After casting ballot, Pashinyan says democracy will strengthen regional cooperation

Shortly after casting his ballot in a Yerevan polling station, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who is leading the Civil Contract party’s re-election bid, expressed confidence that the citizens of Armenia will win the elections, while saying that strengthening democracy will contribute to regional peace and cooperation.

“I am sure that the people will win,” Pashinyan said when asked by reporters about his expectations from the election. “This isn’t a personal matter. My expectation is that the citizens of Armenia will win.”

Asked about possible regional implications of the elections, Pashinyan said that democracy always acts in favor of regional and international cooperation.

“I think democracy always works in favor of regional and international cooperation. And certainly, democracy is an important tool for regional peace.

“We currently, fortunately, have peace with Azerbaijan. You know that we have very deep and fraternal relations with Georgia. And, of course, I expect the normalization of relations with Türkiye and the establishment of diplomatic relations,” the prime minister said.

Pashinyan also expressed confidence that the border with Türkiye, as well as railway and road communications, will open in the near future.

The prime minister also emphasized his administration’s “Crossroads of Peace” project, describing it as a pivotal initiative for the region.

“The ‘Crossroads of Peace’ project can change the situation in the region. It will bring benefits to all countries in our region because we will have not only east–west but also north–south communications, which is very beneficial for Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Iran. This is very important,” he said.

“My expectations are the expression of the free will of Armenian citizens," he said. 

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1252198