The Armenian National Assembly ratifies the border demarcation law

YEREVAN – The National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia has done so ratified a bill on the demarcation and demarcation of the border with Azerbaijan. The legislation was passed on October 23, 2024 with 67 votes in favor and no dissenting votes. Notably, this vote was carried out exclusively by members of the ruling Civil Contract faction, as opposition parties chose to abstain from the process.

Despite strong opposition, the Constitutional Court of Armenia confirmed on September 26 that the obligations set out in the regulations of the border demarcation process are in accordance with the Constitution. The deputy prime ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan signed the regulations on August 30, as well as the government approved the bill on September 5.

The “Armenian” faction announced this earlier decision not to participate in discussions about the border demarcation process. The faction expressed concern about the Constitutional Court’s ruling, suggesting that it was too closely aligned with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s views, raising suspicions of executive influence over the judiciary. It noted that the process lacks clear mechanisms for resolving disputes.

The Armenian faction has argued that the Court’s decision casts doubt on its independence and ignores national security risks. It insists that any demarcation must be explicitly defined in Armenian law, and that changes at the border must be subject to a referendum. The faction condemned the ongoing internal procedures for the ratification of the agreement as unconstitutional and against Armenia’s national interests.

The ratification follows a decision of the Foreign Relations Committee of the National Assembly on the draft law, which establishes rules for the joint operation of the state commissions in the field of demarcation and security of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Five members supported the proposal while three were against, allowing the agenda to be discussed in the National Assembly today.

In a statement on October 21, the ‘Srpazan Baykar’ movement, formerly known as ‘Tavush for the Homeland’, addressed the proposed scheme. It highlighted a number of key concerns regarding the legitimacy of the regulation, noting that the Prime Minister has signed several agreements without going through the domestic ratification process required for this proposal. This raises questions about the validity of introducing such an arrangement amid ongoing tensions with Azerbaijan, the statement said.

The movement added that the lack of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, together with the threat of violence from Azerbaijan, casts doubt on the legitimacy of this process. It argued that the regulation lacks legal clarity, which it attributed to Azerbaijan’s apparent disinterest in pursuing measures based on the Alma-Ata Declaration. The movement emerged in response to the border demarcation process in Tavush province, which it said amounted to unilateral land concessions and the illegal withdrawal of Armenian troops rather than a genuine negotiation process.

The statement concluded that the proposed regulation contradicts Armenia’s national interests and should not be ratified, claiming that any individual voting in favor would share responsibility for state treason.

In parallel with these internal discussions, US President Joe Biden has actively engaged Armenia and Azerbaijan in an effort to speed up negotiations. In a letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on October 21, Pres. Biden emphasized the need to finalize a peace agreement with Armenia by the end of 2024. The letter, delivered by Michael Carpenter, the US special assistant to the president and senior director for Europe at the National Security Council, urged both sides to embrace creativity and compromise. Busy. Biden highlighted the opportunity presented by the upcoming COP29 conference in Baku to demonstrate a commitment to peace on a global stage.

On the Armenian side, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with Carpenter shortly after the letter to President was delivered. Aliyev. During their discussions, they explored the bilateral agenda between Armenia and the US, highlighting their strategic partnership and prospects for future cooperation. Mirzoyan conveyed Armenia’s interest in strengthening ties with the US based on shared values ​​and reiterated the need to conclude a peace treaty with Azerbaijan to ensure regional stability.

President Biden also wrote a letter to Prime Minister Pashinyan express support for a lasting peace agreement that protects Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Busy. Biden affirmed that the US stands ready to facilitate a treaty, and encouraged Prime Minister Pashinyan to show political courage and commitment to peace.

“As stated at the United Nations General Assembly last month in New York, now is the time to reaffirm our commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and the fundamental principles of peace,” the President said. Biden concluded. “A brighter future is within reach and I look forward to working with you to ensure it becomes a reality.”

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan continues reject Armenia’s proposal to sign a peace treaty within a year is unrealistic, according to the country, due to unresolved key articles. Elchin Amirbekov, the Special Representative of the Azerbaijani President, expressed skepticism about Armenia’s readiness for a quick agreement and emphasized that crucial provisions still need reconciliation, namely a reference in the preamble of the Armenian Constitution to the unification of Armenia and Artsakh .

Amirbekov argued that growing support from the West has reduced Armenia’s interest in constructive negotiations with Azerbaijan. He warned that if Armenia’s constitution remains unchanged, a peace deal could be revoked by future leaders who oppose cooperation with Azerbaijan. While reaffirming Azerbaijan’s commitment to the “Zangezur Corridor,” he clarified that discussions on the issue should not derail negotiations.

Finally, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said during a press conference after the “3+3” meeting last week argued that the main threat to security in the South Caucasus comes from non-regional actors trying to impose their own agendas, probably with reference to the West. He claimed that these external actors are not aimed at solving regional problems, but rather at introducing NATO-centric frameworks that could create divisions between neighboring states.

Lavrov acknowledged the ongoing problems between Armenia and Azerbaijan and reiterated the importance of dialogue. Russia, Turkey and Iran have proposed that Armenia and Azerbaijan use the “3+3” platform to finalize a peace deal. Lavrov referred to the foundation laid through trilateral agreements between Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan, covering the unblocking of communication routes as well as demarcation and demarcation issues.

Lavrov also advocated improving Armenian-Turkish relations. He said Russia and Iran have played an active role in initiating this process. However, he indicated that no further meetings are currently planned as Armenian representatives have decided to take a break to make direct agreements with Turkey.

Hoory Minoyan was an active member of the Armenian community in Los Angeles until she moved to Armenia before the 44 Day War. She graduated with a master’s degree in International Affairs from Boston University, where she also received the William R. Keylor Travel Grant. The research and interviews she conducted during her stay in Armenia later became the basis of her master’s thesis ‘Shaping Identity Through Conflict: The Armenian Experience’. Hoory continues to follow her passion for research and writing by contributing to the Armenian Weekly.