMIADZIN — The first preliminary hearing in the criminal case involving Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and six bishops who are members of the Supreme Spiritual Council was held on August 7 at the court in Vagharshapat. The judge assigned to the case recused himself, attorney Ara Zohrabyan told reporters. “Judge Hakob Manukyan declined to hear this case. The judge had also previously worked as an attorney. In my opinion, that in itself was not grounds for recusal, but considering that it could raise doubts, the judge decided to recuse himself. I welcome the judge’s decision from the standpoint…

CHOLPON-ATA  — Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in a restricted-format meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Cholpon-Ata. The prime ministers were welcomed by Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, after which the participants took part in a joint photo session. At the opening of the meeting, Kasymaliev welcomed the participants and congratulated Pashinyan on his victory in the parliamentary elections and his reappointment as Prime Minister of Armenia. The meeting subsequently addressed issues related to cooperation in various areas within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union.

MOSCOW — Trade between Russia and Armenia has declined sharply in 2026 compared with the previous year, and the downward trend is expected to continue, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said. According to Overchuk, bilateral trade reached a record level of approximately $12 billion in 2024 before falling to around $8 billion in 2025. In 2026, he said, trade turnover has declined by roughly two-thirds. “The situation developing in relations between the Eurasian Economic Union and Armenia was predictable. Over the past three or four years, we repeatedly told our Armenian partners that such risks existed, particularly the risk…

BAKU — An Azerbaijani appeals court has rejected appeals filed by former political and military leaders of Artsakh, leaving the lower court’s ruling unchanged, according to Azerbaijan’s APA news agency. Under the decision issued by a panel chaired by Judge Elmar Rahimov, the February 5, 2026 ruling of the Baku Military Court remains unchanged with respect to the appeals. In February, the Baku Military Court sentenced members of Artsakh’s former political and military leadership to life imprisonment or lengthy prison terms. Azerbaijani authorities have charged them under a number of serious criminal statutes, including alleged crimes against peace and humanity,…

YEREVAN — “We will formulate the objective as follows: between 2026 and 2031, $2 billion worth of illegally alienated property must be returned to the Republic of Armenia or to local communities,” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during the August 6 Cabinet meeting. “This is a very realistic objective, especially considering the processes we have seen since the elections and the very clear demand expressed by the public. I also want to thank the public for its patience. Although the delays have frustrated us just as much as they have frustrated the public, the mechanisms have nevertheless been put into…

YEREVAN — Armenian Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan received Efe Celik, Regional Managing Director of the international Subway brand, and Armenian investor Levon Hayrapetyan. The parties discussed the possibility of the international fast-food chain entering the Armenian market and opening more than 60 locations across the country. Investment in each location is expected to range from approximately $150,000 to $300,000. Company representatives noted that implementation of the project could contribute to the creation of new jobs, the development of international franchising practices, the involvement of local suppliers, and the introduction of international standards in Armenia’s food-service industry. Deputy Minister of…

The Board of the Bible Society in the Gulf is profoundly honored to announce the election of Dr. Hrayr Jebejian to the Global Fellowship Council of the United Bible Societies (UBS). This prestigious appointment represents a monumental milestone, positioning Gulf-based leadership at the helm of an esteemed international body comprising 156 National Bible Societies operating across more than 240 countries and territories. The Global Fellowship Council serves as the strategic core of a massive worldwide infrastructure dedicated to the translation, publication, distribution, and engagement of the Holy Scriptures. Dr. Jebejian’s historic election to this governance council serves as a definitive…

BEIRUT—Haigazian University hosted a public lecture by Dr. Khatchig Mouradian on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, titled “Cultural Heritage and Under-Resourced Languages in the Age of AI.” Dr. Antranig Dakessian offered opening remarks, and Haigazian University President Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian delivered concluding reflections. Mouradian, a lecturer at Columbia University and Johns Hopkins University, as well as the Armenian and Georgian Specialist at the Library of Congress, explored how artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are transforming the ways cultural heritage is preserved, recovered, experienced, and created. Drawing on a dozen case studies from around the world, Mouradian organized the discussion…

YEREVAN — Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan received Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) President and philanthropist Sam Simonian and presented him with one of the country’s highest state honors. Simonian was awarded the First Class Order for Services to the Homeland on the occasion of Armenia’s Republic Day. The honor recognizes his significant contributions to the development of education, science, culture, and the economy, as well as his longstanding efforts to preserve Armenian identity and heritage. President Khachaturyan congratulated Simonian on receiving the distinguished award and praised his many years of dedicated service to the Armenian people. He wished Simonian good…

YEREVAN — Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Aryeh Lightstone, senior adviser to the U.S. special envoy for peace missions. Pashinyan emphasized the role of the United States—and President Donald Trump in particular—in establishing peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He noted that a stable and positive atmosphere had developed in the region since August 8, 2025. The prime minister also emphasized the importance of advancing the agreements already reached and expressed satisfaction with the progress made in their implementation. Lightstone conveyed congratulations from President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Pashinyan’s reappointment as prime minister…