18:29, 7 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS.  During the question-and-answer session with the government in the National Assembly on Wednesday, the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan noted that a thesis is being developed that changing the Constitution is being done to sign a peace treaty.

"In terms of the signing of the peace treaty, even if such problems exist, they have been resolved. There is an agreed article in the text of the peace treaty stating that the parties cannot refer to their own legislation to avoid fulfilling any of their obligations under this treaty. The issue here is not and cannot be about the peace treaty at all," said Pashinyan.

The Prime Minister noted that while the Constitution primarily governs internal affairs, it also regulates foreign relations, as is the case with the Constitution of any country. The current Armenian Constitution also provides guidelines for foreign relations.

“Every Constitution also has external effects. But connections there work completely differently," said Pashinyan.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Armenia should think about its relations with the external world in new conditions.

"Nothing in the world is the same as it was under the conditions of the adoption of the current Constitution; no foreign relations are the same," Pashinyan said, adding that this is not only about Armenia.

According to the Prime Minister, none of the Constitutions adopted until now have  been enacted by the free will of the people; it was always the elite who imposed how they should live.

"However, one of the most important issues is to become more resilient and better protected in the external environment. But how?" noted the Prime Minister. Pashinyan reiterated that in terms of providing a security component, he had frequently mentioned the army and foreign relations. However, there is also a need for a third component.

"The army and foreign relations should serve the legitimate interests of the given state within its internationally recognized territory. This is a step aimed at elevating the level of security by one level," said the Prime Minister.

 18:49, 7 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. The issue of the return of the captives, hostages and other detained persons being illegally held in Azerbaijan to Armenia continues to be on the agenda of the Armenian authorities. These issues are discussed during negotiations, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during Wednesday’s question-and-answer session with the government in the National Assembly.

“The issue of prisoners and detainees is always on the agenda of our negotiations and contacts. Moreover, we constantly discuss these issues. It is clear that this is a very sensitive issue,” Pashinyan said.

 20:31, 7 February 2024

 20:50, 7 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Turkey, which was scheduled for February 12, has been put off, a diplomatic source in Turkey told TASS without elaborating.

"The visit has been postponed. No details are still known," the source said.

Earlier, Hande Firat, a journalist for the Hurriyet newspaper and a columnist for the CNN-Turk television channel, announced that the visit had been canceled, Tass reports.

Media outlets previously reported that Putin would visit Turkey on February 12, but the Kremlin did not confirm this information.

 21:25, 7 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS: President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan had a meeting with the representatives of the local Armenian community within the framework of his official visit to Hungary, the Presidential Office said.

During the meeting the President briefed on the details on the domestic and external situation of Armenia, referred to the changes and reforms made in the country in recent years.

According to the source, President Khachaturyan engaged with the attendees in an informal atmosphere and answered their questions.

 15:19, 6 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. Parliament majority leader Hayk Konjoryan has denied reports claiming that Azerbaijan stands behind the Armenian authorities’ intentions to start a process of initiating a referendum for a new constitution. 

“An attempt is being made to misrepresent the issue as being Azerbaijan’s demand. This is absolutely not Azerbaijan’s demand. This is the domestic agenda of the Republic of Armenia, this is about the people of Armenia. This discussion itself is highly valuable,” he said.

The MP said that the basis of the matter has nothing to do with any other country or external pressure. At the same time, the lawmaker said that Azerbaijan wants to cause tensions in Armenia and that’s why it is making statements on the issue.

“This is a discussion stemming from the interests of the Republic of Armenia and the people of Armenia. And we are yet to have a discussion to understand our path.”

 15:40, 6 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien.

During the meeting PM Pashinyan ‘attached importance to the continuous development of the Armenia-United States cooperation and underscored the United States’ support aimed at the effective implementation of the democratic reforms in Armenia,’ the Prime Minister’s Office said in a readout.

Prime Minister Pashinyan added that ‘the government of Armenia highly appreciates the United States’ efforts in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and in the steps aimed at establishing stability in the region.’

PM Pashinyan and Ambassador Kvien also discussed issues pertaining to the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in various directions, as well as the Armenia-United States Strategic Dialogue. They also discussed the ongoing processes in the South Caucasus, the opportunities for unblocking regional infrastructures and the Crossroads of Peace project developed by the Armenian government.

 17:17, 6 February 2024

YEREVAN, 6 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 6 February, USD exchange rate up by 0.21 drams to 404.24 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.58 drams to 433.71 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.02 drams to 4.45 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 2.04 drams to 506.80 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 196.16 drams to 26227.17 drams. Silver price down by 9.26 drams to 292.49 drams.

 18:06, 6 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS.  The common border between Armenia and Iran has been the safest and has served as a guarantee for expanding ties and contacts between the two sides, as well as ensuring the well-being of both peoples. Tehran has demonstrated through its actions that it will not tolerate any geopolitical changes in this region, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Armenia Mehdi Sobhani stated during a meeting with experts and journalists.

“Today, Iran pursues the most independent domestic and foreign policy, and without Tehran, not a single equation in the region can be resolved. Our country is part of the solution to the crises and problems of the region. Despite the pressure and conspiracies against Iran over the past 45 years, our country has made significant progress and, despite the sanctions imposed on us, has achieved remarkable advancements in all areas," Sobhani emphasized.

According to the Ambassador, Iran conducts a balanced policy with the countries of the region, with particular emphasis on its neighboring states. In particular, relations between Armenia and Iran have consistently developed since their establishment. Following Armenia's independence, the achievements in cooperation between the two countries have shown reliable trends of development. The will and desire of officials from both countries to expand historical and cultural foundations, to promote neighborly coexistence and enhance human contacts and relations have been a strong foundation, promoting further progress.

“The volume of trade, economic relations, and trade turnover between the two states are recording steady growth, strengthening cooperation, especially in the fields of economics and infrastructure. The peoples of Iran and Armenia have always stood side by side amidst moments of joy and sorrow. Today, Iran supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia and, as before, is ready to leverage all its resources to develop cooperation," the Ambassador said.

Sobhani stressed that official Tehran supports the "Crossroads of Peace" initiative put forward by the Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the content of which is the establishment of peace and stability in the region and is based on the mutual recognition of territorial integrity and sovereignty of countries. According to the ambassador, the official position of Yerevan is more than logical and in line with international norms.

 Speaking about the "3+3" format, Sobhani reminded that it is primarily designed to solve the existing problems between the countries of the region with their own capabilities. He  noted that if the format registers tangible achievements, then all countries will be interested in involvement and participation in the meetings.

"If there are escalations and conflicts in our region, they have a negative impact on all the countries of the region; therefore, they should become guarantors of solving the problems with joint efforts. It is necessary to be guided by sincere motives and be consistent in establishing real peace and stable security," explained the diplomat.

Touching upon the issue of the “Zangezur Corridor” proposed by Azerbaijan and Turkey, the Ambassador emphasized that there is a generally accepted approach in the world, according to which the corridor is perceived as an opportunity for communication. However, in our region, this is perceived completely differently. Therefore, Iran has very clearly demonstrated with its steps that it will not tolerate any geopolitical changes in this region.

"We welcome the unblocking of all roads and communications, if it happens based on the interests of countries and under their sovereignty. We support the strengthening of Armenia and the establishment of peace and stability. Therefore, only the balance of forces in our region will contribute to all of this. We are ready to provide any assistance that Armenia will need for further development," Sobhani assured.

“For Iran, Armenia is the best direction for access to the north and the Black Sea. And for Armenia, Iran is also the best direction for access to the south, to the same Chabahar Port of Iran.

The key issue in the economy is ensuring transportation and the reliable operation of infrastructure. The construction of the Kajaran-Agarak road section is an important factor in facilitating transportation and increasing trade volumes. In order for the route passing through Armenia to be more profitable and attractive, it is necessary to simplify laws, reduce road tariffs, and improve the existing infrastructure,” added the Ambassador of Iran to Armenia.

Manvel Margaryan

 21:59, 6 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS.  According to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's decision on February 6, Hrant Jilavyan has been appointed as the deputy head of the Foreign Intelligence Service.

The PM's decision is posted on .

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