Groong Links:
Topics:
- Pashinyan meets Aliyev in Abu Dhabi
- Continued Persecution of Church and Opposition
Episode 453 | Recorded: July 13, 2025
Show Notes
In this episode, Hovik and Asbed discuss the quiet but consequential meeting between Nikol Pashinyan and Ilham Aliyev in Abu Dhabi, and the parallel crackdown unfolding in Armenia against opposition figures, church leaders, and academics. With no official deal signed, the conversation focuses on the deeper implications of “outsourcing” corridor control and the broader geopolitical realignments under way.
Main Topics Addressed
- Pashinyan’s meeting with Aliyev in Abu Dhabi
- Armenia’s offer to outsource control of the corridor to a U.S.-based company
- The surge in arrests targeting opposition figures and church leaders
- The case of 18-year-old ARF member Andranik Chamichyan
- Firing of Bishop Vardan Navasardyan from YSU
- Karen Igityan denied entry into Armenia despite decades of residence
Key Questions Discussed
- What was achieved in the Pashinyan–Aliyev meeting—and what was conceded?
- Is Armenia giving up sovereign control of its territory under the label of “outsourcing”?
- Why is the Armenian government arresting so many opposition figures and clergy?
- What does the strikeball case say about the use of state power against youth activists?
- How far will the government go to silence dissent ahead of the 2026 elections?
- What are the regional consequences of a NATO-linked corridor bordering Iran?
Referenced Articles & Sources
- Al Jazeera: Draft peace deal remains unsigned
- Armenpress: Armenia open to outsourcing corridor control
- Arka: Court approves arrest of MP Artur Sargsyan
- Azatutyun: YSU theology dean dismissed
- Davit Beglaryan on political prisoners
Wrap-up
Links and Resources
That’s our Week in Review, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can find us on most social media and podcast platforms.
Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.
Hosts
Asbed Bedrossian
Asbed is founder of the Armenian News Network Groong and co-founder of the ANN/Groong podcast.
Hovik Manucharyan
Hovik Manucharyan is an information security engineer who moved from Seattle to Armenia in 2022. He co-founded the ANN/Groong podcast in 2020 and has been a contributor to Groong News since the late 1990s.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by Hovik Manucharyan on the ANN/Groong podcast are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of his employer or any other organization.