Armenian PM reflects on key shift in country’s policy after Prague Declaration

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told the parliament that on October 6, 2022, he “ceased to be the prime minister of a stronghold.”

He was referring to the signing of the Prague Declaration, in which Armenia recognised Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports citing Armenian media.

According to Pashinyan, this decision marked a turning point in Armenia’s recent history and symbolised a move towards true independence.

While he did not name the country directly, it is widely understood he meant Russia, which Armenia had previously considered its main ally and regional protector.

Pashinyan highlighted that he was the first Armenian leader to officially recognise the country’s territorial integrity.

He added that Armenia had faced the harsh reality that even its closest partners might not support its territorial claims, which brought a “sobering effect.”

Pashinyan stressed that the focus should not be on the loss of Karabakh, but on the gains for Armenia as a whole, calling this development “a success story.”

The statement issued following the quadrilateral meeting in Prague between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, French President Emmanuel Macron, Former European Council President Charles Michel, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan represents a significant diplomatic achievement for Azerbaijan.

The agreement’s terms align closely with Azerbaijan’s interests.

Most notably, Armenia formally acknowledged Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity — a key objective that Baku has pursued for three decades. In return, Azerbaijan recognised Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The parties referred to the UN Charter as the foundational basis for these recognitions, reaffirming that Karabakh remains an integral part of Azerbaijan’s territory.

Armenia’s acceptance of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty includes acknowledgement of Azerbaijani authority over the region.

By Aghakazim Guliyev