On July 26 the co-editors of the online weekly "ArmeniaWeek" Tony Halpin and John Hughes disseminated a press release, announcing their resignation and the start of publication of a new electronic weekly "ArmeniaNow". This followed a conversation with the Advisor of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs Salpi Ghazarian, who is also a key person in publishing the English-language "Armenian International Magazine" (AIM) and "ArmeniaWeek" itself.
On July 23 Salpi Ghazarian informed Tony Halpin and John Hughes that the AIM and "ArmeniaWeek" founder "Forth Millennium Society" (Glendale, California) planned to appoint her to the position of Editorial Director and now all the pieces of "ArmeniaWeek" before their publication must be submitted for her review. The co-editors decided that the direct affiliation with a governmental agency would result in conflict of interests, loss of editorial independence and resigned their posts. 17 out 21 staff members of the weekly joined the editors.
"ArmeniaWeek" in English language appeared on the web in September 2001. Its Armenian version was launched in May 2002. From the very beginning the edition captured attention due to a number of publications on sensitive issues and good, professional journalism. Apparently, the attempt of "introducing censorship" directed at the weekly is to be explained by its pieces running contrary to the interests of very important persons, and considering the proximity of elections of different administrative structures its being "out of control" started to cause the alarm of certain circles.
On July 26 the former editorial staff of "ArmeniaWeek" launched the new electronic weekly "ArmeniaNow" which is identical to its predecessor in form and spirit. The publication is supported by private donors. "ArmeniaWeek", on its part, is now issued with a new Editor Hrair Sarkis Sarkissian and new staff.
