Statement of the 23rd Congress of the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party

The 23rd Congress of the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party (SDHP) concluded its proceedings in Yerevan, the capital of the Republic of Armenia, with the participation of duly authorized delegates representing the Party’s active organizations in Armenia and throughout the Diaspora.

The delegates noted with satisfaction the steps taken in recent years toward establishing peace in the homeland, liberalizing the economy, strengthening democracy, improving the population’s standard of living, and advancing progress in other areas.

The Congress welcomed the Republic of Armenia’s multidirectional, balanced, and proactive foreign policy, based on mutual respect for sovereignty and mutually beneficial economic cooperation. The strategic and economic partnerships developed as a result contribute to the modernization and strengthening of Armenia’s defense capabilities, while also creating new economic opportunities and positioning Armenia as an integral part of East-West transportation and communication routes.

The Congress also expressed concern over several issues that continue to command public attention, including the current state of the judicial and legal system and the insufficient protection of workers’ rights.

The Congress positively assessed the ongoing negotiations between Armenia and Turkey and emphasized the importance of establishing normal and predictable relations between the two neighboring sovereign states.

The Congress reaffirmed the Party’s position that Armenian-Turkish relations should be distinguished from Armenia-Turkey state-to-state relations. At the same time, the negotiation process in no way signifies the abandonment of the Armenian people’s legitimate demands toward Turkey.

The Congress stated that bringing the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process to completion and establishing normal relations are in the interests of the peoples of both countries and the entire region. The release of Armenian captives held in Baku, efforts to determine the fate of missing persons, border delimitation, and the withdrawal of Azerbaijani forces from the sovereign territory of Armenia remain priority issues.

The Congress condemned attempts by Azerbaijan to distort the identity and heritage of Armenian historical and cultural monuments, as well as rhetoric that undermines the peace process.

The Congress further emphasized the need to make Armenia-Diaspora relations more practical and to utilize the Diaspora’s potential more effectively, while giving priority to strengthening and reinforcing Armenian statehood.

In view of the serious national and social challenges confronting the Diaspora, particularly the growing threat of assimilation, the Congress stated that, today more than ever, special attention and support from the Republic of Armenia are essential to advancing the vital task of preserving Armenian identity and heritage.

Social Democrat Hunchakian Party Central Committee
September 29, 2026