On March 18, Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, participated in the conference titled “Inclusive Development: Achievements and Things to Do,” dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by Armenians displaced from de-facto Nagorno-Karabakh and identifying solutions.
In his remarks, Pashinyan welcomed participants and stated that since 2023 the issue has remained a priority for the Government, with continuous engagement maintained through various formats. He emphasized that public discussions have been used to clarify policy directions and to place greater focus on ensuring the settlement of displaced persons in Armenia. “We have also tried to outline the scope of our policies… to demonstrate greater focus on the issue of settling in Armenia,” he stated.
Highlighting the importance of such forums, Pashinyan noted that they allow for a more systematic consideration of feedback and proposals. He stressed the need to support displaced persons both practically and psychologically, particularly in overcoming uncertainty. “I consider it very important that we help our sisters and brothers… to get out of this psychological state of searching,” he stated, adding that priority should be given to obtaining citizenship, securing housing, employment, and integration into a social environment.
The Prime Minister reiterated that approximately 145 billion drams have been allocated from the state budget since 2023 to support displaced persons through various programs. He emphasized that the next phase should focus on future actions, noting that the Government has reached a stage where it must assess past results and define upcoming tasks. According to him, the conference format provides an opportunity to “voice questions and give answers,” while also helping authorities identify additional measures needed for more effective implementation.
A panel discussion followed on the topic of the socio-economic inclusion of displaced persons, with participation from heads of relevant agencies. Discussions primarily focused on housing, education, healthcare, employment programs, and procedures for obtaining citizenship.
Summarizing the outcomes, Pashinyan stated that while progress has been made in addressing several issues, further work is required, particularly in the areas of citizenship and housing. He emphasized the need for legal and procedural adjustments to ensure that decisions are properly grounded.
He also underlined the importance of maintaining balance in policymaking, noting that support measures should consider both displaced persons and other citizens. “We must show care… An important component of this care is the balance of decisions,” he stated, adding that policies should avoid generating negative perceptions within society.
In this context, Pashinyan stressed that domestic decisions must remain consistent with Armenia’s foreign and regional policy. Referring to relations with Azerbaijan, he noted: “Today we have established peace with Azerbaijan and we cannot make decisions that will undermine… that established peace.”
Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister called for an end to uncertainty and emigration, encouraging displaced persons to fully integrate into Armenia. “We must end the wanderings, we must end the emigration… you have a state, and that state is the Republic of Armenia,” he stated, expressing confidence that joint efforts would lead to greater stability, security, and long-term development.
Pashinyan thanked participants for the discussion and noted that the issues raised would be addressed through further work and the development of appropriate mechanisms.
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