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FC Yerevan defeats Turkish champion Şişli 4:1 in UEFA Futsal Champions League. In an impressive display of skill and determination, the Armenian futsal team "Yerevan" secured a 4:1 victory over the Turkish champions "Şişli" during the third round of Group D in the UEFA Futsal Champions League preliminary qualifying round. This crucial win brings Yerevan's record to two victories and one defeat, allowing them to finish in 2nd place in their group.

Vazgen Sargsyan passionately emphasizes the critical importance of Armenia's independence, reminding us of the sacrifices made and the enduring strength of the Armenian spirit.

Thirty-four years ago, Armenia declared its independence from the Soviet Union, marking a pivotal moment in its history and the start of a new era of sovereignty. On August 23, 1990, the Supreme Council of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Armenia adopted a 12-point Declaration that became the foundation of the Republic of Armenia. This Declaration of Independence, together with the Constitution of Armenia, forms the cornerstone of the nation’s legal framework. The Republic of Armenia is dedicated to realizing the Armenian people’s right to an independent and sovereign state, as promised in this Declaration. It also emphasizes Armenia's commitment to protecting the rights and interests of the Artsakh Armenians. This commitment arises from Artsakh’s decision to exercise its right to self-determination, as guaranteed by the USSR Constitution, and its choice to reunite with Armenia. Artsakh has historically been an integral part of Armenia, and the desire to reunite is driven by the need to overcome the constant threat of physical annihilation. Over the years, Azerbaijan has repeatedly shown genocidal intent towards Artsakh, as seen in the massacres in Shushi (1920), Sumgait, Gandzak (1988), Baku (1990), and Maragha (1992). These acts were further compounded by a discriminatory policy during the Soviet era, including efforts to stifle socio-economic development in the NKAO, depopulate the region, destroy and appropriate Armenian cultural heritage, and block NKAO’s attempts at self-determination and reunification with Soviet Armenia. Rooted in these historical realities, the Declaration of Independence stands as a non-negotiable document, resolute in its defense of Armenia’s sovereignty and the rights of its people, including those of Artsakh.

The tallest statue of Jesus Christ, standing 33 meters high on a 44-meter pedestal, will soon rise on Mount Hatis in Armenia. Preparations for its installation are nearing completion. The project was initiated by businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party and former MP. Ground was broken for the monument in July 2022, in the presence of then-Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan and the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization, Zurab Pololikashvili. While the government approved the project, the Armenian Church disapproved, stating that the installation of a Christ statue does not align with the ‘centuries-old worship traditions’ of the Armenian Church.

"Who needs Armenians, besides ourselves? No one. Armenia should develop its economy and focus on its own resources. What France, what Macron? Tomorrow he will be gone, and everyone will forget about Armenia." Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated in an interview that Armenia should focus on developing its economy and relying on its own resources, as no one else will support them. Lukashenko also claimed that some post-Soviet countries seek to take advantage of Russia without offering anything in return. He made these remarks in an interview with the "Russia" TV channel, where he called for unity among CIS countries and criticized some members for their unfair attitude toward Russia. He emphasized that there will come a time when CIS countries will turn to Russia and Belarus for help again. "Who in America or the EU is waiting for products from Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan? No one. And Armenia? Besides us, who needs it? Nobody. Let them develop their economy and rely on their own resources. What France or Macron? Tomorrow, Macron will be gone, and everyone will forget about Armenia," Lukashenko stated.

The US Embassy will provide $74,000 through the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation to the Matenadaran—the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts—for the preservation of rare manuscripts and archival documents produced in ancient Armenian monasteries in Artsakh. US Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien announced this during a visit to Yereruyk Basilica in Armenia’s Shirak region. Ambassador Kvien, along with the Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport, officials, and representatives from the Shirak region and the Anipemza community, visited and toured the historic site of Yereruyk Basilica.

"Patriotism Starts with Knowing Your Homeland"—words we all know, and they couldn’t be more true. You never really understand how deeply you can fall in love with your homeland until you explore it for yourself. That’s why our correspondent Gaya Sarkisian spent the weekend in the Dimats mountains, uncovering hidden spots to share with you. Watch the video, then pack your backpack and start your own adventure through Armenia! Special thanks to Jeep Tour Armenia for providing the incredible tour.

BREAKING: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accuses Armenia of sabotaging November 9 agreement In an interview with Russia’s Channel One, Lavrov criticized the Armenian leadership for allegedly violating agreements concerning the Syunik region of Armenia, specifically referencing the so-called Zangezur corridor. "Unfortunately, the Armenian leadership is sabotaging the agreements that were reached and signed under the leadership of Prime Minister Pashinyan. It is very difficult to understand the logic behind such a position. However, I am convinced that the foundation laid within the framework of the trilateral meetings and documents remains relevant," Lavrov noted. It is necessary to note that both Azerbaijan and Russia violated the November 9 agreement in its entirety from the very moment of its signing. These breaches ultimately led to the ethnic cleansing in Artsakh in 2023, forcing the entire population of the region to abandon their homeland. It is no coincidence that the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, made an informal visit to Azerbaijan on August 18th, where the two leaders discussed their vision of stability in the Transcaucasus region and emphasized the significance of the relationship between Russia and Azerbaijan.

The entire territory of Lebanon has been left without electricity. The last operating power plant shut down due to a lack of fuel. The closure of the plant was reported by the Lebanese energy corporation Électricité du Liban, as per the Jerusalem Post. As a result, energy supply across the country has ceased, affecting major cities and critical infrastructure, including Beirut's airport, seaport, water pumps, and sewage systems. Residents have already been urged to "conserve water as much as possible" in light of the expected supply reduction. Électricité du Liban controls 90% of electricity production in Lebanon. The company has promised to resume the operation of the non-functional power plants as soon as fuel becomes available. The government previously announced that a new batch of fuel could be delivered on August 20.

Actor Gevorg Grigoryan becomes the first Armenian to reach Mt. Pobeda, the highest Peak in the Tian Shan range. According to Gevorg’s Facebook post, the ascent took seven days and the descent four—eleven days of struggle, not just for the summit but for survival. Mt. Pobeda, also known as Jengish Chokusu or Victory Peak, is the highest mountain in the Tian Shan range, standing at 7,439 meters (24,406 ft). It straddles the China-Kyrgyzstan border, lying between the Ak-Suu District in Kyrgyzstan's Issyk-Kul Region and Wensu County in Xinjiang, China. The peak is part of the Kakshaal Too range, the highest section of the Tian Shan, located southeast of Lake Issyk-Kul.