Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan was engaged in a live broadcast where he responded to video questions from Armenian citizens and members of the Diaspora on November 24.

Nikol Pashinyan discussed the issue of the return of forcibly displaced Armenians to Nagorno-Karabakh. Pashinyan mentioned that although discussions on this matter are taking place on international platforms, the current situation makes it unrealistic at this time.

He pointed out that the circumstances after September 19, which compelled Armenians to leave Nagorno-Karabakh, along with policies related to ethnic cleansing, have not changed. According to Pashinyan, if the return of these displaced individuals were feasible today, they would not have left Nagorno-Karabakh in the first place.

"If the forcibly displaced Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh do not have the opportunity to return to their homes, then we will do everything to ensure that they stay in Armenia and do not emigrate from our country," Pashinyan outlined.

Nikol Pashinyan further addressed the issue of territorial integrity during a live broadcast, specifically discussing the situation of Artsvashen, an Armenian exclave surrounded by Azerbaijani territory. He highlighted that one of the principles of the peace treaty involves mutual recognition of each other’s territorial integrity on the territories of Soviet Armenia and Soviet Azerbaijan. Pashinyan acknowledged the existence of challenges related to Artsvashen and [Azerbaijani] enclaves, emphasizing the need to address these issues in the peace process. He outlined potential solutions, including reaffirming sovereignty over Artsvashen and acknowledging the de jure status of enclaves surrounded by the territory of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Pashinyan noted that concrete agreements on these matters would require ratification by the National Assembly of Armenia.

While discussions on these topics have taken place during peace talks with Azerbaijan, Pashinyan clarified that there is no specific, objective arrangement or agreement at the moment. 

Furthermore, Pashinyan addressed the challenges faced in acquiring weapons from CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) partners in 2018-2019. Pashinyan indicated that efforts were made to diversify the supply of weapons during that period, but the response from CSTO partners was not favorable. He shared that the discussion on obtaining weapons from other sources within the CSTO lasted only a few minutes, and Armenia was informed that as a CSTO member, military-technical relations could not be established. Pashinyan highlighted Armenia's transparent position in these discussions and mentioned that this limitation prompted them to explore alternative perspectives.

“If we, being a member of the CSTO, cannot get the necessary weapons and political support, on the other hand, being a member of the CSTO is an insurmountable obstacle for receiving support and cooperation from other places, we have to make decisions based on our interests,” he highlighted.

In this context, the Armenian PM also expressed discontent with the de facto actions or inactions of the CSTO and stated that they do not fulfill their obligations towards Armenia. He highlighted the importance of focusing on Armenia's state interests.

Pashinyan mentioned that if the situation persists, questions may arise within Armenian society regarding the benefits of Armenia's membership in the CSTO. He suggested that if CSTO membership does not provide minimum benefits to Armenia, it could prompt discussions about whether Armenia should remain in the organization.

Nikol Pashinyan acknowledged the issue of paying millions of dollars to Russia for weapons during a live broadcast. He stated that Armenia had not received the expected weapons or refunded money. Pashinyan mentioned that discussions are underway to explore possible mechanisms to address this problem.

“For example, one of the options could be the reduction of Armenia’s [national] debt to Russia in the amount of paid money. This is not the only option. But here, too, Russia itself needs armaments, and we are ready to work here, too, and I hope that these discussions will bring concrete results,” he added.

Pashinyan addressed the issue of captured Armenians in Azerbaijan. He noted Armenia’s readiness to transfer Azerbaijanis convicted in Armenia to Azerbaijan, proposing an exchange based on the principle of “all for all” and giving the issue a humanitarian focus.

Referring to the “Crossroads of Peace” project, he stated that Azerbaijan seems uninterested in the project due to its collaboration with Iran. He emphasized that Armenia is open to collaboration and flexibility in simplifying procedures based on reciprocity if the conditions apply to all countries participating in the project. Pashinyan also addressed the issue of customs and border control at Zvartnots International Airport done by Russian guards, stating that it is a unique case with a specific background. He emphasized the goal of increasing Armenia’s institutional sovereignty.