Pashinyan: 'A peace agreement with Azerbaijan is now within reach'

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the peace process with Azerbaijan is now possible and within reach. In his speech at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, he emphasized that the previous deadlocks in peace negotiations between the two countries have been left behind. Pashinyan stated that the joint regulation signed on August 30 demonstrates that both sides recognize each other's territorial integrity and have no territorial claims against one another.

Noting that 80 percent of the draft peace agreement has been agreed upon in negotiations with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Pashinyan argued that the agreement to be signed would facilitate the resolution of remaining issues.

The Prime Minister also touched upon the importance of establishing diplomatic relations and forming joint commissions alongside the provisions included in the peace agreement. Pashinyan stated that there is no provision in the Armenian Constitution that prevents the signing of a peace agreement, reiterating that his country has no territorial claims.

Furthermore, he announced that the "Crossroads of Peace" project would be implemented to improve transportation opportunities between Armenia and Azerbaijan and to ensure the passage of energy transmission lines in the region.

PASHINYAN'S CAREER

Nikol Pashinyan's career has been shaped by his start in journalism and his rise to a significant position in the political sphere:

1. Education and Journalism: After graduating from Yerevan State University, Pashinyan began working as a journalist. In the early 1990s, he drew attention with his journalistic activities during the Armenian independence movement.

2. Entry into Political Life: He was elected as a member of the National Assembly of Armenia in 2007. During this period, he became one of the prominent figures of the opposition parties.

3. Struggle and Imprisonment: He played an active role during the protests following the 2008 presidential elections, during which he was detained and sentenced to prison. However, he was released in 2011.

4. Velvet Revolution: He was one of the leaders of the "Velvet Revolution" movement, which began in Armenia in 2015 and reached its peak in 2018. This revolution led to the resignation of the government and significant changes toward democratic reforms.

5. Prime Ministry: He was appointed Prime Minister in 2018 and began directing Armenia's democratization process. During his tenure, he has focused on issues such as relations with Azerbaijan, particularly the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

6. Challenges and Reforms: Pashinyan has stood out for his efforts to develop economic reforms and social policies during his tenure. However, he faced criticism following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, and political tensions within the country increased during this process.

Pashinyan is considered an important figure in Armenia's political history and continues to have an influence on the country's future.

News Source: AA