Pashinyan Does Not Rule Out Early Elections to Adopt New Constitution

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has not ruled out holding early elections to adopt a new constitution for the country. Such a need may arise if the authorities cannot secure support from the parliamentary opposition for amending the Fundamental Law.

Pashinyan said that during a meeting in Bishkek he told Ilham Aliyev that a constant raising of the issue of the Fundamental Law of Armenia is unacceptable for Yerevan. According to the prime minister, Azerbaijan responded by recognising that the question of the Constitution is an internal matter for Armenia. Baku, he said, stated its position: a peace agreement can be signed only after Armenia changes its Constitution.

Plans for a New Constitution

Pashinyan said that changing the Constitution is part of the government's programme. In his words, Armenia should follow this path and adopt a new constitution, even if Azerbaijan puts forward such a condition.

According to the prime minister, a draft constitution will be published in the near future and then submitted to parliament. Pashinyan explained that the authorities are trying to convince the opposition of the importance of this issue. If this does not succeed, he said, other scenarios will be considered, including early elections.

Pashinyan also said that he has an obligation before citizens to sign a peace treaty and to change the Constitution.

Background

Earlier, Pashinyan did not rule out signing a peace agreement with Azerbaijan in 2027–2028. Foreign Minister and Minister of Economy Ararat Mirzoyan said beforehand that Azerbaijan does not require a change to Armenia's Constitution, but is setting a condition for signing the peace treaty.

Source: am.sputniknews.ru

Prepared by:Yulduz Salimov