About 10 days ago, Hikmet Hajiyev, assistant to the President of Azerbaijan Aliyev Reutersin the conversation with , he once again mentioned that although Armenia and Azerbaijan live in conditions of real peace, there will be no signing of a peace treaty without the amendment of the RA constitution.

“The form of constitutional amendments It is the internal affairs of Armenia. It is important for Azerbaijan that the provisions considered to be territorial claims against our country are officially abolished: through the adoption of a new constitution or through another legal mechanism.”– stressed Hajiyev.

And yesterday, on July 24, Namik Aliyev, head of the Department of International Relations and Foreign Policy of the State Administration Academy under the President of Azerbaijan, doctor of legal sciences, professor, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, referring to the RA constitution, essentially tried to open Brackets in Hajiyev’s wording: “…through another legal mechanism.”

“Article 103 of the Constitution of Armenia of the article According to Part 2, the Referendum Law, as well as 6 other laws listed in it, are constitutional laws and are adopted by the Parliament by a vote of at least three-fifths of the total number of deputies. The 64 parliamentary mandates of the “Civil Agreement” allow to make changes or adopt a new “Referendum” law.

At the same time, it should be noted that the amendment of the preamble of the Armenian constitution, which contains a reference to the 1990 Declaration of Independence with territorial claims against Azerbaijan, does not necessarily require a popular referendum.

Article 202 of the Constitution is of decisive importance, part 1 of which defines the list of chapters and articles in which amendments are adopted exclusively through a referendum. And since the preamble is missing from this list, the second part of the same article applies to it, according to which amendments to the remaining provisions of the Constitution are adopted by the National Assembly with a majority of at least two-thirds of the total number of deputies,” Aliyev said.

202 of the RA Constitution the article, indeed, defines the following.

«1. The Constitution and Chapters 1-3, 7, 10 and 15 of the Constitution, as well as in Article 88 of the Constitution, Article 89, Part 3, Sentence 1, Article 90, Part 1, Article 103, Part 2, 108, 115, 119-120, Amendments to Articles 123-125, 146, 149 and 155, Part 4 of Article 200 are adopted only through a referendum. At least one third of the total number of deputies, the Government or two hundred thousand citizens with electoral rights have the right to initiate the adoption or amendment of the Constitution. The National Assembly adopts the decision on putting the project to a referendum with at least two-thirds of the votes of the total number of deputies.

2. Except for the articles mentioned in part 1 of this article, amendments to other articles of the Constitution are adopted by the National Assembly with at least two-thirds of the votes of the total number of deputies. At least a quarter of the total number of deputies, the Government or one hundred and fifty thousand citizens with the right to vote have the right to a corresponding initiative.

3. If the National Assembly does not accept the draft amendments to the Constitution provided for in part 2 of this article, it can be put to a referendum by a decision adopted by at least three-fifths of the total number of votes of the deputies.

And so, the Azerbaijani lawyer-diplomat observes.

“In this case, when the “Civil Agreement” presented the draft amendment to the preamble of the Constitution to the National Assembly for discussion, Pashinyan’s supporters needed 70 votes to pass the draft.

Two options are possible here. In the first case, the ruling party finds supporters of its project from opposition MPs and passes the bill. At that time, the need for a referendum disappears. In the second case, if the ruling party fails to add the missing votes to its 64 votes, naturally, the project is not accepted.

In case of such a turn of events, the deputies of the “Civil Contract” can use part 3 of Article 202, which stipulates that “if the National Assembly does not accept the draft amendments to the Constitution provided for in part 2 of this article, it can be put to a referendum by a decision made by at least three-fifths of the total number of deputies.”

Pashinyan’s supporters have a majority of three-fifths of the votes of the total number of deputies in the parliament, so it will not be difficult to put the draft amendment of the preamble to a referendum and achieve its adoption.”

In other words, according to the head of the Chair of International Relations and Foreign Policy of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Azerbaijan, there are two main ways to fulfill Baku’s demand in practical terms. first, amendment of the preamble of the Armenian constitution or exclusion of the Declaration of Independence, in which case the territorial claim that is an obstacle to the signing of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement is eliminated, and which requires a quick procedure, second, the adoption of a new RA constitution, which requires a long process, political and public consolidation, etc.

What is the problem here? Baku is only interested in the exclusion of the Declaration of Independence from the RA constitution, which Pashinyan does not have the possibility of a quick procedure to implement, which would ensure a quick signing of the peace agreement.

On the other hand, if there was such an opportunity, would it be enough for Nikol Pashinyan, after all, Baku has its demands and fears in the context of the peace agenda and the Artsakh issue, and Pashinyan, in addition to ensuring the necessary conditions for signing a peace treaty, also has his own domestic political interests and fears, and in this case, the new Constitution, the draft of which he promised to publish before the end of the year, is in his favor. Here, it is not excluded that the provisions that are in force will not be related to the army, the church, and not only them.

In addition to this, Nikol Pashinyan, who announced after the NA elections that the majority of RA citizens voted in favor of their proposed peace agenda, in any case, needs one more important confirmation or legitimacy: the holding of a popular referendum.

That’s why he emphasized on different occasions that there is one way to adopt the Constitution: a popular referendum, moreover, months ago he even said that if one referendum fails, the next one will be held. Of course, Pashinyan would like to be able to first remove the Declaration of Independence from the Constitution in an easier way, and then satisfy his own internal political interests with the new constitution, but it is what it is.

On one occasion we have touched on Nikol Pashinyan’s “constitutional revolutions”, and the opposition has serious work to do and the need for revisions in the field of propaganda.

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On June 11, 1980, the US Central Intelligence Agency prepares a classified report on the economic, technical or infrastructural affairs of the Soviet Union.

The report includes both intelligence and otherwise acquired materials. The report also presents information on large water economic projects implemented in Soviet Armenia.

Special attention is paid to the ecological condition of Lake Sevan, the management of water resources and the construction of the Arpa-Sevan water tunnel, which was one of the major engineering projects of the USSR period and aimed to provide additional water flow for the Sevan basin.

In 1961, the USSR government accepted the decision, and already in March 1963, the construction of hydraulic structures began. The length of the tunnel is 48.3 kilometers and at the time it was considered one of the longest water tunnels in the world. The Arpa-Sevan tunnel was commissioned in March 1981.

In the declassified document of the US CIA there are parts about the construction details of the Arpa-Sevan water tunnel.

Below are excerpts from the document that relate to the construction of the tunnel.

“Electricity. About the progress of construction projects of existing hydroelectric power plants (excerpts)

In the first ten days of January 1980, the connection of the eighth and ninth drilling sites of the Arpa-Sevan tunnel was realized. The detonation of the junction of those two sites became the last detonation of the construction of the 48-kilometer long tunnel. The aforementioned tunnel was built to supply water to Lake Sevan, one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes. The builders’ path was extremely difficult and complicated, but the most difficult work was done in the ninth well.

It crossed a huge tectonic fault zone that was filled with water-saturated sedimentary rocks. With heroic efforts, the tunnel builders overcame both large-scale rockfalls and infiltration of underground water. About 1 million cubic meters of rock was removed along the entire length of the tunnel, 250,000 cubic meters of concrete and reinforced concrete were poured, block elements and ring-shaped structures of the tunnel were installed.

On the construction site, exceptional bravery, courage and dedication were shown by the best workers, foremen of the united team G. Mirzoyan and A. Ghazaryan, tunnel builders G. Tereshchenko, B. Chuchva, V. Svistun, V. Shvetsov, blaster A. Yeritsyan, underground work specialist S. Baghdasaryan, heads of well construction works Yu. Mkrtchyan and R. Aristakesyan, as well as many other employees.

During the construction, many new problems arose, which were related to the great length and depth of the underground highway. All these problems have been successfully solved. The study and generalization of the accumulated experience will make it possible to apply it during the construction of other underground highways.

The builders have completely completed 31 kilometers of the tunnel, while a number of works are still to be carried out in the remaining 17 kilometers. Representatives of 16 nationalities from all over the country are working on this “road of courage” so that the tunnel will be put into permanent operation ahead of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Soviet power in Armenia. In the remaining months, they have to finish concreting the tunnel arch and finally build the floor in the deep borehole.

The news that the connection of the two sections was successfully carried out spread like lightning in the boreholes of the Vardenis mountain range. On that occasion, the builders held a solemn rally.” (See CIA-RDP82-00850R000200090022-6.pdf).

This document highlights that during the construction of the water tunnel, the US CIA closely monitored the work. It was not a coincidence, because in that period, especially the Soviet press called the construction of the tunnel one of the Armenian engineering miracles and masterpieces of the 20th century.

The structure became not only an engineering masterpiece, but also became the most important strategic plan for ensuring water security in Armenia. Which is still important for the preservation of water resources of Armenia, the implementation of agricultural programs, as well as for the improvement of the ecological condition of Lake Sevan.

Z. I hesitated

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The introduction of artificial intelligence textbooks and neural interfaces in schools does not mean that education will immediately improve. This article examines which technologies are already being implemented in schools and how this raises new ethical questions.

One of the main challenges for education in 2025 will be the gap between the school curriculum and the skills needed in the labor market. A report from the Graduate School of Economics identifies this as one of the main issues in global education policy. Countries are updating curricula, strengthening career guidance and introducing artificial intelligence to children earlier, but the readiness of schools and teachers to use it remains uncertain.

Against this background, the educational technology market is growing. According to Grand View Research, the global education technology market was worth $187 billion in 2025 and could grow to $437.5 billion by 2033. Analysts point to personalized learning and artificial intelligence tools in teaching as drivers, i.e. solutions that help tailor learning to the student’s level and partially ease the teacher’s burden.

Artificial intelligence literacy and artificial teachers of reason

The HSE report identified artificial intelligence as one of the main trends in education policy, but countries implement it in different ways.

The United States is betting on market partnerships and early introduction of artificial intelligence to schoolchildren.

China focuses on centralized implementation of curricula and school management.

However, the integration of artificial intelligence in schools does not mean simply replacing textbooks with algorithms. This was demonstrated by the experience of South Korea, which in 2023 was one of the first to start experimenting with artificial intelligence textbooks. However, in 2025 the reform was reversed and the materials were reclassified from mandatory to optional. The project was criticized for bugs, technical glitches, data security risks, and increased teacher workloads. After that, the share of schools using such textbooks decreased from 37% to 19%.

Therefore, a more sustainable model is one where artificial intelligence is introduced not as a textbook replacement, but as a new skill. In 2025, Estonia launched an AI Leap pilot program for high school students and teachers. Students were provided with an application adapted for Estonian schools. it does not provide a ready answer, but it helps to divide the problem into steps and formulate a conclusion. At the same time, a national support program was developed for teachers, access to ChatGPT and Gemini was provided, and professional communities were created to discuss how to use artificial intelligence in the classroom.

Meanwhile, Oak National Academy in the UK is developing the Aila artificial intelligence assistant. It helps students create lessons, assignments, tests or presentations in minutes and adapt materials to a specific lesson.

VR simulations and robots

VR is often used in schools as a simulator for situations that are difficult or expensive to replicate in the classroom. In Russia, VR chemistry labs are opening for experiments with dangerous or expensive materials, and in Mordovia, VR rooms are being used for career guidance through engaging simulations. At the same time, a market for off-the-shelf solutions is developing, from on-site classes to apps for home VR headsets.

But if VR transports students into a virtual environment, the next experimental step is to add physical artificial intelligence to the classroom. The Salamanca school district (New York, USA) has developed a pilot project with a humanoid robot named “Sally” that communicates in 100 languages, imitates facial expressions and movements. The project is scheduled to start in the summer of 2026. The AI-powered robot will be accessible to students 24/7 via a secure website.

But the most interesting example to date is that of Altus, a private school in San Diego. In 2026, the school purchased two Ameca humanoid robots for $500,000 and claimed to be the first school in the world to explore artificial intelligence robots as educational “partners”. But the very first lessons revealed how crude the technology remains. the robot interrupted the students, spoke too fast, required repetition, and was most often described by the children themselves as “creepy”.

A robot in the classroom can engage students, help with language, navigate assignments or career guidance. But if it doesn’t do something that can’t be done more cheaply and easily by an AI service, teacher, or tutor, then its value remains questionable. The same goes for VR. technology makes sense when it provides an experience not available in a regular classroom, but without that purpose it becomes an amusement park attraction and a robot an expensive attraction.

Neurotechnology

Traditional career orientation tests reveal how students think about themselves; what subjects they like, how they imagine themselves, which professions they consider prestigious. However, teenagers do not always objectively assess their strengths, and their answers depend on mood, parental expectations, or the desire to choose the “right” option. In an attempt to solve this problem, a neurotechnology-based tool has been developed that transmits data on responses to various types of tasks and appropriate formats of learning information.

The system monitors brain activity using EEG sensors and determines reaction speed and focus. Based on this data, a profile of the student’s cognitive characteristics is created, which allows them to recommend the most suitable professions.

Neurofeedback and biofeedback

Feedback technologies are used to manage attention, stress, and self-regulation. If the system monitors body parameters such as heart rate or respiration, this is called biofeedback or biofeedback. If the data comes from EEG sensors and shows brain activity, this is called neurofeedback.

Such technologies are used, for example, for self-regulation of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In the American app Mightier, a child plays with a Bluetooth heart rate monitor. As excitement increases, the game becomes more challenging and offers self-regulation techniques. This teaches the child to notice his condition and work with it.

The possibility of analyzing students’ face, voice or behavior patterns directly during lessons is also being discussed. BrainCo EEG headsets were tested in China back in 2019, transmitting concentration data to teachers and parents. In theory, such technologies help detect fatigue, overload, or loss of engagement early. But after a public outcry, the school was forced to abandon the devices. Parents questioned the need to monitor student progress throughout the school day. They saw it as too much pressure on their children and also noted that fatigue or loss of focus should not automatically be attributed to disciplinary problems.

For now, such initiatives raise questions. who collects the data and where is the line between helping the child and being overly controlling. However, it is possible that such technologies will improve and become as widespread a part of the educational process as computers.

Is it artificial? intelligence will replace teachers

For the Alpha generation, technology is ingrained in everyday life. However, the habit of using chatbots and other services is not equivalent to the ability to learn with them. In the report of the International Association for the Assessment of Educational Achievements, the concept of “digital natives” was called controversial. Yes, students are using technology more and more, but that doesn’t mean they are able to critically evaluate information and understand how algorithms work.

Therefore, the question is not who will master the new service faster. In UNESCO reports on artificial intelligence literacy for schoolchildren and teachers, experts write that students need not only AI skills, but also an understanding of the ethics, limitations and principles of operation of these systems, while teachers need the ability to build learning around the teacher-AI-student connection.

As for neural interfaces, data on attention, fatigue, or cognitive load are useful if they help children understand themselves better, but dangerous if they become a form of academic assessment or a constant monitoring tool. Therefore, the future of schools does not depend on the number of artificial intelligence services, VR headsets and sensors, but on the rules of their use.

The future of school education in Armenia․ how will the classes change?n: in the age of artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence, virtual reality and digital tools are gradually entering the educational system of Armenia. Although the country is still far from deploying robot teachers or neural interfaces in schools, AI tools, programming, robotics and drone training programs are already being tested in schools and educational centers. Experts, however, point out that technology itself does not improve education if it is not accompanied by teacher training and curriculum revision.

Artificial intelligence is entering the classroom

In schools in Armenia, ChatGPT, Gemini and other AI tools are already being used by students and teachers, but mostly on individual initiative. They help prepare lessons, find information, create tests, and complete homework.

At the same time, there is still no unified national strategy that would define how AI should be used in schools, what skills should be developed, and how to prevent misuse.

According to experts, in the coming years schools will be more in demand not to get an answer from AI, but the ability to work with it correctly: formulating questions, checking results, critically evaluating information.

From programming to drones

In recent years, a lot of attention has been paid to technological education in Armenia. In schools and after-school centers, children learn programming, robotics, 3D modeling, drone control, and the basics of artificial intelligence.

Both state and private initiatives are active in this field. Their purpose is not only to prepare future programmers, but also to develop logical thinking, problem solving and teamwork skills in children.

Will textbooks change?

AI-powered digital textbooks that adapt to each student’s level of knowledge are already being tested around the world.

Such solutions are not yet widely used in Armenia, but the process of digitalization of education has already begun. E-learning materials, online platforms and interactive classes are playing an increasingly important role.

Experts say that in the future, the textbook can turn into a digital assistant that not only presents the material, but also offers individual tasks and monitors the student’s progress.

VR and AR technologies

Virtual and augmented reality technologies can enable schoolchildren to “visit” historical sites, study the human body, or perform chemical experiments without the need for a laboratory.

In Armenia, such solutions are still mainly used in separate educational programs and technology centers, but experts believe that in the coming years they may gradually appear in schools as well.

New technologies, new questions

The use of AI and other technologies in education also raises ethical questions. How much data can a school collect about students? How to protect children’s personal data? How do we prevent AI from becoming just a way to get ready answers instead of learning?

According to experts, it is important for Armenia not only to introduce new technologies, but also to develop clear rules for their use.

SIRARPI AGHABABYAN

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Since May, the export of flowers from Armenia, and in June, the export of fruits and vegetables to the Russian market has been limited. From July 27, the export of Armenian dairy products will also be limited. Similar is a decision made The reason, according to the Russian side, is the quality of the products, according to the Federal Veterinary and Phytosanitary Control Service, “Rosselkhoznadzor”.

Is the Russian market no longer in need of Armenian products, is the decision political, is it possible, at some stage, out of self-interest, to open the market again to Armenian producers?

Chairman of the Republican Union of Employers, economist Gagik Makaryani in other words, Russia is one of the unique countries in the world that always overestimates political interest over economic interest.

“Russia is never guided by economic interest in many issues, if it were, it would be possible to remove the restrictions on the import of Armenian products at some stage. The priority for him is political gain, and he has decided to use political leverage against the economic one.

Of course, our products also have problems. We must honestly say that we should not think that the steps of the Russian side are only political and lose our vigilance, think that our products are good, but Russia has made political decisions. Both our cognac and food have problems, fish too, if it were not so, our Food Safety Inspectorate could prove it, take measurements and tell the Russian side that the decision is entirely political.”– 168.amGagik Makaryan said in a conversation with

According to the economist, even if we consider that this decision of Russia is political, this does not mean that it will retreat. After the elections, it not only did not stop the restrictions, but also increased its sanctions.

“When Russia realizes that the goods going from Armenia to Europe are increasing so much that its sanctions lose the value of influence, then maybe it will try to take some steps to make concessions. Or send teams here to come and check, to make sure that everything is in order. Maybe he will attribute all that to him, saying, “Oh, for example, on the way to Europe, you started to improve the standards of your products, we also accept those standards.”

Technical regulations in EAEU, which are similar to EU directives, are written documents with the same force. It’s not that EATM is a market of low-quality goods, it’s just a lower competitive market in terms of competition,” added Gagik Makaryan.

According to the economist, according to the laws, the EAEU is the same as the EU market, just from Armenia, so to speak, they “found a language” with that market by paying bribes, making friends, knowing Russian, the cultures are similar, the Armenians of the Russian Federation play a big role in the matter of intermediaries, etc. However, when Russia began to put a strong emphasis on standards, it saw that many people do not have these standards, or were previously aware of them, but turned a blind eye to this fact.

“Now that market has been occupied by Turkish, Azerbaijani, and Georgian products, it is not that Russia will be very impoverished in terms of harvest. For example, they are already trying to replace Armenian brandy with Azerbaijani or Georgian brandy, or wines, agricultural products. Suffice it to say that until 2000, Turkey supplied 40 percent of EU agricultural products, and now it is more than half.

In other words, we are dealing with a very powerful economy. The same Turkey will and does sell many things to Russia. “Now Russia will oppress its own people, and they will not have many things, but it will not give up its positions,” our interlocutor stressed.

Gagik Makaryan also emphasized that Armenia must work actively to enter the EU market, and it is not the case that many manufacturers will export their products to Europe next year.

“The level of actions that are being taken does not inspire hope that we will have a better situation next year in this regard.

There is one more question here, these risks can also lead to problems related to the field of viticulture”, emphasized Gagik Makaryan.

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