Armenian Citizens Should Live in Armenia, Azeris in Azerbaijan: Armenian FM

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan made a firm statement during the international Orbeli Forum in Yerevan, emphasizing that citizens of Armenia should live in Armenia, and Azerbaijani citizens should live in Azerbaijan. His words came as a clear response to recent remarks from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who once again attempted to distort history and stir tension by calling Armenia’s Lake Sevan “Goycha” and speaking about the “return” of Azerbaijanis to Armenia.

At a time when Armenia continues to pursue genuine peace in the South Caucasus, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan reaffirmed the country’s principled stance that its citizens must live freely within their own homeland — the Republic of Armenia — without interference or manipulation from Azerbaijan. His remarks were a direct counter to the expansionist rhetoric from Baku, where Azerbaijani officials repeatedly attempt to rewrite geography and history for political gain.

“I believe that citizens of the Republic of Armenia should live in Armenia, and I assume that citizens of Azerbaijan—in Azerbaijan,” Mirzoyan said, clearly rejecting any notion of Azerbaijani resettlement in Armenia or interference in the country’s domestic affairs.

The Armenian foreign minister’s message came during ongoing discussions about the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Mirzoyan said that lasting peace must be built on mutual interest, not on manipulation or pressure. “There is a clear guarantee,” he stated, “and it is not the participation of a third country or signatures of peacekeepers. The guarantee is that what has been agreed upon is beneficial for Armenia, Azerbaijan, and other countries in the region.”

However, Mirzoyan made it clear that Armenia’s commitment to peace does not mean yielding to Azerbaijan’s revisionist narratives. He reminded that Armenia has consistently shown goodwill through concrete actions — including cooperation on unblocking regional connections and participation in economic projects — while Baku continues to promote inflammatory statements, such as renaming Lake Sevan and referring to Armenian territories with old imperial labels.

The foreign minister also addressed the ongoing implementation of the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP) project — a strategic infrastructure initiative involving Armenia and the United States, with potential participation from other countries. He clarified that Moscow and Tehran have not expressed any objections to American involvement and that Armenia retains full control over the project’s management and sovereignty. “This is only about management,” Mirzoyan explained, stressing that the TRIPP project represents an instrument of peace and cooperation, not foreign control.

Mirzoyan further pointed out Armenia’s growing diplomatic engagement, including its dialogue with Turkey. He noted that while borders remain closed, the two sides are maintaining regular contact and have already established direct flights. Armenia’s position remains one of constructive dialogue, aiming to normalize relations while preserving its national dignity and protecting its interests.

Addressing the broader geopolitical picture, the foreign minister reiterated that Armenia’s friendship with Iran remains unbreakable. “Nothing in the world can disrupt our friendship and partnership with Iran,” Mirzoyan declared, describing the relationship as both historical and strategic. Despite sanctions limiting full economic cooperation, he expressed optimism that the partnership will continue to deepen.

Mirzoyan also touched upon ongoing constitutional discussions in Armenia, making it clear that such matters are strictly internal and not open for external negotiation. He reminded that Azerbaijani officials have repeatedly tried to pressure Yerevan over constitutional reforms, but Armenia’s stance remains unchanged: the country’s constitution is a domestic affair, and no foreign government has the right to dictate it.

Throughout his remarks, the Armenian FM emphasized the importance of regional cooperation based on equality and respect, not dominance or fear. He said that the South Caucasus nations are “condemned to cooperation” — meaning that peace and prosperity can only come through genuine mutual respect, not through threats or forced narratives.

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