Armenian PM advocates for omission of Declaration of Independence in new constitution

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has expressed his belief that the new constitution of Armenia should not include a reference to the country’s Declaration of Independence.

This statement comes as part of ongoing discussions about constitutional reforms in Armenia, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

The preamble of Armenia's current constitution states that it is based on the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted on August 23, 1990, including "based on the joint resolution of the Supreme Soviet of the Armenian SSR and the National Council of Nagorno-Karabakh dated December 1, 1989, 'On the Reunification of the Armenian SSR and Nagorno-Karabakh.'"

"I can say that, in my opinion, the text of the new constitution should not reference the Declaration of Independence. However, the decision should be made by the people of Armenia. Of course, the arguments 'for' and 'against' should be presented by political forces and their leaders. This is my political position," Pashinyan stated to journalists.

In late March, Pashinyan announced that the Armenian authorities plan to hold a referendum on adopting the new constitution in 2027. He also added that there is an opinion within his team about the feasibility of holding the referendum alongside the parliamentary elections in 2026. At that time, Pashinyan stated that changing the constitution is an internal political matter, but it cannot be without "regional and international implications."

In January 2024, Pashinyan declared that the country needs a new constitution "that will ensure the country's viability in the new geopolitical conditions." Later, he clarified that the provisions of the Declaration of Independence, which form the basis of the Armenian constitution, threaten the country with war.

It should be noted that official Baku has repeatedly stated that, in order to sign a peace agreement, Armenia must make changes to its constitution, which contains direct territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Another demand from Azerbaijan is the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group.

By Vugar Khalilov