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Updated: May 16, 2026 at 10:43 PM

RE:PUBLIC PRESS

We cover Armenia, Karabakh-Azerbaijan conflict, Cyprus occupation, Panturkism • chat @republicofchat • 🇷🇺@reartsakh • help @republichelp • x.com/republicpress_ [email protected] support buymeacoffee.com/artsakhrepublic

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RE:PUBLIC PRESS

May 20, 2026, 06:54 PM

Azerbaijan to Boost 2026 Defense Spending by 3% as Armenian PM Signals Cut

Driving the news
The Azerbaijani government’s draft 2026 budget allocates 8.815 billion manats ($5.12 billion) for defense and national security, about 21% of all state expenditures. That’s an increase from 2025, when the allocation was 8.555 billion manats ($5.03 billion), or roughly 20.7%. The increase is 3% year-over-year.

Meanwhile, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated in parliament that defense spending in 2026 will be lower than in 2025. He said that 2025 saw a “disproportionately large increase” in defense outlays, partly due to accelerated repayment of future debts and obligations in the defense sector.

What they’re saying
• Pashinyan said that Armenia’s 2025 defense budget was raised sharply compared to 2024, including using part of those funds to repay obligations due far in the future.
• He clarified that the 2026 budget will not increase defense spending but reduce it relative to 2025.

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RE:PUBLIC PRESS

May 20, 2026, 06:54 PM

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Arman Tatoyan Enters Politics After Tenure as Armenia’s Ombudsman

Driving the news:
Armenian human rights advocate Arman Tatoyan has announced his entry into politics. Previously, he served as Armenia’s Ombudsman.

What they’re saying:
“I have dedicated my professional life to human rights advocacy, but under the current conditions, that work alone is not yielding results,” Tatoyan said in a statement from the “Center for Law and Justice ‘Tatoyan’.”
“I am submitting an application to leverage politics to unify people and advance the country toward genuine peace,” he added.

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RE:PUBLIC PRESS

May 20, 2026, 06:54 PM

44-Day War Report Sent to Confidential Archive, Inaccessible to Public

Driving the news
The report prepared by the parliamentary inquiry committee investigating the 44-day war has been placed in the confidential archive of Armenia’s National Assembly, making it inaccessible to the public, according to Movses Harutyunyan, adviser to Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan.

What they’re saying
“Given that, due to timing discrepancies, it was legally impossible to include the report of the investigative committee studying the circumstances of the 44-day war on the plenary agenda, a decision was made—after consultations with all legally concerned parties—to send the report to the National Assembly archives,” Harutyunyan told Azatutyun (RFE/RL’s Armenian Service).
“Any MP with the necessary security clearance can access the archive and review the report,” he added.

Meanwhile, Andranik Kocharyan, chair of the inquiry committee, said he had expected the National Assembly Council to schedule the report for discussion at an upcoming plenary session.

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RE:PUBLIC PRESS

May 20, 2026, 06:54 PM

Armenia and Turkey Hold Sixth Round of Normalization Talks in Yerevan

Driving the news
Armenia’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ruben Rubinyan and Turkish Ambassador Serdar Kılıç, the special envoys for normalization, held their sixth meeting in Yerevan, according to Armenia’s Foreign Ministry.

What they’re saying
• The envoys reaffirmed agreements reached in earlier rounds, aimed at advancing full normalization of relations.
• They discussed implementation of a July 1, 2022 agreement on opening the border and pledged to accelerate the process.
• The two sides agreed that relevant agencies will conduct technical studies to restore and operate the Gyumri–Kars railway and power transmission line.
• They also committed to boosting cultural and academic cooperation, including student scholarships and the joint restoration of the historic Ani/Silk Road bridge.
• The envoys agreed to facilitate new airline routes starting in summer 2026, expanding flight connections between the two countries.

The big picture
Both representatives underscored their commitment to continue the process without preconditions.

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RE:PUBLIC PRESS

May 20, 2026, 06:54 PM

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Armenia to Remove Mount Ararat Image from Border Stamps in November

Driving the news
Starting November 1, 2025, Armenia’s entry and exit border stamps will no longer feature the image of Mount Ararat or any other details unrelated to border control, according to a government decision.

Why it matters
The change was approved by the Cabinet on September 11 as part of a package of items not subject to debate. The new stamps will contain only information directly linked to border crossings.

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RE:PUBLIC PRESS

May 20, 2026, 06:54 PM

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Catholicos Karekin II Raises Artsakh Armenians, POWs in Meeting with Pope Leo XIV

Driving the news
Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II, met Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo today. During their conversation, Karekin II brought up the plight of Armenians displaced from Artsakh, the risk to Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage there, and the urgent need for the release of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in Azerbaijan. He also invited the Pope to visit Armenia.

What they’re saying
• According to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Karekin II expressed confidence that relations between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Roman Catholic Church “will continue to develop in the same fraternal spirit and warmth, leading to new and good joint achievements.”
• He recalled historical points of cooperation.

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RE:PUBLIC PRESS

May 20, 2026, 06:54 PM

Parliament Speaker: Transit Talks Should Prioritize Opening Routes, Not Border Formalities

Driving the news:
Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan addressed questions about whether Armenians traveling through Azerbaijan would encounter Azerbaijani border and customs officers. He said the principle of reciprocity applies, but argued that the focus should remain on opening transit routes as quickly as possible.

What they’re saying:
• Simonyan pushed back on the framing of the question: “I don’t like your way of thinking. I’m not blaming you personally, but I don’t like your way of thinking.”
• He stressed reciprocity but added: “We shouldn’t think that way… Azerbaijan believes—rightly or wrongly—that Armenia occupied 20% of its territory for 30 years. It’s clear Azerbaijan wants to prevent any possible future threats, even decades from now.”
• Citing Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s recent remarks, Simonyan said Aliyev doesn’t want Azerbaijani citizens to face Armenian officials when transiting Armenia. He described this as an attempt to minimize sensitive contacts during a fragile phase of rebuilding trust.
• “That doesn’t mean in five or ten years there will still be a need for it,” Simonyan added, expressing confidence Armenians and Azerbaijanis will eventually interact freely and even trade with each other.
• Asked again whether Armenia would demand minimal contact for its own citizens transiting Azerbaijan, Simonyan gave no clearer answer, saying instead: “Our priority is to open communications as soon as possible. We are confident this issue is not as acute and will be resolved quickly.”
• He reassured that no dangerous goods could pass through Armenia undetected: “It’s impossible for, say, a bomb to be transported through Armenian territory without our authorities knowing.”

RE:PUBLIC PRESS

May 20, 2026, 06:54 PM

Levon Ter-Petrosyan: Control of Zangezur Transport Hub Must Rest Solely with Armenia

Driving the news:
Former Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrosyan urged using the term “Zangezur transport hub” instead of “Zangezur corridor,” saying the latter causes public concern. He insisted that control over this hub be exercised exclusively by Armenia. According to him, Armenia can still guarantee uninterrupted political and economic access for interested states under international law. He called for active cooperation from its strategic partners: Russia, the U. S., and Iran. Ter-Petrosyan also argued that issues between great powers are generally easier to resolve than between smaller states, citing past crises and arms reduction agreements to illustrate.

What they’re saying:
• Ter-Petrosyan: “Control … must be exercised exclusively by Armenia.” He rejects the “corridor” phrasing and instead prefers “transport hub.”
• He believes Armenia is capable, under international law, of ensuring smooth operation for other states’ political and economic interests through the route, while retaining sovereignty.
• He expects strategic partners—Russia, the U. S., and Iran—to cooperate, regardless of their disputes.

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RE:PUBLIC PRESS

May 20, 2026, 06:54 PM

Azerbaijan Shoots and Arrests One of the Few Remaining Armenians in Stepanakert

Driving the news
Azerbaijani police arrested ethnic Armenian Karen Avanesyan in Stepanakert, wounding him during the operation, according to Azerbaijan’s Interior Ministry.

The ministry told the APA news agency that Avanesyan was detained “when he tried to approach the venue of an event in Stepanakert with an assault rifle.”

What they’re saying
• Azerbaijani outlets, citing police, claimed Avanesyan “showed armed resistance” during the arrest and was shot before being taken into custody, RFE/RL’s Armenian service reported.
• American journalist Lindsey Snell countered those claims, writing: “Azerbaijan shot and arrested one of the few Armenians in Stepanakert today. They say he was planning an attack, but one of the last people in Stepanakert post-exodus told me during official visits, Armenians are rounded up and held under armed guard. Today was such a visit.”

The big picture
Few Armenians remain in Stepanakert following last year’s mass deportations. Reports of arrests during official visits raise concerns that those left behind face intimidation and targeting under Azerbaijani control.

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May 20, 2026, 06:54 PM

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Palestinian Foreign Minister Becomes Target of Ethnic Smear Over Armenian Background

Driving the news:
Dr. Varsen Ohannes Vartan Aghabekian Shahin, the Foreign Minister of the Palestinian Authority, has been subjected to a defamatory campaign rooted in her Armenian heritage.

What they’re saying:
• A member of the Muslim Brotherhood, Dr. Huthaifa Abdalla, posted on social media: “Imagine the Foreign Minister of Palestine being named Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. Find even one Arab name in hers — and win ten thousand dollars!”
• Representatives of the Armenian diaspora condemned the post, calling such discriminatory and insulting comments unacceptable.

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