Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has expressed his readiness to amend the country’s Constitution in order to conclude a peace agreement with Azerbaijan. In his view, the current version of the Basic Law contains provisions that allow for territorial claims, and their removal is a necessary step toward stability and the end of the conflict. However, the date of the referendum has not yet been determined.

In March 2025, the parties had already agreed on a draft peace treaty. Yet the key condition for its signing remains the amendment of Armenia’s Constitution, according to Azerbaijan’s position. From Baku’s perspective, it is essential to remove references to Nagorno-Karabakh from the preamble. However, in Armenia this may trigger internal division, especially considering the mass protests in 2024 against territorial concessions, including remote villages in the Tavush region.

It should be noted that in August, at a summit in the White House, Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a declaration under U.S. sponsorship. The declaration envisions the creation of the “Zangezur Corridor” – a strategic transit route through Armenia, under U.S. control for 99 years. The route was named TRIPP (“Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity”).

Iran and Russia have voiced serious concern over U.S. involvement in regional processes, viewing the creation of the corridor as a threat to their influence and regional stability. The United States is emerging as an active geopolitical player in the South Caucasus, using a model of economic leverage and transport projects. This weakens the traditional influence of Russia and Iran, while opening the door for Armenia’s Euro- and Euro-Atlantic orientation.

Analysts note the lack of detailed work on security and customs aspects of the project, as well as the legal status of the corridor and Armenia’s access to Azerbaijani territory. These gaps could derail the peace agreement, even if constitutional amendments are pursued.

The introduction of a new Constitution will require a referendum, which Armenian society may perceive as external pressure. The issue of Nagorno-Karabakh remains particularly sensitive – as a symbol of national identity. Any changes related to it may provoke sharp discontent and protests.

Pashinyan’s statement of readiness to amend the Constitution signals a key compromise. Yet its implementation represents a delicate balance between the external necessity of peace and internal political stability. The success of the initiative will depend on subtle diplomacy, the public’s willingness to accept change, and the government’s ability to manage the consequences – legal, social, and national.

#ARMENIA

21.08.2025 08:55