Pashinyan holds press conference on key domestic and foreign policy issues

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed a range of pressing domestic and foreign policy matters during a press conference on Wednesday, offering insight into Yerevan’s evolving stance on regional ties, security alliances, and national institutions.

Armenia seeks to reshape its foreign policy and internal structure, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during a wide-ranging press conference on Wednesday, touching on relations with Russia, Türkiye, and the European Union, as well as the role of the Armenian Apostolic Church and regional connectivity talks.

Russia relations: “Not about confrontation”

Pashinyan reiterated that Armenia wishes to maintain normal and friendly relations with Russia based on mutual respect. Addressing the recent suspension of Russian TV broadcasts in Armenia, he emphasised that Yerevan is not seeking confrontation but claimed some Russian channels had “crossed all boundaries.”

He added that despite his respectful and open relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, there are internal forces in Russia pressuring Armenia into decisions it would prefer to avoid.

Karabakh recognition: “We were late”

The Prime Minister expressed regret over Armenia’s delayed recognition of Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. “We should have done it much earlier,” Pashinyan said, noting that he formally recognised Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, including Karabakh, in 2022. He underscored that recognising neighbours’ sovereignty is essential for asserting Armenia’s own territorial integrity.

Türkiye dialogue: “No alternatives to reconciliation”

Pashinyan stated that reconciliation with Türkiye is Armenia’s only viable option. Responding to domestic criticism, he questioned what alternative paths citizens expected, asking whether they preferred a confrontational stance with a powerful neighbour.

He spoke positively about his recent meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, describing it as open and constructive. Discussions included reopening communications, rebuilding the historic Ani bridge, and expanding bilateral cooperation.

EU integration: “Yes, we want membership”

Responding to European queries, Pashinyan confirmed Armenia’s aspiration to join the European Union. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, including the need for consensus among EU member states and alignment with European standards.

CSTO: Exit more likely than reactivation

When questioned about Armenia’s future in the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Pashinyan stated that leaving the bloc is more likely than restoring full participation. The Prime Minister has previously criticised the CSTO’s response to Armenia’s security concerns.

Stalled regional cooperation

The trilateral working group involving Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia—formed to reopen regional transport links—has been inactive. Pashinyan attributed this to practical disagreements and a lack of trust among participants.

Church-state relations: “Protecting the church from within”

Addressing tensions with the Armenian Apostolic Church, Pashinyan denied orchestrating a campaign against it and called the church sacred for him and his family. He suggested current church actions were harming its integrity and said the government aims to protect the institution from internal decay, not dismantle it.

Corridor proposal: U.S. offers to manage transit route through Zangezur

One of the key revelations is that the United States has proposed taking operational responsibility for a potential transport corridor connecting mainland Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave via Armenia’s Zangezur region. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confirmed receiving proposals from Washington, according to Armenpress.

The corridor, stretching approximately 32 kilometres, remains a central topic in ongoing peace talks between Baku and Yerevan. Azerbaijan strongly supports securing the corridor to guarantee direct and uninterrupted access to Nakhchivan and beyond, reducing dependence on regional blockages.

U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack, recently stated that Washington suggested a long-term operational model: "Give us the 32 kilometres of road on a hundred-year lease, and you can all share it," he said last Friday, underlining America’s proposal to ensure safe and open transit.

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