SDHP 23rd Congress welcomes Armenia’s multipolar, balanced and proactive foreign policy

The 23rd Congress of the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party (SDHP), attended by delegates authorised by the party’s active structures in Armenia and the Diaspora, concluded its work in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.

According to a statement issued by the party, the participants noted with satisfaction the steps taken in recent years towards establishing peace in the homeland, liberalising the economy, strengthening democracy, improving the population’s standard of living and in other areas.

“The Congress welcomed the multipolar, balanced and proactive foreign policy pursued by the Republic of Armenia, which is based on mutual respect for sovereignty and mutual economic benefit. The strategic and economic partnerships formed as a result contribute to modernising and strengthening Armenia’s defence capabilities, as well as creating new economic opportunities, making Armenia an integral part of East-West communication routes.

“The Congress also expressed concern over certain issues that continue to be the focus of public attention. These include the current situation in the judicial and legal system and the insufficient protection of workers’ rights,” the statement said.

The Congress positively assessed the ongoing negotiation process between Armenia and Türkiye and considered it necessary to establish normal and predictable relations between the two neighbouring sovereign states.

The Congress reaffirmed the party’s position that Armenian-Turkish relations should be distinguished from Armenia-Türkiye interstate relations. At the same time, the negotiation process by no means signifies the abandonment of the Armenian people’s just demands towards Türkiye.

“The Congress found that bringing the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process to completion and establishing normal relations are in the interests of the peoples of both countries and the entire region. The release of Armenian captives held in Baku prisons, locating missing persons, border delimitation and the withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia’s sovereign territories continue to remain priority issues.

“The Congress condemned Azerbaijan’s attempts to distort the identity and ownership of Armenian historical and cultural monuments, as well as rhetoric that undermines the peace process.

“On the other hand, the Congress emphasised the need to make Armenia-Diaspora relations more practical and to use the Diaspora’s potential more effectively, giving priority to strengthening and empowering Armenian statehood.

“The Congress found that, in view of the serious national and social challenges facing the Diaspora, particularly the growing threat of assimilation, Armenia’s special care is needed today more than ever to support the vitally important task of preserving Armenian identity,” the party’s statement concluded.