Pashinyan Faces Tough Questions on Church, Azerbaijan, and Artsakh in Heated Presser

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan delivered a wide-ranging and confrontational press conference on July 16, addressing the nation for several hours on issues of sovereignty, the role of the Armenian Apostolic Church, foreign policy, and the peace process with Azerbaijan. The presser, filled with sharp rhetoric and a defiant tone, shows Pashinyan’s ongoing efforts to consolidate state authority while pushing back against foreign pressure and internal religious interference.

“We Liberated Armenia From Serzh — We Will Liberate the Church, Too”

In one of the most provocative parts of the press conference, Pashinyan fiercely criticized the Armenian Apostolic Church’s leadership, particularly Catholicos Karekin II, while emphasizing his personal faith and respect for the Church as an institution.

“If the Catholicos can publicly touch on the Prime Minister’s organs, then the Prime Minister can defend his faith and principles in public too,” Pashinyan said, denouncing what he described as hypocritical and inappropriate attacks from clergy. He clarified that his goal is not to destroy the Church, but to save it from corruption and internal decay. “We will liberate the Catholicosate just as we liberated the Republic of Armenia from Serzh Sargsyan,” he declared.

Despite criticism that only defrocked or secular figures support him in this religious dispute, Pashinyan said he remains a believer. “How can God curse a man who follows His word and not curse those who act against the divine commandments?” he asked rhetorically.

A Hardline Against Azerbaijan and Foreign Intrusion

The prime minister once again dismissed Azerbaijan’s demands for extraterritorial rights through Armenia, making clear that all infrastructure developed within the “Crossroads of Peace” project will fall under Armenia’s full sovereignty.

“All proposed transport links — whether between Armenia and Azerbaijan, or either country with third states — must operate under Armenian jurisdiction and laws,” he said. He noted that while Armenia is open to economic cooperation, including through foreign investment or management contracts, ownership will always remain with the Armenian state.

He pushed back against criticism over potential “outsourcing” of national infrastructure, citing the example of Zvartnots Airport, the national railways, and the water system — all managed externally but owned by Armenia.

In a notably cautious yet open approach, Pashinyan acknowledged that the text of a peace agreement with Azerbaijan has been finalized. Consultations are underway, and one possible path is a preliminary signing of the treaty.

“We will not miss any opportunity to move forward toward a peace agreement,” Pashinyan said, but warned that Armenia would only do so in accordance with its national interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He also assured Armenians that every negotiation with Baku includes the demand for the release of Armenian prisoners, which he described as non-negotiable.

Clear Message to Turkey: “If Not Peace, Then What — War?”

Pashinyan defended efforts to normalize relations with Turkey, challenging critics to propose alternatives. “If we don’t pursue reconciliation, what’s the other option — war?” he asked. He emphasized that peace is a strategic necessity and that Armenia is not seeking confrontation, but rather long-term regional stability.

This message comes during continued resistance from nationalist groups who view dialogue with Turkey as betrayal due to Turkey’s ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide. Pashinyan dismissed such claims as shortsighted and dangerous.

CSTO Withdrawal Now More Likely

Turning to Armenia’s relationship with the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Pashinyan said the chances of withdrawal now outweigh those of resumed participation. “Everything that needed to be said about the CSTO has already been said,” he added, suggesting Armenia is ready to fully disengage from the bloc, which many Armenians view as having abandoned the country during times of crisis.

He confirmed Armenia’s application to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), framing it as part of a balanced foreign policy strategy. “We are expected partners — north, south, east, and west,” he said.

Pressing Questions on Domestic Crises and Accountability

The press conference also touched on several domestic controversies. Pashinyan responded to backlash over a tragic accident involving his motorcade that killed a pregnant woman, claiming he was merely a passenger and had no role in the incident. “What do I have to do with it? I was in the car, but not the driver,” he said.

He also responded sharply to accusations that the government is abandoning displaced residents of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). “I completely deny that they are facing a new threat of homelessness,” he said, pointing to government aid programs now available to all displaced Armenians.

Pashinyan defended the decision to reclaim the Artsakh Representation Office building in Yerevan, stating, “I cannot allow a second state to exist within Armenia,” whether political or religious.

Russia’s Media and Red Lines

Addressing Russian media propaganda, Pashinyan acknowledged that several Kremlin-backed TV channels have “crossed every possible line.” Still, he resisted immediate censorship. “We broke bread with the Russian President — I don’t want to be forced to shut down Russian channels,” he said, calling for mutual respect and cautioning against foreign provocations meant to destabilize Armenia-Russia relations.

A Government Under Fire — But Still in Power

Responding to calls for his resignation due to unmet promises, Pashinyan insisted that no government in the world fully implements its agenda. He dismissed opposition efforts to portray him as illegitimate, suggesting that his continued leadership is a sign of popular support. “If the people didn’t agree with us, they would have ensured a change of power,” he said.

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Conclusion:  A Leader Out of Touch With a Nation in Crisis

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s July 16 press conference shows the deep divisions within Armenian society and the increasingly complex challenges facing the country. While he presented his government’s initiatives as steps toward long-term peace, modernization, and sovereignty, many of his statements left unanswered questions — particularly on sensitive issues such as relations with Azerbaijan, the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the fate of displaced Artsakh Armenians.

His insistence on pressing ahead with normalization efforts, including the possible pre-signing of a peace agreement with Azerbaijan, drew concern from those who question whether Azerbaijan has met any meaningful conditions for such a deal. At the same time, Pashinyan’s remarks on the Church and the Artsakh Representation Office show a growing tension between the state and national institutions that have long served as pillars of Armenian identity.

Throughout the press conference, the Prime Minister framed criticism as either outdated or politically motivated, yet offered little in terms of concrete accountability — particularly in cases involving government performance or tragic events tied to state infrastructure. His defense of outsourcing and regional projects under Armenian jurisdiction may sound promising on paper, but they continue to face skepticism from those who worry about foreign influence and long-term control.

In sum, while Pashinyan attempted to project confidence and clarity, his messaging revealed just how strained the relationship has become between the government and large segments of the population. For many Armenians, the path forward remains uncertain — and trust in leadership, fragile.

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