Armenian Council of America’s New Year’s Message

As we close a year marked by turbulence and uncertainty, we reflect on a period that brought both profound challenges and meaningful opportunities. In 2025, the Armenian people and their allies witnessed developments that renewed hope for Armenia and the wider region, even as the world continued to grapple with armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, and widespread human suffering.

One of the most consequential developments of the year was the August 8 joint Armenia–Azerbaijan–United States declaration signed in Washington, alongside the initialing of an agreement on the establishment of peace and interstate relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. These steps, if pursued in good faith and grounded in international law, have the potential to open a new chapter toward sustainable peace, regional stability, economic cooperation, and long-term prosperity. The Armenian Council of America remains committed to ensuring that any peace process advances Armenia’s security, sovereignty, and the fundamental rights of its people.

Equally significant has been the continued deepening of Armenia–United States and Armenia–European Union strategic and economic partnerships. These growing relationships not only expand Armenia’s access to diversified markets and investment opportunities, but also strengthen democratic institutions, economic resilience, and Armenia’s integration into the transatlantic community. Together, these efforts create a realistic and promising pathway toward Armenia’s long-term future.

Yet, despite these encouraging developments, critical and urgent issues remain unresolved. Armenian prisoners continue to be unlawfully held in Azerbaijani custody in violation of international humanitarian law. The rights of Armenians forcibly displaced from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) remain unaddressed, including their right to safe return, justice, and restitution. At the same time, Armenian historical and cultural heritage in Artsakh faces an ongoing threat of erasure, underscoring the urgent need for international monitoring, accountability, and preservation efforts. These issues are not negotiable, and the Armenian Council of America will continue to advocate forcefully for justice, accountability, and the protection of Armenian rights in Washington and beyond.

Beyond the South Caucasus, the Middle East remains one of the world’s most volatile regions. Continued instability has exacted a heavy toll on civilian populations and has deeply affected Armenian communities across the region; socially, economically, and culturally. We hold onto the hope that 2026 will bring lasting and sustainable peace to the Middle East, allowing its peoples, including long established Armenian communities, to live with security, dignity, and the ability to thrive in their ancestral homelands.

As we welcome the New Year, we do so with optimism and determination. We hope that 2026 will mark a true turning point in Armenia’s modern history; defined by lasting peace, strengthened democratic governance, economic growth, and social progress. The Armenian Council of America remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that the Armenian voice is heard, that justice prevails, and that Armenia’s future is secure and prosperous.

Happy New Year and Merry Christmas.