Armenia’s Declaration of Independence is anti-statehood, says Pashinyan

The text of Armenia’s Declaration of Independence is contrary to statehood, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said.

According to TodayPress TV, citing Armenpress, Pashinyan made the remarks during a briefing with journalists.

“It is impossible for an independent state to exist with this text. This text speaks of the impossibility of the state’s existence,” the prime minister said.

Pashinyan noted that adopting a new constitution is part of the ruling Civil Contract party’s election programme. He stressed that after securing an absolute majority in the elections, the party must implement its programme.

According to the prime minister, the opposition has linked the constitutional process to the international and regional agenda. He also noted that public pressure could be increased to prevent the opposition from obstructing a referendum on the new constitution.

Pashinyan said he could put forward a proposal to the opposition that would be difficult for it to reject. In his view, the likelihood of the process leading to snap elections is low.

It should be noted that Armenia’s Declaration of Independence contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan. The declaration, referenced in the preamble to Armenia’s Constitution, includes a provision calling for the unification of the former Nagorno-Karabakh region with Armenia. Azerbaijan objects to this provision and has made constitutional amendments a condition for signing a peace agreement with Armenia.