Armenia Will Not Change Its Constitution at Any Country’s Demand – Papoyan

YEREVAN — Armenia will not change its Constitution at the demand of any country, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan told a press briefing on Thursday. This statement came in response to questions about Armenia’s possible concessions in negotiations with Azerbaijan, which continues to impose new demands and rules.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly stated that a peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan is impossible without changes to the Armenian Constitution.

“We have our own agenda, and the negotiations are ongoing. I read the latest statement by the Foreign Ministry, which said that one of the important points on our agenda was adopted bilaterally. I believe that this is a very important moment for continuing the negotiations,” Papoyan noted.

He referred to a statement made by Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan on August 7, confirming that a provision concerning the unblocking of regional transport links has been removed from the draft peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan “by mutual consent.”

“We must emphasize that effective unblocking remains a crucial element for peace and economic development in the region, as envisioned by the Republic of Armenia and the agenda it promotes,” Badalyan added. “This is best reflected in the Crossroads of Peace program presented by the Armenian government, which is based on the well-known principles of respect for sovereignty and jurisdiction, as well as reciprocity and equality,” she said.

According to Minister Papoyan, Armenia can change its Constitution when its citizens decide so. “Whether Armenia will change its Constitution or not is an internal matter for the Republic of Armenia and its people,” he said.