Krikorian: Armenia's constitution will be changed

The constitution of Armenia will be changed, UK-based analyst and journalist Onnik Krikorian told Report.

"This has been Pashinyan’s intention since before the 2020 Armenia-Azerbaijan war," he said.

The expert noted that the general consensus among many analysts in Yerevan is that Pashinyan intends to removed or change the existing preamble.

"It can be said, however, is that this is considered by them as an internal decision and not one that the population will perceive to be dictated by Baku," Krikorian said.

He noted that Pashinyan has already brought the deadline for finalising the text of a new constitution forwards.

"It was meant to be by the beginning of 2027. Now it is by the next parliamentary elections in mid-2026. Theoretically it could be brought forwards even more but remember it is the electorate that determines to accept it or not," the analyst said.

He added that this will require discussion and preparation in Armenian society and the opposition will use it against Pashinyan too.

"This is why if he does change or remove the preamble then it will packaged in a larger package that he believes will appeal more to the population – his 'Real Armenia' concept," Krikorian said.

He called on Armenian experts to raise this issue and start its discussion.

" Many Armenian analysts also refuse to discuss the matter with their Azerbaijani counterparts. This is unfortunate given that some in Baku have suggested compromises. For example, AIR Center’s Farid Shafiyev and former British Ambassador to Azerbaijan James Sharp have suggested examining the Belfast Agreement between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland which also required constitutional change," the analyst noted.