On March 24, during a conversation with journalists in parliament, Alen Simonyan, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, stated that Armenia’s political field is divided between two opposing agendas: peace and war. He linked this divide to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s claim that losing power by the Civil Contract Party could lead to war in September.

“One concerns certain demands on neighbors, the other concerns establishing peace in the region. The agreement isn’t with Nikol Pashinyan; it’s about the agenda, the political vision, the political position,” Simonyan stated, adding that if the matter is personalized, “Nikol Pashinyan will be considered a symbol of peace.” Addressing remarks about the Prime Minister mentioning September as a possible timeline for war [against Azerbaijan], he emphasized that “politicians can also conduct political analysis and have the right to do so,” describing such statements as assessments. He also noted that opposition figures regularly raise similar warnings, often naming specific timeframes.

Simonyan argued that Armenia effectively has “two poles,” pointing to former President Robert Kocharyan as an example of a political line advocating demands toward neighbors. Referring to Kocharyan’s remarks that Armenia’s 29,743 square kilometer territory is “utopian,” Simonyan emphasized that such rhetoric reflects a confrontational approach. “We must build relations in the region such that neither side considers attacking the other,” he stated, stressing the need to avoid war. He criticized what he described as revanchist discourse, arguing that it risks making Armenia dependent on external powers and sustaining a cycle of conflict involving Russian peacekeepers.

Speaking about the current situation, Simonyan emphasized that Armenia is not engaged in processes leading to casualties, calling this a positive outcome. He contrasted this with the opposition’s stance, which he said promotes demands and confrontation. “Yes, the current government of the Republic of Armenia—the Civil Contract party—is the party of peace, while the main opposition players are the party of war,” he stated, adding that the 2026 elections would present a choice “between peace and possible war.”

On the issue of security guarantees, Simonyan noted that no absolute guarantees exist. He referred to Russia’s role, mentioning its military presence and peacekeeping mission in the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh, and recalled a warning attributed to Moscow: “leave carefully, so that nothing happens here.” Commenting on Armenia’s position during the Prague meeting, he emphasized that recognizing territorial realities was necessary, arguing that Armenia effectively affirmed its own borders. “In Prague, we didn’t recognize Azerbaijan’s territory – we recognized our own territory, because Armenia begins where Azerbaijan ends,” Simonyan stated.

Addressing terminology, Simonyan rejected the use of “Artsakh,” stating that such wording creates inconsistencies. When reminded that he had previously used the term, he replied, “I was mistaken,” adding that similar logic applies when foreign actors use alternative names for Armenian locations. “And Karabakh belongs to Azerbaijan,” he stated.

Turning to constitutional reforms, Simonyan emphasized that the adoption of a new Constitution is driven by Armenia’s national interests and not external pressure. “The Armenian Constitution and the planned amendments are being introduced in Armenia’s interests,” he stated, dismissing claims that the process is being carried out at Azerbaijan’s request. He underlined that negotiations with Baku do not include demands for constitutional changes.

Simonyan also stressed the importance of strengthening Armenia’s defense capabilities, noting that efforts are being made to ensure a well-equipped army capable of self-defense. At the same time, he rejected the idea of imposing demands on neighboring states, arguing that Armenia’s priority is to adopt a Constitution that will not be perceived as a threat in the region. “All of this is necessary for Armenia’s existence and future,” he emphasized.

https://caucasuswatch.de/en/news/alen-simonyan-says-armenia-faces-peace-versus-war-divide-criticizing-kocharyan-and-opposition.html