Armenia Election Watch: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declared victory in Armenia’s parliamentary vote as early results showed Civil Contract leading with about 54.5% (about 21% of polling stations counted), with Strong Armenia (pro-Russian) in second at 21.9%, turnout near 59%, and official preliminary results expected soon—an election widely seen as a referendum on Armenia’s pivot between Russia and the EU. Arrests & Tensions: Authorities arrested six candidates tied to the Strong Armenia alliance ahead of the vote, while observers and critics warned of Russian-backed disinformation and election interference. Church-State Friction: A growing confrontation between Pashinyan’s government and the Armenian Apostolic Church is escalating, with reports of arrests of priests and police dispersals of church supporters. Tourism Angle: Jazeera Airways launched a limited-time summer sale with up to 30% off fares, including routes to Yerevan and other Caucasus destinations, as airlines forecast passenger growth but sharply lower profits in 2026. Culture & Travel: hosq announced Notations Lab 2026 (July 20–31) and Notations Festival (Aug 1–2) in Yerevan, bringing 65 artists for a 12-day interdisciplinary program.