Pashinyan defends decision to remove Ararat from passport stamps

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has defended the decision to remove the image of Mount Ararat from Armenia’s entry and exit passport stamps, describing the move as a matter of state security and sovereignty.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Pashinyan rejected claims that the decision was tied to normalization talks with Turkey, insisting the issue “has never been and could not be” part of the negotiation agenda.

He explained that the change reflects Armenia’s security strategy, which is rooted in the recognition of the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within internationally recognized borders.

“This step is about ensuring the continuity of our statehood,” Pashinyan said. He also pointed out that Armenian passport stamps did not feature the image of Ararat until 2004. “What did its absence mean then, and what did its appearance later mean?” he asked.

Pashinyan promised to outline a broader vision of patriotism underpinning such decisions soon. “All measures we are taking are meant to strengthen Armenia’s statehood, sovereignty and security, and to make Armenia an utterly responsible member of the international community,” he said.

The premier further argued that displaying national symbols on another country’s official stamps could cause tension. “If we entered another country and saw our landscape on their passport stamp, what would we say? Would we welcome it?” he asked.