Discussions on the adoption of a new Constitution in Armenia occupy an important place on the country's domestic political agenda. For official Yerevan, it is considered more expedient that this process be carried out not as a demand from Azerbaijan, but within the framework of Armenia's internal political and legal needs. However, the steps to be taken regarding the adoption of the new Constitution may also affect the future dynamics of Azerbaijan-Armenia relations and the final stage of the peace process.
On the other hand, in parallel with the peace agenda in the South Caucasus, the future transport map of the region is also being formed. Armenia's "Peace Bridge" initiative and Azerbaijan's leading role in the "Middle Corridor" project constitute different directions of this process. Yerevan is trying to participate in new communications to get out of transport isolation and expand regional transit opportunities. However, Azerbaijan's existing infrastructure and geostrategic position are of decisive importance in the formation of the region's transport and logistics architecture.
Also, these steps seem to be deliberately calculated to prolong and delay the process.
In his statement to Modern.az regarding the issue, Rasim Musabayov, a member of the International Relations and Interparliamentary Relations Committee of the Milli Majlis, stated that it is not about changing the Armenian Constitution at Azerbaijan's request, but about adopting a new Constitution:
"It is quite difficult to change the Constitution under external pressure. The adoption of a new Constitution is another matter. It is more favorable to link this not with Azerbaijan's demand, but with internal demands. It is not possible to start the process of adopting a new Constitution immediately after the parliamentary elections in Armenia. First, a new parliament must be formed, the governing bodies and committees of the parliament must be created, and then the government's action program must be submitted to the parliament. The obligation regarding the new Constitution must be reflected in the government's action program. Along with the government's action program, the formation of the government must also take place. It will not be possible to do this earlier than autumn. After that, the text of the new Constitution will come to the agenda."
The political scientist emphasized that the steps Armenia will take regarding the new Constitution cannot be considered separately from the process of normalization of relations with Azerbaijan:
"Regardless of the issue of signing a final peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, practical steps have already been taken in a number of directions between the two countries. Mr. President announced that despite not signing a final peace agreement with Armenia, we live in peace. Possible issues have been discussed and moved forward. Transit from Azerbaijan to Armenia has been opened, fuel has started to be sent to Armenia, and the process of delimitation of borders between the two countries is continuing.
He also stated that the process related to the TRIPP project has entered a practical stage:
"Issues related to the TRIPP project have reached an operational stage. The head of the fund has been approved in the USA, and specialists are also coming to Armenia. The TRIPP agreement, according to Pashinyan's promise, must also be discussed and approved in the first sessions of the parliament."
According to the political scientist, Azerbaijan has also developed dialogue with Armenia at the civil society level:
"Meetings have been held between parliamentary and media representatives, and cooperation opportunities in this direction have expanded. I can say that the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process has been moved forward. Everything has been achieved there. However, it is important to move the process forward dynamically."
Mushfig Jafarov, a member of the Milli Majlis Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship Committee, commented on Armenia's "Peace Bridge" project. He noted that Azerbaijan has further strengthened its geographical advantage with developed transport infrastructure in recent years:
"Diversified road networks, railway infrastructure, airports, ports, pipeline systems, and green energy projects are examples of this. Within the framework of the peace agenda, it is also envisaged that some of these projects will pass through Armenian territory. However, Azerbaijan has a superior position in this direction and plays the role of the main locomotive leading the initiatives implemented in the region.
Communication and transport lines in the South Caucasus play an important role in terms of the region's economic development, expansion of transit opportunities, and strengthening of strategic ties. Azerbaijan attaches special importance to developing cooperation with all partners in this area, normalizing relations with Nakhchivan, and the uninterrupted operation of the Azerbaijan-Turkey communication line.
The importance of the "Middle Corridor" has increased significantly in recent years. This route, being an important alternative to traditional transport lines, is becoming one of the main transit directions connecting Central Asia with the South Caucasus and Europe."
The deputy said that Armenia has also put forward the "Peace Bridge" initiative with the aim of expanding its participation in regional communications:
"This initiative can be evaluated as one of Yerevan's attempts to get out of transport isolation and increase regional transit opportunities. However, it is not possible for Armenia to gain an advantage in regional transport projects by standing in opposition to Azerbaijan. The "Middle Corridor" is a large-scale communication project developing with Azerbaijan's participation and leading role. Armenia's joining this system is possible not through confrontation, but through regional cooperation and integration with existing transport networks."
