Nikol Pashinyan: Dozens of settlements in Armenia are empty

Dozens of settlements in Armenia are empty, and the level of habitation across the country remains low.

This was stated by the country’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

"We must put an end to the search for a homeland outside the internationally recognized territory of our state, which covers 29,743 square kilometers. This territory is not small for development and prosperity. Today, dozens of our settlements are empty, and overall, the level of habitation in our state is low," he said.

According to him, the reason for this has been the absence of peace – and the insufficient understanding that the homeland, national identity, and security are directly linked to the state and its internationally recognized borders.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the country’s leadership operates based on the ideology of a “Real Armenia,” and therefore peace and security are ensured primarily through relations built on the recognition of territorial integrity, sovereignty, the inviolability of borders, and political independence with neighboring countries.

Pashinyan also stated that forces advocating for the “return of a lost homeland” and the restoration of historical borders and justice are pushing Armenia onto a dangerous path, which could ultimately lead to the loss of statehood.

"We have managed to escape this trap. Attempts to steer Armenia back in this direction are an invitation to the execution platform for our state and our people," he stressed.