Pashinyan Dares Armenians to ‘Start a Revolution’ if They Reject His Peace Path

Armenia and Azerbaijan have not yet decided under what procedure citizens and cargo will move through each other’s territories, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Thursday. He explained that discussions are ongoing, and different ideas have been presented during talks, but no final mechanism has been set. Options under consideration include simplified systems similar to biometric passport checks used in other countries.

Pashinyan said that transportation along routes through Armenia and Azerbaijan will be based on reciprocity, meaning both sides must provide the same conditions. He stressed that any arrangements cannot go beyond the principles of Armenia’s territorial integrity, jurisdiction, inviolability of borders, and reciprocity.

Pashinyan spoke about new transport and trade opportunities that may open between Armenia and Azerbaijan once peace is formalized. He said both countries will allow transport across each other’s territories on a reciprocal basis. Armenia would allow Azerbaijan a route to Nakhijevan through Armenian land, and in return, Armenia would gain a similar passage through Azerbaijan.

He mentioned that “not a single square millimeter of Armenia’s territory can be outside the country’s jurisdiction and control.” He explained that this principle of sovereignty, borders, and reciprocity is built into the peace agreement.

The Prime Minister also declared that Armenia has entered a new stage where peace must take priority over past conflicts, including the Karabakh movement. He said he had been part of the movement since his youth, but after years of experience, he understood that continuing it would not bring peace.

Pashinyan recalled that he had already told parliament about his decision and added, “..if the citizens of Armenia believe that this should not be the case, I myself call on the citizens to carry out a revolution.” He stressed that no such revolution has taken place, which in his view shows that people understand peace is the only possible path.

The Prime Minister confirmed that Azerbaijani forces currently control about 200 square kilometers (≈ 77 square miles) of Armenian land, while Armenia holds some parts of Azerbaijani territory. He said both countries have agreed to recognize each other’s borders based on the maps of the former Soviet republics and that border delimitation should follow those maps.

Pashinyan explained that the process has already begun in some areas, such as the Kirants-Voskepar section, and that future steps will follow the same method. He added that any possible exchange of land would need public approval.

The government is working on a new constitution, with 2027 set as the target year for its adoption. Pashinyan said a referendum will be held once the draft is ready. He underlined that if Armenia’s Constitutional Court finds the peace treaty with Azerbaijan in conflict with the current constitution, he will personally push for changes.

Although Baku has made clear that it wants Armenia to change its constitution before signing a peace deal, Pashinyan said the drafting process is not directly linked to ongoing negotiations. Still, he admitted that the new constitution may have a strategic impact on the peace process.

Commenting on possible elections, Pashinyan said the people of Armenia will face a choice between peace and no peace. He avoided framing it as a choice between peace and war, but insisted that daily effort is required to finalize and maintain peace with Azerbaijan.

Pashinyan said the initialing of the U.S.-brokered peace deal in Washington on August 8 has already boosted Armenia’s economy. He said that tourism numbers reached record highs in June and July, and foreign investment has been increasing.

He also pointed to ongoing talks with Turkey, saying regional projects will affect normalization between the two countries. While he did not give a timeline, he expressed confidence that the Armenian-Turkish border will eventually reopen.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Armenia cannot ignore the matter of enclaves and exclaves. He said both sides recognize each other’s territorial integrity under the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration, but legal grounds must be clarified through maps and documents. The commissions on border delimitation have not yet resolved this issue, but he said it will be addressed in time.

Pashinyan said he does not believe Armenians will vote against a new constitution if it is tied to achieving peace. He reminded that the opposition has criticized the 2020 ceasefire agreement as a “capitulation,” but has not offered to withdraw it if in power.

He concluded that Armenia has already crossed a key threshold in securing independence for the next century, though risks remain. Peace, he said, requires daily care, joint effort, and acceptance of a “new life.”

Critics argue that the U.S.-brokered peace deal, signed in Washington on August 8, 2025, does not serve Armenia’s interests. They say its success depends on whether it effectively protects Armenia’s sovereignty, ensures the safe return of hostages, holds Azerbaijan accountable for past aggression, and protects the rights and well-being of the Armenian people.

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