In a comprehensive briefing on December 18, Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, clarified his stance on the Armenian Apostolic Church crisis, underscored sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh and railway sections, highlighted progress on TRIPP and foreign aid, and announced major infrastructure projects, urging citizens to engage with history and asserting Armenia’s independent decision-making amid regional and international challenges. Pashinyan stated that he sees no need to participate in the meeting at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to demand the resignation of Ktrich Nersisyan (Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II).

During the conversation with journalists, Pashinyan emphasized that he does not direct the actions of the 10 bishops but welcomes and supports them. He noted, "The Holy See of Holy Etchmiadzin belongs to them, and they belong to the Holy See of Holy Etchmiadzin". He added that his only connection with the bishops is the agenda of restoring the church, which, according to him, cannot be realized without removing Ktrich Nersisyan from the Mother See.

Pashinyan ruled out the possibility of clashes at the Mother See and assured that Armenian law enforcement agencies have the tools to neutralize any individuals engaging in provocative actions. He described Ktrich Nersisyan and his inner circle as "sectarians who have seized and are corrupting the faith of the Armenian Apostolic Church". The Prime Minister explained that he would not participate in the upcoming liturgy due to a planned foreign visit and his attendance at the Supreme Council of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

He highlighted ongoing efforts to restore railway sections, asking Russian colleagues to urgently work on the Yeraskh–Nakhichevan and Akhurik–Turkey sections, and emphasizing the need to restore the Ijevan–Kazakh section as well. Pashinyan added that the Meghri railway section is not under Russian control and should be returned to Armenian management, underlining, "This is Armenia's sovereign territory, and we have not delegated the management of this territory to anyone".

Referring to the Washington Declaration signed with Azerbaijan on August 8, Pashinyan stated that the agreement created new opportunities for Armenian-Russian relations. He emphasized that TRIPP is a bilateral project and any involvement of third parties must be addressed bilaterally. He also noted that Armenian Foreign Ministry officials confirmed Hungary’s agreement to lift its veto on the allocation of €20 million to Armenia under the European Peace Facility, stating that the funds will be spent on the "peace agenda".

Addressing the church crisis, Pashinyan stated that he is ready to meet Ktrich Nersisyan only to discuss his dignified departure from the Mother See. He rejected the legitimacy of decisions made by the Catholicos, including the defrocking of clergy, and affirmed that he and the 10 bishops accept responsibility for resolving the crisis in the Armenian Apostolic Church. He reiterated that Ktrich Nersisyan’s brother was a KGB agent during the Soviet era and raised concerns about external influence over the Catholicos.

Pashinyan also addressed issues related to Nagorno-Karabakh, warning against condemning the population to an uncertain status and emphasizing that their address is Armenia’s sovereign territory. He criticized reliance on historical agreements and court decisions that failed to protect the people of Karabakh and called on them to accept Armenian citizenship to secure their future. Regarding freight transport between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Pashinyan noted questions related to Georgian Railway tariffs but expressed hope that the issue would be resolved.

He added that, if necessary, economic entities will find alternative ways to ensure imports and exports. During a government meeting, Pashinyan stressed the importance of self-awareness for Armenians, urging citizens to visit museums and reflect on their history. He criticized the perception that international relations are driven by permanent friends or enemies, arguing instead that states should focus on their own decisions rather than being used by others for external agendas.

Pashinyan also announced the construction of a 10,000-seat stadium in Getahovit, Tavush region, noting its proximity to Yenokavan and the Ijevan railway station. He emphasized the need for road development along Atan–Yenokavan–Jujevan due to expected traffic growth and tourism expansion.