Pashinyan Says He Won’t Use Military to Reclaim 200 Square Kilometers of Occupied Land, Seeks Peace with Azerbaijan Through Talks

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made major remarks at the Second Global Armenian Summit, outlining Armenia's position on its occupied territories and overall security strategy. Pashinyan stressed that Armenia does not plan to use military means to reclaim over 200 square kilometers of land currently under occupation. Instead, he emphasized the importance of negotiations and peaceful resolutions with neighboring Azerbaijan, believing that ongoing border delimitation talks offer a path toward solving the issue diplomatically.

Pashinyan addressed concerns raised by reforms in Armenia's army and armed forces, which have sparked speculation in Azerbaijan that these reforms signal a shift away from peace. However, the Prime Minister firmly denied these claims, emphasizing that the reforms are part of the country’s right, under the UN Charter, to protect its security through legitimate defense measures.

"We have no territorial claims against any country," Pashinyan affirmed. "Yes, we have occupied territories, but the Armenian government does not set a task of returning these territories by military means." He further explained that Armenia believes the agreement signed with Azerbaijan to conduct border delimitation provides a strong foundation for resolving territorial disputes peacefully.

Pashinyan’s remarks show a strategy to avoid military conflict and focus on diplomacy. His government is betting on dialogue and negotiation as the most effective ways to address territorial and security concerns, even as Armenia continues to reform its military capabilities.

In his speech, Pashinyan also shared his thoughts on Armenia's overall security framework, saying that the country’s safety cannot rely solely on military strength or alliances. He pointed out that Armenia's security needs to be considered over a longer period, acknowledging the complexity of the region’s geopolitical dynamics.

"We need to look at processes over a longer period of time," he said, urging the country to think beyond immediate concerns. He expressed confidence that Armenia's current security architecture has proven effective despite challenges.

Pashinyan mentioned two key aspects of security: military capabilities, such as weapons and the armed forces, and the external environment, including relationships with the international community, allies, and friends. But he also cautioned against over-reliance on military power, emphasizing that true security for Armenia lies in its ability to maintain peace in the region.

Perhaps most notably, Pashinyan made it clear that no external military bloc or alliance can fully ensure Armenia's security. "There is no country or military bloc in the world that is able to ensure Armenia's security," he stated. Instead, Armenia must focus on building peace as the only real security guarantee for the nation.

Pashinyan explained that while weapons and military preparedness are essential components of security, they are not the ultimate solution. He stressed that Armenia’s future safety depends on peaceful coexistence with its neighbors, noting the Armenian government’s policy is to work tirelessly toward creating conditions for lasting peace, despite the difficulty of such a task.

Pashinyan acknowledged that Armenia faces significant external challenges, but he remains optimistic that through strategic planning and a focus on long-term security goals, the country can navigate these obstacles. The ultimate aim is not to engage in conflict but to ensure Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity through peaceful means.