Anna Sukiasyan

As you step off the plane at Yerevan's international airport, the first thing that greets you isn't a view of famed Mount Ararat. No, it's glowing, colourful advertisements for online casinos. Armenia's gambling industry isn't just booming – it's eating up the talent pool and economic future. Today,…

Given all that's happening in the world, you're forgiven if you've forgotten about one of Europe's longest-standing conflicts – between Armenia and Azerbaijan. But now, there's a (very small) chance the conflict may end. Brief reminder: Azerbaijan last defeated the Armenian military in 2020 and ethn…

Ever thought men would form clubs to discuss fatherhood? Well, it's happening in Armenia, where an EU-funded initiative opened clubs in three northern regions, offering men a space to explore what it means to be a parent. At first, sessions are led by professionals in healthcare, social work, and ps…

Wines aren't only a delicious communal drink but also carry much historical weight. And winemakers worldwide have replanted ancient varieties in a conscious effort to restore histories. Back in 2020, as the Second Karabakh War started, under bombs and shells, the Kataro winemakers, a winery once bas…

Bunka arrived at Yerevan zoo in 2017 as a seven-year-old, brought in to replace Grant, the zoo's famous elephant, who had suffered from his solitude. Now, campaigners argue that Bunka faces the same challenge, suffering psychological harm, and are advocating for his relocation to a more suitable san…

The outcome of Georgia's parliamentary election extends beyond national concerns, impacting not only the country's future and commitment to European integration but also the geopolitics of the entire South Caucasus. The results are especially awaited in Armenia, as the country is cautiously re-engag…

Armenia is set to put up a 33-metre statue of Jesus Christ on Hatis Mountain, positioning it among the largest Christ statues in the world. The project's initiator, the wealthy businessman and politician Gagik Tsarukyan, says the statue should serve as a guardian of the country and people while maki…

The Armenian word for ”friend” [ընկեր/ynker] literally means ”a person with whom you share food,” reflecting the cultural significance of communal spaces. In the capital city of Yerevan, cafés are more than just places to enjoy a coffee – they are integral to the city's social fabric and daily life.…

Armenian fathers will soon have a special day dedicated to them as a new holiday is officially added to the calendar. Starting next year, 17 June will be celebrated as Father's Day in the country. For a traditionally patriarchal society like the Armenia's, this introduction of a new holiday does mor…

The European Union has approved its first-ever financial assistance through the European Peace Facility (EPF) fund for Armenia. Following the decision, Armenia joins the list of other Eastern neighbours, such as Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, to receive special aid aimed at enhancing the countries' …

The EU has agreed to start official talks with Armenia for a visa liberalisation process for Armenian citizens. EU leaders first pledged to begin visa liberalisation talks with Yerevan and five other former Soviet republics - which - as part of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (C…

Armenia became the latest country to recognise the State of Palestine, as announced in an official statement by the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 21 June. The statement affirms Armenia's support for the UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of the c…

A highly controversial bill aiming to expand police surveillance powers has been introduced in the Armenian parliament, sparking concerns about increased state intrusion into privacy. The proposal, led by the parliament's Committee on Defence and Security, mandates that shops, cafes, restaurants, an…

Until now, chess has been the standout curricular subject taught to Armenian children in schools. However, the country's Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport recently announced that at least 16 schools will now also teach AI as an academic subject. This initiative positions Armenia amo…

At least two countries of the Moscow-led military alliance, that Armenia is a part of, have ”participated in the war preparation” against Armenia in 2020, according to the country’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. He did not clarify which countries he meant, but the statement came a day after the Be…

A group of protesters rallied from Armenia’s northeastern Tavush province towards the capital, Yerevan, spearheaded by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanian. Gastanian is the head of the Apostolic church’s Tavush diocese, the region where Armenia and Azerbaijan started their border demarcation process two we…

After more than three decades of conflict and negotiations, Armenia and Azerbaijan have taken a historic step by installing border markers near Armenia's Tavush province in the northeast. On 19 April, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan shared a photo on his Facebook account showing a single bor…

Studying Armenian history in school often meant highlighting the significance of the bronze statue of the pre-Christian goddess Anahit, proudly housed in the British Museum. Seeing the Armenian goddess of fertility displayed in the museum has inspired many Armenians to pay her a visit while in Londo…

The 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war and its aftermath had a damaging impact on socioeconomic life in Armenia, raising new concerns about a long-standing issue –  the prevalence of domestic violence. Over the past years, there has been an increase in domestic violence-related criminal proceedings, opening …