Diplomats of the“old school” with their most valuable experience gained during the Soviet period have played a major role in the making of the diplomacy of independent Armenia. One of such professionals was Ashot Melik-Shahnazaryan, who returned to Armenia from Moscow in 1992

Vladimir Karmirshalyan is one of the most experienced Armenian diplomats. The Regional Post spoke to Mr. Karmirshalyan about his career in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the Soviet era and the establishment of the MFA following Armenia’s Independence.

Summarizing results of the first quarter century of Armenia's independence in various spheres.

In November 1991, the Republic of Lithuania signed an agreement of diplomatic relations with a newly established independent Republic of Armenia. This might look like an ordinary diplomatic routine, but the fact is that Lithuania became the first ever state to recognize the independence of Armenia. This year both countries celebrate the 25th anniversary of independence and 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations. But how would the relationship between the two countries develop a century later? How deep our countries cooperate in the 21st century? We talked about this with the Ambassador of Lithuania in Armenia, Mr. Erikas Petrikas.

It is hard to surprise Armenians with political protests. Street rallies, demonstrations, clashes between police and the protesters are almost as usual part of Yerevan life as overcrowded minibuses or open air cafes. But what happened this July was unprecedented for Armenia. a group of armed men, who declared an armed uprising, seized a police building, kept control of it for two weeks, while thousands of their supporters rallied outside. The July events represented probably the most serious internal political crisis in Armenia, since the post-election protests of 2008.

Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church arrived in Armenia on June 24. He was invited by His Holiness Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan. Armenia became the 24th country Pope visited.