The debate over constitutional reform in Armenia has become one of the key stumbling blocks in the peace process with Azerbaijan. While Yerevan’s leadership insists that constitutional changes are part of its domestic agenda rather than the result of external pressure, Baku has repeatedly argued that the Armenian Constitution contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan that must be removed if a sustainable peace agreement is to be signed.

Armenia has not committed to amending its Constitution as part of the agreements with Azerbaijan. Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated this in an interview with Public Television. He also mentioned that he does not agree with the Azerbaijani view that there are issues within the Armenian Constitution:

"The issue of the Constitution was not discussed in Washington, although we have previously heard statements about this from Azerbaijan. We also observe problems in their Constitution, but we believe a peace agreement can resolve these issues without requiring amendments...

Armenia has not agreed to amend its Constitution at the request of any country. We have been discussing the possibility since 2018, and only a section related to the Declaration has been added to these talks."

Last year, N. Pashinyan announced plans to adopt a new constitution, and he reaffirmed these plans last week. He even mentioned that if there are any discrepancies, he would intervene to accelerate the process.

What are the reasons behind these disagreements in Yerevan? What do they suggest about the future of the peace agreement? In such a scenario, could Azerbaijan include claims to its historical lands, specifically Western Azerbaijan, and propose adding clauses about the return of these territories to its Constitution, as well as demand the immediate evacuation of Yerevan and other territories due to the expiration of the lease?

Azernews sought insights from leading political experts in Azerbaijan.

According........

© AzerNews