Delimitation and demarcation of the border with Azerbaijan

During a press conference in Yerevan on May 7, Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, discussed the ongoing delimitation and demarcation of the border with Azerbaijan, which began last month. He emphasized the significance of the border pillars in the Tavush region as essential to Armenia's security.

Pashinyan stated that the Armenian authorities are focused on establishing effective security measures since previous guarantees proved inadequate. He affirmed that the legally installed border pillars are now crucial for ensuring the security of several villages, including Voskepar, Kirants, Berkaber, Baganis, and Armenia as a whole.

The Prime Minister explained that the goal of delimitation and demarcation extends beyond the physical act; it is about creating undeniable security assurances and removing any justifiable causes for conflict. He described the process as one that renders the notion of war both senseless and impractical by eliminating any rationale for it.

Pashinyan reported that the border delimitation between Armenia's Tavush region and Azerbaijan's Gazakh region is about 90% complete. He expressed a growing belief that as the process progresses, the establishment of security guarantees strengthens, and the logic of war diminishes.

He also warned that halting the delimitation process could lead to inevitable conflict. Pashinyan noted that there are proposals to suspend the process, which he sees as critical for forming security guarantees for Armenia. Addressing the clergy, bishops, and journalists, he posed a rhetorical question about the consequences of suspending the process, starkly predicting that it would lead directly to war.

Armenia's relationship with Russia

On May 7, the Prime Minister of Armenia outlined his expectations for his forthcoming trip to Moscow. He is scheduled to attend the anniversary summit of the Eurasian Economic Union, where he will preside over a Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting and hold a bilateral discussion with President Vladimir Putin.

Pashinyan described the extensive and varied nature of Armenia's relationship with Russia, acknowledging that numerous issues have arisen over time. He emphasized that the issues raised were not for discussion alone but aimed at clarifying and resolving any negative aspects to enhance the friendly ties between Armenia and Russia.

Accusations against the former head of Armenia's National Security Service

During a press conference, Nikol Pashinyan leveled serious allegations against Artur Vanetsyan, the former head of Armenia's National Security Service (NSS). He alleged that Vanetsyan had collaborated with a foreign intelligence service.

Pashinyan voiced concerns regarding the critics of the border delimitation process with Azerbaijan, suggesting that their ultimate aim is to instigate a military conflict and effect a change of government in Armenia. According to him, such actions would likely lead to the occupation of Armenian territory and potentially result in the establishment of an illegitimate puppet government, thus endangering the statehood and sovereignty of the republic.

"The scenario is transparent and quite apparent," stated the prime minister. He indicated that this agenda is backed by 'drug lords' residing abroad and elements of the criminal underworld, who, according to him, are acting under the commands of foreign intelligence services as agents of influence.

Pashinyan also touched upon the wiretapping issue involving a former high-ranking official, who was later revealed to be Vanetsyan. The interception of Vanetsyan's communications had been partially disclosed publicly. "They only published parts of the recordings, using them as a means of intimidation. We possess information that the wiretapping was executed by foreign intelligence services," Pashinyan explained. He suggested that the undisclosed portions of the recordings might still be used to manipulate Vanetsyan as an agent of influence.

Peace treaty

Pashinyan voiced his support for the proposal initially made by Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, to sign a peace treaty between the two nations by November of this year.

Pashinyan emphasized that the treaty must incorporate all the principles agreed upon during the negotiation process for it to be successful. He also expressed optimism about the upcoming meeting between the foreign ministers of the two Transcaucasian republics, scheduled to take place in Alma-Ata on May 10, as a potential stepping stone towards progress in these discussions.

Non-attendance at the inauguration ceremony of Russian President Vladimir Putin

At a press conference in Yerevan, Prime Minister Pashinyan clarified why he attended the inauguration ceremony of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey in June 2023 but not that of Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

Pashinyan explained that his presence at Erdogan's inauguration was in response to a direct invitation from the Turkish President, which he accepted as part of the ongoing efforts to normalize relations between Armenia and Turkey. Regarding the Russian event, Pashinyan indicated, "It seems that I did not receive an invitation from the Russian President, but if I had received one, today's conversation would be no less important for me because obviously we are discussing very important issues. I hope that you will assess it the same way because if you assessed it as unimportant, then why should you ask your questions. All issues are important," he stated, addressing the journalist's inquiry.