MassisPost

News From Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora

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New Post has been published on https://massispost.com/2026/07/keron-development-foundation-donates-rare-17th-century-armenian-manuscript-collection-to-matenadaran/

Keron Development Foundation Donates Rare 17th-Century Armenian Manuscript Collection to Matenadaran

YEREVAN — The Keron Development Foundation has donated an exceptional 17th-century Armenian manuscript collection to the Matenadaran. Dating from approximately 1672–1676 and containing additions from the 19th century, the collection brings together several manuscripts of medical, religious, and historical significance. The official handover ceremony took place on July 22 during the exhibition titled One Year of Eternity: Manuscript Acquisitions of the Matenadaran, which opened as part of the Third International Congress of Armenian Studies. The manuscript comes from the collection of Hrant Samuelian’s historic Oriental Bookstore, which operated in Paris. In 2025, the asset-management company Wilco Wealth Management acquired 13…

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New Post has been published on https://massispost.com/2026/07/political-analyst-lilit-dallakyan-criticizes-kremlins-exclusion-of-opposition-candidates-from-russian-elections/

Political Analyst Lilit Dallakyan Criticizes Kremlin’s Exclusion of Opposition Candidates from Russian Elections

YEREVAN — Political analyst Lilit Dallakyan published a post on Facebook in which she raised what she described as a recurring and puzzling question. “The Russian president is regarded—particularly by certain circles in Armenia—as a strong, confident leader who is loved in his country,” Dallakyan wrote. “Even those who criticize him are often rebuked with the words: ‘Who are you, insignificant people, to criticize him?’ “Yet the Kremlin, which expresses concern about the democratic nature of elections in Armenia—and apparently we, too, may now allow ourselves to speak about elections in Russia—is afraid to permit even moderate and loyal opposition…

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New Post has been published on https://massispost.com/2026/07/russia-restricts-dairy-imports-from-armenia/

Russia Restricts Dairy Imports from Armenia

MOSCOW — Russia has imposed restrictions on dairy imports from Armenia, officially citing the need to prevent the introduction of “dangerous infections” and the circulation of products that do not comply with safety requirements. The restrictions on dairy products are not an isolated case involving Armenian goods in the Russian market. Armenian agricultural products and flowers, certain alcoholic beverages, and Jermuk mineral water have previously come under scrutiny from Russian regulatory agencies. Their entry into Russia was either blocked or subjected to tighter controls, also on officially stated health, safety, and quality grounds. Against the backdrop of political disagreements between…

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New Post has been published on https://massispost.com/2026/07/court-orders-confiscation-of-1-15-billion-drams-in-favor-of-the-republic-of-armenia/

Court Orders Confiscation of 1.15 Billion Drams in Favor of the Republic of Armenia

YEREVAN — The Anti-Corruption Court granted a claim filed by the Prosecutor’s Office on July 23, 2026, ordering the confiscation of 1,150,584,000 drams ($3,165 Million Dollars) from V.A., the director of two companies, in favor of the Republic of Armenia as compensation for damages caused to the state. The Department for the Protection of State Interests of the Prosecutor General’s Office had filed a lawsuit against V.A., seeking the recovery of 1,150,584,000 drams in damages. The claim was based on a March 17, 2026 judgment by the Criminal Court of First Instance of Yerevan, which found V.A. guilty of offenses…

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New Post has been published on https://massispost.com/2026/07/aivazovskys-on-the-shores-of-yalta-to-be-auctioned-in-moscow/

Aivazovsky’s On the Shores of Yalta to Be Auctioned in Moscow

MOSCOW — Works by Hovhannes Aivazovsky, Nicholas Roerich, and several other prominent artists will be offered at an auction in Moscow on July 26, with a combined estimated value of approximately 1 billion rubles. According to the Moscow Auction House website, collectors will have an opportunity to bid on Aivazovsky’s painting On the Shores of Yalta. The auction will reveal how much bidders are prepared to pay for the work, which has been valued at $420,000. The painting depicts the seashore, the city, and the outlines of the surrounding mountains, with the Church of St. John Chrysostom standing out against…

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New Post has been published on https://massispost.com/2026/07/armenia-and-france-discuss-steps-to-deepen-strategic-partnership/

Armenia and France Discuss Steps to Deepen Strategic Partnership

PARIS — On July 23, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan met with French Minister Delegate for Europe Benjamin Haddad in Paris. The two officials expressed satisfaction with the momentum of the Armenia–France strategic partnership and discussed joint steps aimed at further deepening bilateral relations. They also addressed the expansion and strengthening of the Armenia–European Union partnership, with particular attention to developing economic cooperation, including broader access to the European market for Armenia. Deputy Foreign Minister Kostanyan briefed his French counterpart on regional developments and Armenia’s efforts to further consolidate peace in the South Caucasus.

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New Post has been published on https://massispost.com/2026/07/green-technology-hub-and-chillwithtech-lodging-facilities-to-be-built-in-akhuryan/

Green Technology Hub and “Chillwithtech” Lodging Facilities to Be Built in Akhuryan

YEREVAN — The Armenian government has approved the direct sale of a land parcel to the Gyumri Information Technologies Center educational foundation, paving the way for the implementation of the foundation’s charitable program. Under the initiative, a Green Technology Hub educational center and six “Chillwithtech” technology lodging facilities will be constructed in the village of Marmashen, located in the Akhuryan community. The facilities will be equipped with the necessary technology, computers, and innovative solutions and will be capable of accommodating up to 30 students at a time. One of the foundation’s primary goals is to decentralize technological development by promoting…

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New Post has been published on https://massispost.com/2026/07/rare-mural-discovered-during-excavations-at-erebuni/

Rare Mural Discovered During Excavations at Erebuni

YEREVAN — A joint French-Armenian archaeological expedition has discovered a fragment of an exceptionally valuable mural at the Erebuni archaeological site. The mural has astonished researchers with its remarkably well-preserved layers of color. According to the scientists’ preliminary assessment, the artwork was created during the second half of the seventh century B.C. or the beginning of the sixth century B.C. The Embassy of France in Armenia described the discovery as an important achievement of Armenian-French scientific cooperation, emphasizing that the joint research efforts continue to produce significant results.

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New Post has been published on https://massispost.com/2026/07/levon-aronian-wins-2026-biel-masters-triathlon/

Levon Aronian Wins 2026 Biel Masters Triathlon

BIEL — The 59th edition of Switzerland’s renowned Biel International Chess Festival has concluded, with Levon Aronian winning the Masters Triathlon after drawing his final classical game against Aydin Suleymanli. Suleymanli finished second, ahead of Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus and Le Quang Liem. Václav Finěk delivered an impressive performance in the Generational Challenge. He took the tournament lead during the rapid phase on the opening day and maintained it throughout the competition. Xiao Tong and Marco Materia finished second and third, respectively. Entering the final classical round, Aronian held a four-point lead over his closest challenger, Suleymanli. A victory with the…

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New Post has been published on https://massispost.com/2026/07/gevorg-papoyan-and-david-allen-discuss-u-s-recognition-of-armenia-as-a-market-economy/

Gevorg Papoyan and David Allen Discuss U.S. Recognition of Armenia as a Market Economy

YEREVAN — Armenian Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan received David Allen, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States in Armenia, and Edward Eichler, head of the Economic and Commercial Section at the U.S. Embassy. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed that economic cooperation between Armenia and the United States continues to develop actively and highlighted the positive progress recorded in recent months. They also discussed issues related to the process of granting Armenia market economy status by the United States. Minister Papoyan expressed confidence that the effective cooperation established between the two countries would contribute to the consistent advancement of the…

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New Post has been published on https://massispost.com/2026/07/tina-demirdjian-named-glendales-next-poet-laureate/

Tina Demirdjian Named Glendale’s Next Poet Laureate

GLENDALE – The City of Glendale and the Library, Arts & Culture Department are pleased to announce the appointment of Tina Demirdjian as Glendale’s next Poet Laureate. Demirdjian’s appointment will begin in September 2026, the position serves as an ambassador for Glendale’s rich culture and diversity, promoting the art of poetry. As Poet Laureate, Demirdjian will develop workshops that engage community members of all ages and abilities in poetry writing, performance, and poetry appreciation. Demirdjian, a Glendale resident, says she is passionate about creating impact and strengthening communities through poetry, art, story, and the power of finding common ground, “Sometimes I…

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New Post has been published on https://massispost.com/2026/07/historic-alex-theatre-returns-to-first-run-feature-films-after-35-years/

Historic Alex Theatre Returns to First-Run Feature Films After 35 Years

GLENDALE —  The historic Alex Theatre has officially returned to first-run feature film exhibition for the first time in 35 years, marking a major milestone in the history of one of Glendale’s most treasured cultural landmarks. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey serves as the theatre’s first first-run feature film since Terminator 2: Judgment Day in 1991, ushering in a new era for the nearly century-old venue. Since opening in 1925, the Alex Theatre has been a defining landmark in Downtown Glendale and a centerpiece of the City’s cultural life. Originally built as a movie palace during Hollywood’s Golden Age, the theatre later evolved into one…

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New Post has been published on https://massispost.com/2026/07/armenian-mens-shooting-team-wins-world-championship-gold/

Armenian Men’s Shooting Team Wins World Championship Gold

TALLINN — The Armenian national shooting team has been crowned world champion in the men’s team event of the running target normal run competition. At the World Championships currently underway in Estonia, Gor Khachatryan, Hovhannes Margaryan and Hayk Minasyan won the gold medal with a combined score of 1,719 points. The victory secured Armenia’s third gold medal of the tournament. Earlier, Gor Khachatryan, Hayk Minasyan and Aida Azatyan advanced to the semifinals of the running target normal run competition. The semifinal and final rounds will take place tomorrow. In the women’s team event of the running target mixed run competition,…

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New Post has been published on https://massispost.com/2026/07/international-congress-of-armenian-studies-marking-mkhitar-sebastatsis-350th-anniversary-opens-at-matenadaran/

International Congress of Armenian Studies Marking Mkhitar Sebastatsi’s 350th Anniversary Opens at Matenadaran

YEREVAN — With the support of Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, the Third International Congress of Armenian Studies is being held at the Matenadaran from July 22 to 24. The congress is dedicated to the 350th anniversary of the birth of Mkhitar Sebastatsi, the distinguished clergyman, scholar and founder of the Mekhitarist Congregation. Armenian studies scholars from leading universities and research institutions in 16 countries are participating in the congress. The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan; Deputy Minister Artur Martirosyan; Chairman of the Higher Education and Science Committee…

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New Post has been published on https://massispost.com/2026/07/pm-pashinyan-and-chancellor-merz-discuss-bilateral-relations-regional-issues/

PM Pashinyan and Chancellor Merz Discuss Bilateral Relations, Regional Issues

YEREVAN — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for “further steps” to end the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan when he telephoned Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian on Wednesday the day after holding talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. According to an official German readout of the call, Merz and Pashinian discussed “the current situation in the Middle East, Russia’s war against Ukraine, and its impact on the South Caucasus.” “The Chancellor encouraged further steps in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan and emphasized its importance for regional stability,” it said without elaborating. Pashinian’s office reported, for its part, that the…

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New Post has been published on https://massispost.com/2026/07/symphonic-cascade-draws-13000-as-armenian-state-symphony-orchestra-concludes-20th-anniversary-season/

“Symphonic Cascade” Draws 13,000 as Armenian State Symphony Orchestra Concludes 20th Anniversary Season

YEREVAN — The Armenian State Symphony Orchestra concluded its 20th anniversary concert season with a gala performance attended by approximately 13,000 people. On the evening of July 21, the Cafesjian Sculpture Garden at Yerevan’s Cascade Complex was transformed into a large open-air concert hall. The orchestra marked the conclusion of its anniversary season with a memorable evening of music for thousands of concertgoers. Under the direction of Maestro Sergey Smbatyan, the audience enjoyed some of the finest works of international classical music, along with performances from several of the orchestra’s most popular projects. The open-air gala once again demonstrated the…

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New Post has been published on https://massispost.com/2026/07/cpfe-records-42-violations-of-journalists-and-media-rights-in-second-quarter-of-2026/

CPFE Records 42 Violations of Journalists’ and Media Rights in Second Quarter of 2026

YEREVAN — The second quarter of 2026 was a tense period for journalists and media outlets in Armenia, largely because of the June 7 parliamentary elections, according to the Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression (CPFE). In its quarterly report, the committee noted that Armenia faced both external and internal information-related challenges during the reporting period. CPFE President Ashot Melikyan said dangerous hybrid information campaigns had been conducted. “Unfortunately, this disinformation was disseminated through a significant segment of Armenia’s information sphere, and the public witnessed an internal information war. According to our observations, the danger posed by false and misleading…