Martuni, Gegharkunik — 8 October 2026

U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Andrew Johnson visited the Martuni community in Armenia’s Gegharkunik region at the initiative of Democracy Today NGO, as part of the “Enhancing Citizen Engagement in Conflict-Impacted Regions” project, supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).
During the visit, Mr. Johnson held a meeting with Mr. Hovhannes Hoveyan, Head of the Martuni Community, to discuss local priorities, community needs and issues of relevance to the upcoming local elections.
Mr. Johnson also met with approximately 70 residents of Martuni, providing an opportunity for community members to ask questions and share their views on regional developments, including the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) initiative.
During the discussion, Mr. Johnson reiterated the importance of Armenia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty in the context of the ongoing regional peace process.
The visit provided an opportunity for direct dialogue between local residents and an international partner and highlighted the importance of informed public discussion, civic participation and community engagement on issues affecting Armenia’s peace, security and development.
Through the “Enhancing Citizen Engagement in Conflict-Impacted Regions” project, Democracy Today supports dialogue and civic engagement in Armenia’s border and conflict-impacted communities, creating opportunities for residents, local leaders and international partners to exchange views on peace, security, democratic governance and community priorities.

This post is also available in: Հայերեն (Armenian)