During a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, addressing whether constitutional amendments are Azerbaijan’s final precondition for signing a peace treaty, proposed that the opposition support the government’s efforts to approve a draft new constitution in parliament and subsequently hold a referendum.
“Am I understanding you correctly that you are saying if this is the final outstanding issue, it is open for discussion and we could proceed with it? If it is confirmed that this is the final step standing between us and peace — the very last one — will you join us in taking that step? Think about it and let us know,” he said, according to 1lurer.am.
National Assembly Deputy Speaker Aram Vardevanyan had addressed a question to the foreign minister, noting that, on the one hand, officials say peace already exists on the ground and trade is taking place, raising the question of why a peace treaty has not yet been signed.
“Do you want a treaty? You don’t want to renegotiate the text that has already been drafted and initialed, do you? This is a very important historic acknowledgment. The opposition parliamentary faction believes that the initialed treaty text does not need to be negotiated or renegotiated, that it is acceptable and should be signed.
“Now, do you want to remove us from power? Let me say something else. Have you realized that the only way to remove us from power is through voting — a nationwide vote? Nothing else works. You have tried a military coup, you have tried a clerical-feudal movement, you have tried assassination attempts, there has been an attempt to kill me, and attempts to bribe people are continuing to this day, and so on. Can we establish that the only way to remove us from power is through elections?
“Therefore, it would be in your interest for us to go to the people as soon as possible, to another nationwide vote, wouldn’t it? Once again, I am making a political proposal: Let us bring forward the draft constitution, and you can declare right here that you condemn this draft constitution, that it is bad. Let us hold a constitutional referendum. Let us do it. This would be an opportunity for you. The people would say no to our constitution, and we would resign and leave office.
“Is that such a bad proposal? Dear citizens, I am proposing a solution. Demand that it happen,” Mirzoyan said.
Armenian Justice Minister Srbuhi Galyan has announced that the draft of Armenia’s new constitution will be presented to the public in the coming weeks. The minister particularly emphasized that the document to be made public is not final.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during a press briefing that the draft constitution would be published soon, followed by public discussions. The draft would then be submitted to parliament, where the ruling political force would seek to convince the opposition that the matter is of fundamental importance.
“We will try to persuade them. If that does not work, we will pursue other scenarios, including the possibility of holding snap elections. Who said such a scenario is ruled out? What matters to me is that I have made a commitment to the citizens of the Republic of Armenia regarding both constitutional amendments and the signing and ratification of the peace agreement,” he said.
