Armenian FM touches upon constitutional reforms in country and  Russia`s mediation on Armenian- Azerbaijani normalization 

ArmInfo.To say that the normalization process with Azerbaijan is the reason for constitutional reforms in Armenia is an extremely large exaggeration. RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated at a press conference on  January 23, answering the question about relations, taking into account that Artsakh is mentioned in the Constitution of Armenia.

He admitted that the Constitution, of course, has a role in both  domestic and foreign politics, and not only in Armenia, but also in  Azerbaijan and other countries. At the same time, Mirzoyan recalled  that constitutional reforms were discussed shortly after the change  of power in 2018.

"The Constitution as a whole is rather aimed at regulating relations  within the country. To give a short answer, of course not," said the  head of the Armenian Foreign Ministry.

Returning to the Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization, Mirzoyan noted  that there are concerns from both Azerbaijan and Armenia regarding  territorial integrity.

"On the one hand, Azerbaijan says that it needs guarantees that we do  not question their territorial integrity.  On the other hand,  obviously, we need guarantees. During the exchange of proposals, we  see that Azerbaijan is trying to maintain elements of uncertainty.  This gives cause for concern.

Among other issues, there is concern about weapons. As an additional  confidence-building tool and as a tangible step to enhance security  and stability, we proposed introducing arms control along the border.   These can be a variety of mechanisms, including international ones,"  the minister noted, adding that Armenia has not received a reaction  from Azerbaijan on this issue.

"Armenia also proposed the withdrawal of troops and the creation of a  demilitarized zone along the border, which again would increase the  level of security on the border," he said, reminding once again that  several principles are key for Yerevan in the peace agreement,  including demarcation based on the Alma-Ata Declaration and legal  maps, and openness based on sovereignty and jurisdiction.

"If as a result of all this a peace treaty is signed, then our doubts  will be dispelled. At the moment there is no peace treaty, but there  is a negotiation process, which was dealt a blow as a result of  statements made recently. If we reach the conclusion of the peace  agreement, it means that there will be no disturbing realities, which  means that there will be acceptable solutions. Otherwise, there will  be no peace agreement," the Armenian Foreign Minister emphasized.

Speaking about the Russian negotiation platform and Baku's readiness  to meet in Moscow, according to statements by the head of the Russian  Foreign Ministry, Mirzoyan noted that he does not know whether  Azerbaijan is ready to sign a peace treaty in Russia. "Such  assurances from the Azerbaijani side were not heard either during  closed meetings or publicly. If Lavrov makes such a statement, then I  believe that he has such grounds," he noted.

To clarify whether the Russian side has new proposals for the  negotiation process, Mirzoyan noted that he is not aware of any.