Constitutional obligations of Armenia: A test of readiness for peace Revisiting Aliyev’s interview in Washington

In an interview with Azerbaijani media in Washington, President Ilham Aliyev provided a detailed assessment of what he described as the key condition for signing a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He reminded that the main legal obstacle must first be removed — the provisions of Armenia’s Constitution that enshrine territorial claims against Azerbaijan.

“Of course, Armenia also has some homework to do, so to speak. As you may know, the issue of territorial claims against Azerbaijan in their constitution did not allow for the signing of a peace agreement today. But after these changes are made, the peace agreement can be signed at any time,” the head of state noted.

The President stressed that this issue should not be regarded as interference in Armenia’s internal affairs, as some in Yerevan have tried to portray it.

“I think it seems completely realistic. Because, first of all, I must say that all our conditions are completely logical, reasonable, and legitimate. At various stages, a theory was put forward in Armenian society and ruling circles that Azerbaijan allegedly wanted to interfere in Armenia's internal affairs. This issue was repeatedly raised even during negotiations. Our position was that this should not be perceived as such. This is an issue that directly concerns us. It is an open demand, a claim against our territorial integrity. Therefore, a peace treaty cannot be signed without this being changed,” President Aliyev stated.

The essence of Baku’s position is clear: it is impossible to speak of concluding a peace agreement while Armenia’s constitution contains provisions that directly undermine the territorial integrity of its neighbour. This is not a rhetorical gesture, but the legal and political foundation of the peace treaty.

According to the President, this issue also carries particular weight in the international context. The agreement’s initialling took place at the White House, with the direct involvement and personal oversight of Donald Trump.

“Let me repeat – this peace agreement was initialed in the White House today. Therefore, I have no doubt that when the Constitution of Armenia is changed – the Armenian side is stating itself that such changes should be made – the territorial claim against Azerbaijan will be removed from it. Otherwise, it will be disrespectful to the United States of America, first of all. Everyone knows this, and our position is understood by almost all leading international actors, including the United States of America. Because when a peace agreement is signed, every issue must be resolved and the groundless territorial claims against us must be removed. Therefore, I have no doubts about this issue. Let me reiterate – when this happens is Armenia's own business. We cannot put forward any proposals here. However, I do believe that the sooner the better because I think we can’t waste time. In a situation where Azerbaijan and Armenia have already initialed the peace agreement, its official signing should not take long,” Aliyev noted.

These words convey several important messages. First, Armenia has already acknowledged the need for constitutional amendments.

Second, the issue cannot be postponed without damaging its reputation — any delay would be seen as a refusal to fulfil agreed commitments, and in this case, as a challenge to the United States, which has invested considerable political capital in the process.

For Yerevan, completing this “homework” on time is no less beneficial than it is for Baku. It would pave the way for the formal signing of a peace agreement, ease tensions in the region, and allow both sides to focus on economic cooperation.

The price of delay, however, would be high. Postponing constitutional reform would fuel international scepticism and narrow Armenia’s room for manoeuvre. At the same time, Azerbaijan would gain additional arguments for hardening its position.

President Aliyev’s message is unequivocal: removing the constitutional barrier is a prerequisite for concluding the peace agreement. The sooner Yerevan takes this step, the greater its political and economic dividends will be. Any attempt to drag out the process will inevitably deepen the crisis and erode trust — not only from Azerbaijan, but also from key international partners.