Prime Minister Pashinyan Speaks on Armenia's Present and Future

In a series of remarks delivered at the National Assembly on Thursday, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan offered his insights into Armenia's past, present, and future, addressing a range of pressing issues facing Armenia.

Pashinyan's address began with a reflection on his continued tenure as Armenia's Prime Minister, emphasizing his belief in the importance of preserving national values. "I continue to be Armenia’s PM because I possess one of our most important national values: the Armenian language," he declared, highlighting the deep cultural significance of language in shaping the identity of the Armenian people.

Pashinyan delved into discussions surrounding the concept of historical Armenia versus present-day Armenia, speaking on the complexities of national identity and security in the region. He mentioned the necessity of recognizing Azerbaijan's territorial integrity as a means of safeguarding Armenia's own territorial integrity, contextualizing the geopolitical realities facing the nation.

Addressing challenges faced during the recent 44-day war, Pashinyan reflected on leadership and the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing world. He acknowledged shortcomings in the army's preparedness and emphasized the importance of addressing systemic issues to ensure the effectiveness of the state system.

Pashinyan also critiqued the historical narratives inherited from the Soviet Union, lamenting the dominance of narratives crafted to serve imperial interests. He called for a reevaluation of Armenia's history, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming agency in shaping national narratives.

"Our new history is being written today," Pashinyan declared, urging Armenians to take ownership of their historical narrative and break free from the legacy of imperial influence. He called upon citizens to actively participate in shaping Armenia's future, emphasizing the role of the National Assembly as a forum for collective dialogue and nation-building.