Pashinyan: Armenia Must Never Again Become an Attractive Target for Aggression

YEREVAN — Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia must ensure it never again becomes an attractive target for attack, emphasizing that the country’s military reforms are aimed at securing peace rather than preparing for war.

During a campaign event in the Mastara community of Armenia’s Aragatsotn Province, Pashinyan discussed educational initiatives, military reforms, and the border delimitation process with Azerbaijan.

The prime minister announced that the government’s “300 Schools, 500 Kindergartens” program is nearing completion and that construction of another 300 schools will begin immediately afterward.

“By the end of this year, we will complete the 300 schools and 500 kindergartens program, and the next 300-school construction program will begin immediately,” he said.

Pashinyan also noted that the government plans to build an additional 100 kindergartens in communities where they are needed.

Addressing the voluntary teacher certification program, he said it has already enabled teachers to double their salaries. According to Pashinyan, teachers who have already passed the exams will soon have the opportunity to retake them and increase their salaries to as much as 300,000 drams, including bonuses.

The prime minister also highlighted ongoing reforms within the Armenian Armed Forces, noting that some enlisted servicemen are now receiving salaries of up to 700,000 drams.

According to Pashinyan, thousands of young people are currently serving as contract soldiers through the “Defender of the Homeland” program while continuing to live with their families and earning up to 600,000 drams.

He stated that these reforms place Armenia firmly on the path toward building a professional army.

Pashinyan called on citizens to attend the military parade scheduled for May 28 in Republic Square to witness the new weaponry acquired in recent years and the transformations taking place within the armed forces.

At the same time, he stressed that the reforms are intended to preserve peace.

“With these army reforms, we are not preparing for war; we are preparing for peace,” he said.

Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia needs a strong and capable military to deter aggression.

“We must ensure that our country never again becomes an attractive target for attack. On the contrary, it must be absolutely clear that no one can attack our country,” he stated.

The prime minister also addressed the border delimitation process with Azerbaijan, saying issues related to occupied territories should be resolved through delimitation mechanisms.

According to Pashinyan, the joint regulations governing the Armenian-Azerbaijani border delimitation commissions, which have already been ratified in both countries, carry binding legal force and are based on the principles of the Alma-Ata Declaration.

“De jure, those issues have already been resolved,” he said.