On February 11, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan gave an interview to British journalist Roland Oliphant of The Telegraph, addressing issues relevant to Armenia.

Nikol Pashinyan discussed the peace process with Azerbaijan in the aftermath of the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Pashinyan emphasized the agreed-upon principles of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including the recognition of territorial integrity based on the 1991 Declaration of Alma-Ata. He highlighted key agreements reached in international formats and reiterated Armenia's commitment to pursuing peace despite Azerbaijan’s recent refusals to participate in negotiations. Pashinyan expressed hope that progress could resume after Azerbaijan’s presidential elections, affirming Armenia’s continued political will for peace in the region.

He highlighted Azerbaijan’s refusal to participate in key meetings and events, such as military strikes and ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh, suggesting a pattern of backtracking from previous agreements. Pashinyan emphasized Armenia’s right to maintain a strong army for territorial integrity and sovereignty and reiterated Armenia’s commitment to recognizing the territorial integrity of all regional countries. 

“I need to state once again that having an army is the sovereign right of every state, and the Republic of Armenia, just like any sovereign state, has the right to have a strong and combat-ready army, with the understanding that the Republic of Armenia is creating an army to fortify its territorial integrity and sovereignty, independence, and statehood. Basically, we have shown with our political positions that we recognize the territorial integrity of all the countries of our region, and we expect the same from all the countries of our region, especially given that there is a signed, adopted document regarding it,” he clarified. 

Nikol Pashinyan dismissed discussions about Soviet-era maps, citing agreements based on the Alma-Ata Declaration. Pashinyan underscored that as long as Azerbaijan does not withdraw its signature from key statements, mutual recognition of territorial integrity remains based on the Alma-Ata declaration.

In an answer to the question about Russia’s failed obligations and NATO membership, the Armenian PM stated that Armenia aims to diversify its security partnerships, maintaining relations with Russia while deepening ties with the European Union, France, the United States, Iran, India, and others. However, Armenia's new security partnerships are not directed against Russia. While Armenia has partnerships with NATO, it is not pursuing NATO membership. The country seeks to deepen cooperation with the EU and other partners based on shared democratic values.

Reflecting on the question of whether Nikol Pashinyan aims to lead the country in the direction of the EU, Armenia’s PM outlined: “We should clarify what we mean by saying direction, because even before I became the prime minister, Armenia and the European Union had already signed the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. Now that the agreement is being implemented. It is obvious that the relations between Armenia and the European Union are deepening, including under the conditions and because of the implementation of the ‘Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement.' But, of course, on the other hand, the relations between Armenia and the European Union are getting closer because, according to the international community, we have visible successes in implementing democratic reforms. You know, this subtlety is very important for understanding our situation and the many events that are unfolding in Armenia. Look, we don't turn away from anyone. We are implementing the messages received from our people. And that message is primarily about democratic reforms. Democracy, democratic reforms, and the development of a democratic society are not agendas caused by certain circumstances. I have stated many times that this is a strategy for us, and in my speech in the European Parliament, I stated that we will continue the implementation of these strategies and these reforms. And I said that the Republic of Armenia is ready to be as close to the European Union as the European Union deems it possible,”.

Nikol Pashinyan also acknowledged the challenges posed by Armenia’s geopolitical position, including its proximity to conflict zones like Ukraine and Iran. However, he highlighted Armenia's efforts to maintain regional stability and peace.

In the context of Yerevan's accession to the Rome Statute, Pashinyan was also asked about the possibility of Vladimir Putin's arrest in Armenia, in case the Russian president decides to visit the country. 

"I don't think Vladimir Vladimirovich needs my advice," Pashinyan said when asked if Pashinyan could call Putin and advise him not to come to Armenia. The Armenian premier added that the ratification of the Rome Statute was aimed at improving Armenia's security. "As for the legal subtleties, I cannot speak with legal analysis. This is a matter for lawyers. Armenia, as a responsible state, must adhere to all international obligations, including in relations with the Russian Federation and the international community. There are various opinions on this topic, there are many lawyers who claim that the acting heads of state are endowed with insurmountable immunity. I believe that this is a legal problem, not a political issue that I should respond to," Pashinyan said. Responding to a direct question about whether Putin would be detained in Armenia, Pashinyan said that large-scale democratic reforms have been underway in Armenia since 2018, and it is not he who decides whether to detain someone. "Armenia has an approved legal system; there are legal institutions, and in all cases, decisions are made by legal institutions. For this purpose, we have the Prosecutor's Office, courts, Investigative Committee, and so on. It is very important that Armenia, as a member state of the Eastern Partnership program, stands out with institutional reforms in the sphere of the judicial system. Armenia is a state based on the rule of law, the Prime Minister has his own powers. These powers do not include solving the issue of detention," Pashinyan said.