Pashinyan declares ‘Fourth Republic,’ vows to normalize Türkiye ties

YEREVAN

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (AA photo)

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Aug. 20 that the results of the June 7 elections marked the victory of the “Real Armenia” ideology, signaling what he described as the country’s transition into a new historical phase, the “Fourth Republic.”

“Ultimately, the ideology of ‘Real Armenia’ emerged victorious through these election results. This means that the ideology of ‘Real Armenia’ has become the official ideology of the country,” Pashinyan said.

“Real Armenia” is a concept introduced by Pashinyan in April 2024, emphasizing that Armenians must accept modern Armenia within its current borders. The concept stands in contrast to far-right currents that promote territorial claims over areas in modern-day Türkiye and Azerbaijan where Armenians historically lived.

The premier said Armenia consequently entered what he termed the “Fourth Republic,” emphasizing that the Third Republic, established in 1991, had been built from the outset around a logic of conflict and confrontation.

“The Fourth Republic, by contrast, is being shaped and built around a logic of peace,” Pashinyan said.

[HH] Plan to normalize ties with Türkiye

Pashinyan also said that his country plans to normalize relations with Azerbaijan and Türkiye under the government’s 2026-2031 program.

Armenia’s government plans to establish diplomatic relations with Ankara and open the land border between the two countries, including by launching at least two modern border crossing points, the document said.

The program also calls for the restoration and expansion of transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure between Armenia and Türkiye.

On Azerbaijan, the government plans to continue work on the delimitation of the countries’ shared border and institutionalize peace by signing a peace treaty and other relevant legal agreements, according to the program unveiled ahead of debates in parliament.

The government also plans to expand contacts between civil society and business communities in Armenia and Azerbaijan as part of efforts to develop bilateral relations.

The government said Armenia would continue pursuing what it described as a “balanced and balancing” foreign policy, with the development of relations with neighboring countries — Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Georgia, and Iran — among its key priorities.

The plans form part of the government’s broader 2026-2031 program, which outlines its priorities for the country’s foreign policy and regional cooperation.