ARMENIA

Nvard Mafaryan, Pink Armenia Project Coordinator, travelled from Armenia to Istanbul to take part in the panel titled “LGBTI Struggle in Neighbouring Armenia” organized on the occasion of the 23rd LGBTI Pride Week, and spoke to AGOS about the LGBTI community in Armenia that is trying to protect its existence against the homophobia of the State and media, and the intersections between the rights’ struggles in Armenia and Turkey. The conversation then inevitably led to the continuing protests in Yerevan.

Last night, police attacked the group that had resisted in Yerevan’s Freedom Square protesting against an electricity price rise.

Armenian civilian society organizations have rolled up their sleeves to find a solution for the shelter problem of the 15 thousand Syrian refugees in the country. The #RootsForRefugees campaign that will begin in the 2nd week of June will provide rent support for refugees trying to rebuild their lives in cities. Campaign organizers have called on Diaspora Armenians to contribute to the campaign.

The findings of the CRRC-Armenia/TESEV joint survey on public perception in Armenia on the normalization of Turkey-Armenia relations have been published. According to the survey, issues of trust regarding normalization persist, however, especeially the opening of the border and economic relations may constitute an important step in normalization.

President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, in an interview with the state television of Russia, expressed his views about Turkey-Armenia relations.

Karen Andreasian, Armenia Human Rights Ombudsman, has stated in his annual report that serious human rights violations continued in Armenia.

The international media forum titled ‘At the Foot of Mount Ararat’ held in Yerevan on 18-20 March, brought together journalists from various countries with President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, and also many state officials.

Curiosity, interest and suspicion meet Fatih Akın as he travels to Yerevan for the premiere of his latest film ‘The Cut’ in Armenia.

The Republic of Armenia State Commission on the Coordination of Events for the Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide has announced its 2015 declaration. The declaration states that it expresses the united will of the Armenian people.