Armenia is facing increasing scrutiny over its role in the ongoing peace process with Azerbaijan, particularly in light of proposed constitutional reforms that many believe could hinder negotiations. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev recently stated that Armenia and Azerbaijan had reached agreement on 15 out of 17 articles in a draft peace agreement, yet unresolved issues remain, including mutual non-claims and the presence of external military forces along the border. A significant sticking point is Armenia's refusal to amend its Constitution's preamble, which claims Azerbaijani territory, a move that Aliyev argues is essential for progress in the peace talks. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has acknowledged the need for a new constitution but has yet to act on these territorial claims, complicating Armenia's ability to recognize Azerbaijan's territorial integrity [b322999e].
The proposed constitutional reforms, announced by Pashinyan on January 19, aim to enhance Armenia's competitiveness but have raised concerns among opposition figures and activists. Avetik Chalabyan, the coordinator of the 'Hayakve' initiative, warned that these reforms could lead to Armenia becoming beholden to its neighbors, particularly Azerbaijan and Turkey. Critics argue that the amendments are designed to appease Azerbaijani demands and consolidate power within Armenia, further undermining Armenian sovereignty. The 'Hayakve' initiative is also pushing to criminalize the recognition of Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan and to penalize the denial of the Armenian Genocide [a463b03a].
Pashinyan's plans for a constitutional referendum in 2027 have been interpreted by some as a political strategy rather than a genuine effort to resolve the ongoing tensions. The dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group has added another layer of complexity to the peace process, with Armenia hesitant to formally request its end, influenced by external actors such as the United States and France. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan is keen to eliminate any external negative presence that could destabilize the region. The geopolitical struggle involving the US, EU, and Armenia further complicates the peace process, with Azerbaijan prepared to counter any perceived blackmail regarding the status of Karabakh [b322999e].