Pashinyan says reports about threats to Armenia amid Iranian-Israeli conflict are unsubstantiated

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has dismissed media reports about dangers to Armenia’s southern Syunik province amid the Iranian-Israeli conflict. He said such reports are unsubstantiated and seek to generate panic and uncertainty among the society.

Pashinyan was asked at a press briefing about frequent security council sessions and whether there are any threats to Armenia amid the Iranian-Israeli airstrikes.

Pashinyan said the Security Council of Armenia has been regularly convening sessions, with up to six meetings in the past month and no readouts have been issued, which is not unusual. 

“Those sessions aren’t convened because there is a threat pertaining to Syunik. I think that such statements are provocative, unsubstantiated and seek to generate panic and uncertainties and anxiety among the Armenian citizens,” Pashinyan said.

He underscored that Armenia and Azerbaijan have finalized the terms of the peace treaty. 

“As I said, there will be no new war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, there will be peace,” Pashinyan reiterated.

Asked about Azeri cross-border small arms fire targeting villages in Syunik province and Baku stalling the signature of the peace treaty, Pashinyan said Armenia will remain committed to the agenda of peace and continues negotiations with Azerbaijan around the timeframes for signing the peace agreement, and is trying to create the conditions to make that possible. 

“Indeed, there are threats around Armenia, these threats have always existed, but what’s new is that unprecedented opportunities have been created for Armenia. Now Armenia has greater capabilities to manage the threats and use the opportunities,” Pashinyan said.

Asked about the POWs held in Azerbaijan, Pashinyan said the government is working on this issue, including all other issues, on a daily basis.