Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that altering armenia’s constitution is an internal decision, not influenced by external forces, during a briefing on JAMnews in Yerevan. The prime minister clarified that discussions surrounding constitutional changes are solely focused on armenia’s own interests and strategic positioning. Baku’s demand for amendments as a precondition for a peace treaty has been addressed, with Pashinyan asserting that the current constitution, referencing the Declaration of Independence and unification with Nagorno-Karabakh, does not inherently support territorial claims.
Pashinyan stated that no external entities are involved in these discussions, which are conducted with the armenian people. He highlighted upcoming parliamentary elections in June, anticipating opposition candidates’ intentions and potential consequences for the ruling party should they lose. Key concerns included Robert Kocharyan’s candidacy and the possibility of a new war if forces advocating a “revision of peace” gain power.
Pashinyan argued that such a scenario would lead to armenia becoming a “stronghold, not a state,” reliant on external support and fostering increased dependence. He used the analogy of adjusting traffic rules to illustrate the need for constitutional changes, suggesting that continued vulnerability to external pressures necessitates a reevaluation of the nation’s framework. Political scientist Vahram Atanesyan urged excluding discourse on amending armenia’s constitution to facilitate a peace treaty.
Pashinyan expressed concern about forces seeking to revise peace, predicting a potential war fueled by their desire to maintain financial advantages and control assets held in Russia and Belarus. He identified figures like Robert Kocharyan, Samvel Karapetyan, and Gagik Tsarukyan as representing these factions. The Civil Contract party aims for a constitutional majority to ensure the “irreversibility” of the peace process.
Discussions also centered on potential Russian interference in armenia’s elections.
Topics: #armenia #pashinyan #constitution
