Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, top stories this morning

● Armenia has officially launched its new biometric passport system at a ceremony in Yerevan. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the passports meet all modern international standards and cannot be forged. “This is a very important innovation in terms of increasing international trust in our citizens and our state. But most importantly, this biometric passport system should make life easier for the people of Armenia,” he said.

● More than 1,300 people have already registered to obtain the new biometric passports, Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan said. She noted that Armenia can now join the system of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met in Yerevan with executives from major international companies in the passenger transport sector. Those attending included IN Groupe head Yan Hage, IN Groupe representative and HayPass board member Isabelle Loiseau, and Corporación América Airports director Martin Eurnekian. They discussed the introduction of biometric passports in Armenia. Pashinyan described the new passports as a strategic step towards improving public services and advancing Armenia’s visa liberalisation process with the EU.

● Armenia is among 29 countries where Russia allows information and advisory centres providing assistance with consular matters to operate.

● Russia’s Foreign Ministry has denied reports that Moscow refused to approve Samvel Mkrtchyan’s appointment as Armenia’s new ambassador to Russia. The Armenian newspaper Hraparak had previously reported the alleged refusal, suggesting it might be linked to Mkrtchyan’s long diplomatic career in European countries. The paper also wrote that Armenia’s current ambassador to Russia, Gurgen Arsenyan, had said goodbye to representatives of various Russian circles in the summer and returned to Armenia in August. He later travelled back to Moscow and resumed his duties.

Samvel Mkrtchyan was appointed Armenia’s ambassador to Poland in November 2018. Before that, he headed Armenia’s diplomatic mission in Lebanon, represented the country at NATO and led the Foreign Ministry’s Department for Arms Control and International Security.

● The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin marked the 27th anniversary of the enthronement of Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. A festive liturgy and patriarchal service were held, and the Skevra reliquary containing the relics of saints was brought out for veneration. Heads of dioceses and pilgrims attended the service, which was led by Bishop Mushegh Babayan. In his sermon, he called Karekin II “one of the outstanding patriarchs” and said he had assumed the throne at a time when Armenia and the Armenian people were just beginning the difficult path of independence.

● Nearly 1,000 lorries are waiting to cross from Russia into Georgia along one of the key transit routes for Armenia, which has no common border with Russia. North Ossetian head Sergey Menyailo said the road was open to traffic but did not explain what had caused the build-up.

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his associates gathered in a courtyard in Yerevan for a traditional khash meal – a soup made from beef tripe. Tables were set up under tents and served by specially hired waiters.

● Halloween was marked by noisy and conflicting celebrations in central Yerevan. Hundreds of people took to the streets in costumes, while others held anti-Halloween placards and sang songs in praise of Jesus.

PHOTO: An exhibition in central Yerevan marking the launch of the biometric passport system.

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 26-30 October, 2026