‘This Constitution Will Always Allow Armenia to Be Drawn into Conflict’: Chakoyan

Member of Parliament Taron Chakoyan from the ‘Civil Contract’ faction addressed the criticism from the opposition regarding the amendment of the Armenian Constitution, claiming it is a demand from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Chakoyan reminded that as of July 5, 2020, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was already discussing the necessity of a new Constitution. “Where was Aliyev at that time? Even the 44-day war hadn’t occurred yet, so stop making excuses that Aliyev demands a new Constitution,” he stated.

According to Chakoyan, the real reason why the opposition is fighting against the constitutional changes and a new Constitution is different. “You have received direct instructions from the geopolitical center—the empire—to oppose the new Constitution,” he declared.

The MP insisted that the current Constitution serves the interests of that center and poses a threat to the statehood of Armenia. “This Constitution that operates in Armenia exclusively serves the interests of that geopolitical center. And this is a mine placed under the foundations of Armenia's statehood, for one simple reason: with this Constitution, Armenia can always be drawn into some conflict, jeopardizing the statehood of Armenia,” Chakoyan said.