Tensions between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government and the Armenian Apostolic Church have sharply increased in recent months. The Church’s political interference and criticism of state policy have provoked a strong reaction from the authorities, while investigations launched against several clerics have further divided Armenian society.
Speaking to Baku TV, Azerbaijani human rights defender Ahmad Shahidov said that the Pashinyan government seeks to prevent the Church from turning into a political force and to steer Armenia toward a more stable and modern governance model. Despite internal pressure, Pashinyan continues the US-mediated peace dialogue with Azerbaijan. Shahidov noted that this demonstrates Yerevan’s attempt to move beyond old dependencies and focus on regional cooperation.
According to Shahidov, Armenia’s future will depend on whether it follows the path of the Church’s confrontational agenda or the government’s peace-oriented policy. He emphasized that with Washington’s active involvement and Azerbaijan’s constructive position, Armenia can secure lasting stability only through peace and regional collaboration.
