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Author: Arsine Chaltikian

Tensions in Tehran-Baku Relations: Iran’s New Transit Routes in Armenia and the Caspian Sea

Arsine Chaltikian
Jamestown Foundation
Oct 27 2021

October 27, 2021 07:32 PM Age: 18 hours

Although many observers assumed that the recent uptick in tensions between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan (see EDM, October 6) would die down following the telephone calls between Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov (Al Jazeera, October 13), subsequent public remarks by the latter country’s President Ilham Aliyev again incensed Tehran. In his comments at an October 15 session of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Aliyev mentioned that Azerbaijan “has blocked a drug trafficking route from Iran through [the] Jabrayil district of Azerbaijan to Armenia and further to Europe” (Azernews, October 15). In reaction to this statement, Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani said that, “Ignoring the principles and requirements of the neighborhood and making false and unconstructive statements is not a sign of good faith and prudence” (Mehrnews, October 15). Weeks earlier, responding to an interview the Azerbaijani president gave to the Turkish outlet Anadolu Agency, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Saeed Khatibzadeh, declared, “Aliyev’s remarks are surprising because they come at a time when Tehran and Baku have good relations based on mutual respect and there are normal channels through which the two sides can talk at the highest level” (Anadolu Agency, September 28).

The recent antagonism between Tehran and Baku has had several consequences, including, notably, pushing Iran to seek out alternative transit routes to reach Armenia (and Georgia) as well as Russia. The catalyst was the Azerbaijani government’s decision to place restrictions on Iranian trucks traveling via the Goris–Kapan highway—a key segment of the main land route that links southern and northern Armenia and is part of a 400-kilometer road network stretching from Norduz, Iran, to the Armenian capital. Much of this highway straddles a disputed section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border (see EDM, May 18, June 21) or turns deeply into Azerbaijani territory outright. Following the Second Karabakh War (September 27–November 9, 2020), roughly 21 km of that Soviet-era road in Armenia’s Syunik region, has been under Azerbaijani control.

Disputed area of Azerbaijan and Armenia on the Goris-Kapan road. Red: Armenia. Blue: Azerbaijan. White Lines: Lachin Corridor. Purple: Karabakh under Russian peacekeeping force. (Source: Ana-Press)

Since early 2021, Azerbaijan has been setting up border guard posts and erecting signs reading “Welcome to Azerbaijan” on its sections of the highway and, on August 25, blockaded a section of it for nearly 48 hours. The situation was resolved with the help of Russian border guards, who patrol the Armenian side of the border (EurasiaNet, September 7). After these developments, Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee stated that Iranian vehicles traveling along the Goris–Kapan highway are subject to a “state duty [$130] for the issuance of a permit regulating international road transport in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan” (Customs.gov.az, September 13). Iranian truck drivers protested, saying that their destination was Armenia and not the Republic of Azerbaijan; moreover, they already have to pay a toll at the Norduz-Moghari Border Gate, on the border between Iran and Armenia, so they should not need to pay again. The vehement opposition and resistance of some Iranian drivers led to two arrests by Azerbaijani forces, further straining relations between Tehran and Baku.

Goris-Kapan highway (Source: topcor.ru)

In response, the Iranian government decided to define alternative routes to prevent the disruption of Iranian transit and trade with Armenia, Georgia, Russia and the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). The first alternative land corridor is the Tatev–Aghvani route, which entirely bypasses Azerbaijani territory. Iran has announced it would complete the unfinished portion of this road inside Armenia. And a technical delegation led by the head of Iran’s Construction and Development of Transport Infrastructures Company, Deputy Minister Kheirollah Khademi, visited Armenia to discuss completion of the Tatev–Aghvani route. Moreover, Iran has offered financial and technical support to Armenia, which plans to build a 550 km North–South Road Corridor that will traverse the entire country, beginning at the Iranian-Armenian border, but, critically, not cross into Azerbaijani territory (Fars News, October 4). Of course, it should be noted that the Tatev–Aghvani road was used prior to the recent developments along the Goris–Kapan highway. However, the Tatev–Aghvani route is notorious for its steep slopes and narrow passes that trucks have a difficult time traversing, particularly in rainy and snowy conditions. As such, the governments of Iran and Armenia hope to wholly reconstruct and improve the safety of this highway, specifically with truck transit in mind.

North-South Road Corridor in Armenia (Source: upgyumri.org)

Iran’s second reaction to the Azerbaijani restrictions placed on the Goris–Kapan highway was to strengthen the Caspian Sea as a maritime alternative to the north-south land route across Azerbaijan to Russia. Thus, the director general of the Gilan Ports and Maritime Organization, Hamidreza Abaei, noted, “The destination of [Iranian] trucks carrying export goods is mainly Russia; a small number of trucks have Armenia and Azerbaijan as their final destinations. Given the problems created by Azerbaijan for Iranian trucks, the best-case scenario would be that all Iranian trucks reach Russia or Armenia directly by sea” (Eghtesad Online, October 6). To achieve this, Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) on cooperation in launching Caspian Sea shipping lines from Iran to Russia and Kazakhstan. Accordingly, in the first phase, six lines will be launched from the northern ports of Iran to the ports of Astrakhan and Makhachkala in Russia, as well as the port of Aktau in Kazakhstan as of October 23. In the second phase, by the end of the current Iranian calendar year (late March 2022), the number of these lines will increase to eight (Port News, October 15).

If the land corridor is important for Iran’s trade and transit with Armenia and Georgia, the maritime route is crucial for Iran’s transit and trade with Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union. In particular, negotiations are underway to convert the Iran-EEU Preferential Trade Agreement into a free trade agreement, which is expected to take effect in November 2022. Tehran is worried that its ability to increase the volume of trade with the EEU, especially Russia, will be hampered by restrictions on the land transit routes across the Caucasus.

The outcome of the Second Karabakh War inadvertently brought to the fore old and new tensions and disputes between Iran and Azerbaijan. If these remain unresolved, they threaten to derail ongoing planning and development on multiple strategic, trans-border transit projects, including the North-South International Transit Corridor (Iran-Azerbaijan-Russia) as well as the completion of the Rasht–Astara railroad—the sole remaining rail piece of this corridor. In contrast, progress on the Tatev–Aghvani road promises to strengthen bilateral relations between Iran and Armenia, which were somewhat damaged during the Second Karabakh War, as well as facilitate the development of the Persian Gulf–Black Sea Transit Corridor via Armenia and Georgia.

Dr. Vali Kaleji is an expert on Central Asia and Caucasian Studies in Tehran, Iran. 

 

Chess: Grand Swiss: Armenia’s Robert Hovhannisyan is half point away from sole leader

Arsine Chaltikian
News.am, Armenia
Oct 29 2021

In the third round of the FIDE Chess.com Grand Swiss taking place in Riga, Robert Hovhannisyan, one of Armenia’s representatives, defeated Russian chess player Sanan Syugirov, scored 2.5 points and shares the 2nd-7th places. The sole leader is France’s Iranian chess player Alireza Firouzja (3 points).

Gabriel Sargsyan outscored Ukrainian Martin Krawziv and has 2 points. Manuel Petrosyan and Levon Aronian, who ended their matches with ties in the third round, also have two points each and share 8th-42nd places.

In the third round, Sergey Movsesyan, Samvel Ter-Sahakyan and Hayk M. Martirosyan also tied their matches and each scored 1 point.

The championship consists of 11 rounds. The two chess players who shared first place will score passes to the championship for contenders for world champion.

Opening of Apostolic Nunciature of Holy See in Yerevan important stimulus for Armenia-Vatican relations – PM Pashinyan

Arsine Chaltikian

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 19:03,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 28, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State at the Holy See, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra and the delegation led by him. The meeting was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the Vatican Karen Nazaryan and the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See Archbishop José Avelino Bettencourt, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Offic eof the Prime Minister.

In his welcoming remarks PM Pashinyan said,

“Your Excellency, dear members of the delegation,

Welcome to the Republic of Armenia. I would like to reaffirm our readiness and determination to develop interstate relations with the Holy See, and I am glad that the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See was officially opened in Yerevan yesterday. It will be a very strong impetus for our relationship.

Our relations have deep historical basis, and they are also based on common Christian values, which is a very important fact. In this regard, I would like to thank you for the important positions expressed by the Holy See during the 44-day war. I also attach great importance to our cooperation in the preservation of the Armenian cultural and Christian cultural heritage in the territories under the control of Azerbaijan.

We are grateful to His Holiness for his commitment to deepen our bilateral relations. I remember, of course, our telephone conversation with His Holiness during the difficult time. Please convey my greetings to His Holiness and to Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin. I welcome you again, I am glad for this opportunity to meet and discuss the issues on the agenda of our relations”.

The Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State at the Holy See said in his turn,

“Thank you, honorable Mr. Prime Minister. Today is the second and last day of my visit. I was in Yerevan on the occasion of the opening of the Holy See Embassy, the Apostolic Nunciature, and took the opportunity to meet with the Armenian authorities. Thank you very much for hosting me and our delegation.

I would like to thank you for this meeting and emphasize that the opening of the Holy See's Apostolic Nunciature will continue to strengthen our bilateral relations, especially in the areas we have already discussed in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other state bodies that are important for our relations.

His Holiness and Cardinal Parolin convey greetings and best wishes to personally you and the Republic of Armenia. We will continue to cooperate on our common agenda, focusing on a number of important issues, including the issue of Armenian war prisoners”.

The Prime Minister thanked for the Pope’s calls for the immediate release of the Armenian prisoners of war held by Azerbaijan, and his readiness to continue the steps taken in this direction, emphasizing that international support is needed to resolve the issue.

The interlocutors exchanged views on Armenia-Vatican relations and regional issues. Nikol Pashinyan noted that the Armenian government is committed to the agenda of opening a peaceful era in the region, but the commitment of all the involved parties to that process is important. Both sides highlighted the contribution of the Holy See and Armenia to the maintenance of global peace.

Edgar Peña Parra assured that the Holy See will continue its efforts to preserve the Armenian religious and cultural heritage in the territories under the control of Azerbaijan and to resolve the issue of the return of Armenian prisoners of war.

The Prime Minister attached importance to the fraternal ties between the Roman Catholic, Armenian Apostolic and Armenian Catholic Churches, which is a solid foundation for Armenia-Vatican relations. Nikol Pashinyan expressed confidence that this dynamic will be maintained and will further develop as a result of the opening of the diplomatic mission of the Vatican in Armenia.

Australian MP calls to condemn Azerbaijan’s belligerent actions and war crimes

Arsine Chaltikian
Public Radio of Armenia
Oct 25 2021
, 13:18

 2 minutes read

Australia’s former Defense Minister, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP has risen in the Parliament’s Federation Chamber calling on Australia to publicly condemn Azerbaijan’s belligerent actions and war crimes on the first anniversary of the 2020 Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) War, reported the Armenian National Committee of Australia.

The Federal Member for Hunter, who is Co-Convenor of the Armenia-Australia Inter-Parliamentary Union (Friendship Group/Caucus) and a member of the Australian Friends of Artsakh network, made his important comments as part of an address in Australia’s Parliament on 25th October 2021.

Fitzgibbon highlighted the efforts undertaken by Armenian-Australians to raise awareness about Azerbaijan’s Turkish-backed aggression and called on Australia to take action.

“Armenian-Australians have joined the diaspora around the world in calling for the international community to call out Azerbaijan to stop their belligerent activities. Australia should do just that,” Fitzgibbon said.

“A number of countries, including France, the USA and bodies such as the European Parliament have rightly publicly condemned Azerbaijan’s deliberate violations of international law,” he added.

“We should join with the many across the globe by making our opinions about the situation in Artsakh well-known and by recognising the right of self-determination for the people of Artsakh.”

The three-minute statement began with Fitzgibbon reflecting on Azerbaijan’s indiscriminate attacks on the indigenous Armenian homeland, which began on 27th September 2020.

“The Azerbaijani invasion resulted in the death of around 5000 young Armenian men, Azerbaijani forces destroyed civilian infrastructure, including hundreds of schools and places of worship. More than 100,000 civilians have been displaced,” Fitzgibbon said, while going on to acknowledge the devastating effects and trauma the 44-day war has had on the Armenian-Australian community.

“The Armenian-Australian community has been in an overwhelming state of devastation, shock and despair, as they have witnessed their homeland desecrated at the hands of Azerbaijani forces, including paid Turkish-backed Syrian mercenaries.”

“This conflict is a test for the robustness of our international architecture and the rule-based order we all rely so much upon. We must pass the test,” Fitzgibbon concluded.

The Armenian National Committee of Australia’s (ANC-AU) Executive Director, Haig Kayserian thanked Fitzgibbon for his remarks.

“As Australia’s former Defence Minister, Mr. Joel Fitzgibbon is an ally for peace and his comments speak volumes of the atrocities being faced by Armenians in the homeland,” Kayserian said.

“We thank Mr Fitzgibbon for putting the concerns of Armenian-Australians on the public record in our nation’s Parliament, as we do what we can as a community to support our brothers and sisters in the Republics of Artsakh and Armenia.”

Newsroom Human rights and women in the armed forces in Armenia – phase II

Arsine Chaltikian
Council of Europe
Oct 25 2021

YEREVAN 25 OCTOBER 2021

© Council of Europe

Two animation films, namely about military service of women and about the social guarantees for military servicepersons in the armed forces of Armenia were produced within the framework of the Council of Europe’s Project “Human Rights and Women in the Armed Forces of Armenia-Phase II’’. The films are developed in close cooperation with the Ministry of Defence and the Human Rights Defender’s Office of Armenia.  The activity supports the implementation of the Action Plan of the Human Rights Protection National Strategy for 2020-2022.

The first film introduces the topics of equal military service opportunities for women, possibilities to combine professional duty with personal life, and women’s engagement in peacekeeping missions. The second animation film puts emphasis on the system of social guarantees and benefits for all military servicepersons, highlighting housing allowance and free healthcare and medical services available for military staff of the armed forces. More information about the social guarantees in the armed forces of Armenia will be presented in part II of the second film to be developed.

The animation films will be broadcasted by TV program “Zinuj” of the Defence Ministry of the Republic of Armenia shown at Armenian Public TV. The films will be also demonstrated in the military units as well as other relevant institutions.

The films are available online in Armenian language with English subtitles:

  • Military service of women
  • The system of social guarantees and benefits for military servicepersons (Part I)

The Project “Human Rights and Women in the Armed Forces in Armenia – Phase II’’ is implemented by the Council of Europe within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2019-2022. Action Plan level funding is provided by Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Sweden.

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 22-10-21

Arsine Chaltikian

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 17:40,

YEREVAN, 22 OCTOBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 22 October, USD exchange rate up by 0.01 drams to 476.48 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.16 drams to 554.77 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.05 drams to 6.75 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 0.21 drams to 657.69 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 20.49 drams to 27257.43 drams. Silver price up by 4.22 drams to 371.18 drams. Platinum price up by 0.33 drams to 15977.91 drams.

Unknown Arshile Gorky painting discovered during routine maintenance

Arsine Chaltikian
Public Radio of Armenia
Oct 22 2021
, 14:17


A pair of conservators uncovered a lost Arshile Gorky canvas behind a painting on paper by the late Abstract Expressionist during routine maintenance,  Artnet News  reports.

“This discovery is the sort of moment that drew so many of us to art in the first place—the wonder and surprise, the invitation to think beyond what we already know, hints of new horizons,” Marc Payot, president of Hauser and Wirth, which will debut the work in a non-selling exhibition in New York next month, told Artnet News in an email.

The painting, which has been dubbed Untitled (Virginia Summer), is being added to a new Gorky catalogue raisonné, due out this month from the artist’s foundation.

When Gorky finished the painting on paper, The Limit (1947), he was in quite a prolific period, making a new work every day. As a result, it appears he was short on materials, and, lacking a stretched canvas to work on, simply placed it atop the earlier work now identified as Untitled (Virginia Summer).

It’s quite possible that this isn’t the only painting the artist obscured this way. “Curators of museums: It’s not a bad idea to take it out of the basement or off the wall, look behind, and see if you’ve got two paintings instead of one,” Matthew Spender, the artist’s son-in-law and author of From a High Place: A Life of Arshile Gorky, told the New York Times.

Gorky used glue along the edges and kraft paper tape, an adhesive designed for easy removal, to affix The Limit onto the canvas, presumably as a temporary measure. But when the artist died the following year, Virginia Summer stayed covered, lost to art history for over seven decades.

Conservators Michaela Ritter and Olivier Masson of the Swiss restoration studio Masson and Ritter undertook the painstaking work of peeling back The Limit to reveal the painting underneath. They then constructed a new stretcher on which to safely display the delicate work on paper.

“Arshile Gorky. Beyond the Limit” will be on view at Hauser and Wirth, 542 West 22nd Street, New York, November 16–December 23, 2021. 



First Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Armenia presents credentials to President Sarkissian

Arsine Chaltikian

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 14:41,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. New Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Armenia Alie Badara Kamara (residence in Tehran, Iran) presented his credentials to President Armen Sarkissian on October 20, the President’s Office said in a statement.

President Sarkissian congratulated the Ambassador on appointment, expressing hope that he, as the first Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Armenia, will contribute to the development of the relations between the two countries.

Touching upon the prospective directions of cooperation, the sides highlighted the fields of education, science and culture. They also emphasized the importance of partnership between Armenia and Sierra Leone within international organizations.

Alie Badara Kamara assured that during his mission he will make maximum efforts to boost the cooperation between Armenia and Sierra Leone.

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Hippest Bars in Yerevan: Our Top Picks of Where to Hang Out in EVN

Arsine Chaltikian
Oct 13 2021
POSTED ON OCTOBER 13, 2021 BY MEGAN STARR
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Yerevan has a burgeoning nightlife scene and many of the bars and places to hang out have a unique vibe that gives the Armenian capital a vibe that isn’t present anywhere else. These are our top picks of the hippest bars in Yerevan and places that you will WANT to hang out at.

The capital city has always had an unparalleled cafe scene but recently, the bars that started opening around Yerevan have really put themselves on the map. The vibes are cool, rarely pretentious, and they will keep you occupied for a fun night out in the Armenian metropolis.

KONG Yerevan

This is a guide to some of the coolest Yerevan bars and places to chill out.  We didn’t list nightclubs or pubs on here but you can check out our Yerevan beer guide if you’re keen to dive into the city’s craft beer scene.

If coffee is more your speed, be sure to take a glance at our Yerevan cafes guide or our guide to the best coffee in Yerevan.

Are you a new business in Yerevan and want us to stop by and check it out?  Please send us a message or drop us a comment and we will come by for a drink as soon as we can!

One of our favorite new places in Yerevan is Kong.

Kong is a cafe and cocktail bar that has some of the coolest decor we’ve seen… anywhere.  The vibe is a bit of Bali mixed with Miami mixed with old Yerevan.  They have hired outstanding bartenders and their cocktail menu is nothing short of superb.  We recommend the drink ‘Africa’ or ‘Native’ (Native uses Armenian ingredients).

You will find DJs and a fashionable crowd on weekends.  The weekdays are pretty busy too as the place is newer, so be sure to book a table if you’re absolutely keen on visiting.  There are three exceptionally standout things about Kong, however.

The first is that the place is non-smoking.  Yerevan is slowly converting to banning smoking in bars and restaurants but Kong has taken it a step forward and done away with it themselves.

The second thing that really stands out about Kong is that they don’t use plastic.  The straws are made from paper and you won’t find plastic used around the bar.  This is very important to note as Armenia slowly makes changes to how they treat the environment and Kong is setting the benchmark.

And lastly, Kong has outstanding food.  The menu is inspired by Southeast Asia and the chef hails from that part of the world.  Don’t be scared to check out the Thai red curry or Nasi goreng… both are fantastic and bursting with flavor.  The poke bowls are fresh and a welcome change from menus around Yerevan.  They also have bao buns for appetizers.

You can find Kong Cafe & Cocktail Room at 3/1 Abovyan Street (you must go upstairs).  To find out more, check out their Facebook page.

The place we hang out the most in Yerevan is undoubtedly Epicure.  We not only drink there, but we also work and pretty much live in the place.

Epicure’s staff doesn’t have a high turnover rate which says a lot about the management of the place.  We feel like part of the family there.

The decor at Epicure is cozy but cool.  There is a wooden finish inside with spacious tables and an area for a DJ.  They also have really fast wifi and it is a great place to work from during the days (just be cognizant if you’re taking up a lot of space working in the evenings and they can’t fit other customers).

Epicure

Epicure has an ever-changing menu with really fantastic soups and salads (and more).  I love their mushroom soup as well as their brussel sprouts salad.  If you’re a cocktail lover, you’re in luck!

They have really skilled bartenders who can whip up some tasty drinks for your crew.  We recommend the Yerevan Mule or the Syunik Old-Fashion, both are made entirely of authentic, local Armenian ingredients and are stellar.

If you follow Epicure on Facebook, you will see that they regularly have cool events happening and it is truly one of the best bars in Yerevan to hang out at.  It is also a non-smoking bar.

Another Yerevan nightlife favorite of ours is 2nd Floor.  This popular Yerevan bar popped up last year and has been a hit ever since… they have even opened up a second location downstairs, aptly called ‘1st Floor’ that specializes in wine and delicious food (the tomato soup is killer).

What separates 2nd Floor from the rest is the concept.  It is part bar, part restaurant, part vinyl shop.  But, the vibe is always cool.

2nd Floor Yerevan

You will find a menu brimming with tasty soups and salads and a drink menu that has just as palatable non-alcoholic cocktails

You can find 2nd Floor at 3/1 Abovyan Street (go upstairs to find).  To find out more, check out their Facebook page.

One of Yerevan’s most popular bars is Calumet Ethnic Lounge and it has been that way for many years.  This bar has become a staple on the Yerevan nightlife scene and it is just as popular amongst travelers as it is amongst the locals.

Calumet is known for its quirky setting and laid-back vibes.  They often have live music and once you walk in, you will see bean bags and cushions for guests to chill out on the floor instead of uncomfortable, stiff seats.

They offer an array of drinks inside and you will find one of the most international mixtures of people in all of Yerevan.  That alone makes Calumet worth your visit!  Also, be sure to check out their pizza if you’re hungry for a quick bite to eat.

Forewarning- Calumet can get rather smoky when crowded but it is actively embracing the new no-smoking laws that will soon come into effect in Yerevan.

You can find Calumet Ethnic Lounge at 56a Pushkin Street.  To find out more, check out their Facebook group.

Another newbie on the Yerevan nightlife scene is Roomz, a quirky bar and hangout space that is exactly what its name suggests- rooms.  As you walk in, you will first be drawn to the high ceilings of the historic Yerevan building.  As you enter the doors to the actual bar, you will see a long hallway with several different rooms off of it.

Waveroom at Roomz

There is a Jungle room with green lighting and palm decor.  You have large rooms with colorful wall art that popular bar Enoteca and Yerevan cafe Malocco occupy.  Then you also have rooms where you can get a burger, a craft beer, and more.

This is truly an innovative and cool space in Yerevan.  They have great working wifi and will often have DJs on the weekends.

You can find Roomz at 38 Pushkin Street.  To find out more, check out their Facebook page.

A recent addition to Yerevan, Yar has come in and created one of the best terrace atmospheres in the entire city.

During the summer, you’ll find them situated behind a building near the Cascades with a nice outdoor bar and cozy seating.

Yar

One of the best things about Yar is that there is also a cafe and a coworking space in the vicinity.  This bar is becoming a Yerevan favorite and we enjoy going there as the entire property has become somewhat of a cultural hub in Yerevan.

You can find Yar at Isahakyan 44.  To find out more, check out their Facebook page.

In the city center, you will find Mirzoyan Library, a creative space where you can enjoy a coffee, drinks, DJs, and art exhibitions (and more!).  Mirzoyan Library has really capitalized on the space where they are located and it gives off a cool Yerevan vibe with its hidden location inside of an old building.

Mirzoyan Library in Yerevan

Mirzoyan Library hosts many events and lectures and always has a packed schedule full of things to do.  One of our favorite Yerevan events, the Urvakan Festival, uses the space for DJs and parties.

Nevertheless, Mirzoyan Library is definitely a cool place to check out and the locals love it.

You can find 10 Mher Mkrtchyan Street.  To find out more, check out their Facebook page.

If you are in Yerevan for a few days, it would be remiss of you to not stop by Kond House one evening.  Located in an old, Yerevan building in the Kond District of the capital city, the place is a little bit of everything but a whole lot of cool.

Kond House is a restaurant, bar, hostel, and meeting space.  They have rooms there for those looking to overnight and the rooftop even has a pool which is not very common in Yerevan.  In the summer evenings, you will feel the chilled vibes by hanging out at one of their rooftop parties.  In the winter, you can cozy up by the fireplace in the restaurant and bar area.

Kond House rooftop

The Kond District is a historic part of Yerevan that is often overlooked.  Kond House will give you a taste of the district, so do be sure to stop by this Yerevan bar when you’re in EVN.

You can find Kond House at 46 Leo Street.  To find out more, check out their Facebook page.

Summer 2019 saw the bar ‘Rio’ open its doors in Yerevan and it has been a whopping success ever since.  The colorful Brazilian bar began as an outdoor terrace with live music and festivities and has slowly grown into a place where you can even hang out in winter.

Rio Bar

Located right off of Saryan Street, Rio Bar has typical Brazilian drinks and small eats.  There is a stage for live music and artists to perform and the place is non-smoking (don’t worry, smokers, there is a room for you closed off behind!)

Rio is a place where people from all over the world can mingle together and have a light-hearted and good time.  This has become one of our favorite bars in Yerevan since its opening.

You can find Rio Bar at Saryan 16.  To find out more, check out their Facebook page.

If cocktails get you excited, then you definitely can’t miss Simona.  This underground bar is located off of Aram Street and it has gained a cult following from those that love mixed drinks and good music.

Simona’s bartenders are some of best mixologists in Yerevan and they will skillfully serve you one of the best drinks you’ve ever had.  Be sure to ask them for something with local, Ararat Brandy in it.

Moscow mules at Simona

At Simona, smoking is permitted currently and it can become rather hard to breathe if you’re there later in the evening.  This will likely change once the smoking laws are introduced in Yerevan, but for now, if you’re a non-smoker or bothered by cigarette smoke, stop by earlier in the evening.

You can find Simona at 80 Aram Street.  To find out more, check out their Facebook page.

Another bar with one of the best array of drinks in Yerevan is 1880 bar & more, a hip bar located at the start of Saryan Street but still on Moskovyan Street.

1880 opened in 2019 and the interior and decor are some of the most beautiful in Yerevan, so stopping in is definitely worth it if you like photogenic places with gorgeously built bars and seating areas.

1880 bar & more

They also have a menu where you can find international dishes at an affordable price.  1880 is a great place to start your evening rocking up and down Saryan finding Yerevan’s best bars and nightlife.

You can find 1880 bar & more at 28 Moskovyan Street.  

Kond House

These are some of the best bars in Yerevan and we will continue to add to this guide as we see fit and as new, hip places open their doors in EVN.  If you have a favorite Yerevan bar, please drop it in the comments and let us know!

Russian, Azerbaijani, Armenian top diplomats discuss implementation of Karabakh agreements

Arsine Chaltikian
TASS, Russia
Oct 14 2021
The Foreign Ministry underscored that Russia welcomed the pronounced mutual intent of Armenia and Azerbaijan to normalize the bilateral relations

MOSCOW, October 14. /TASS/. The trilateral meeting of Foreign Ministers of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia took place in Minsk Thursday with Russia’s mediation, Russian Foreign Ministry said in its statement.

"Considering the upcoming anniversary of the November 9, 2020, trilateral statement of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia on full ceasefire and end of all hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict area, the sides reviewed the implementation of the trilateral agreements. The sides stated that the majority of clauses of the statements are being implemented successfully. The sides agreed to ramp up the work on the remaining issues," the Ministry said.

The Foreign Ministry underscored that Russia welcomed the pronounced mutual intent of Armenia and Azerbaijan to normalize the bilateral relations.

"Russia confirmed its readiness to facilitate this process, both as a nation, and as a co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group," the Foreign Ministry said.

The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27, 2020. On November 9, 2020, Vladimir Putin, Ilham Aliyev and Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on full cessation of hostilities. The sides stopped at their positions at the moment, a number of districts went under Baku’s control, and Russian peacekeepers were deployed at the contact line and at the so-called Lachin corridor.