Pashinyan: Any attempt to revive Karabakh movement 'destructive'

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has again warned against the revival of the Karabakh movement in Armenia, calling it a threat to the country’s independence and sovereignty.

“Any attempt to continue the Karabakh movement is destructive, as it has been and will remain a tool aimed at preventing the existence of an independent and sovereign Armenian state,” he said, addressing the parliament on Thursday.

His comments came as lawmakers debated the implementation of the government’s 2021-2026 action plan in 2024.

"For nearly 30 years, we have built a model of statehood primarily centered on the resolution of the Karabakh conflict, shaped by the ideals of the Karabakh movement and a readiness to sacrifice everything for its cause," Pashinyan stated.

He explained that as he gained access to more information over time, he came to realize a critical distinction in intentions. “While for us, independence and statehood were seen as means to achieve a settlement of the Karabakh issue aligned with our vision, the Karabakh conflict was a means for some external actors to obstruct Armenia's independence, sovereignty, development and prosperity, ultimately undermining its statehood,” he said.