Deputy Minister of Justice Tigran Dadunts stated that the draft of Armenia’s new Constitution is still under development and that the Constitutional Reform Council has not yet discussed the issue of referencing the 1990 Declaration of Independence in the preamble.
Speaking to RFE/RL, Dadunts clarified that there are currently no specific proposals on that point. However, he noted: “The Prime Minister’s position is something we cannot ignore.”
When asked about his personal stance, he responded that it’s too early to say: “We must first discuss it in the council, where diverse perspectives are represented.”
Dadunts emphasized that the Justice Ministry typically proposes topics for discussion, though other council members can also introduce items. So far, he said, most proposals have come from the ministry.
Asked whether the Prime Minister’s position might influence the final conclusion, Dadunts acknowledged that the council itself was formed by the Prime Minister and that “topics raised by him must certainly be considered.”
He confirmed that council decisions are made by vote and that the ministry’s proposals are not automatically adopted, as alternatives from council members are debated and voted on.
When asked directly if the ministry would factor in the Prime Minister’s stated view while drafting the text, Dadunts replied: “We can’t ignore it.We are the executive branch.”
Justice Minister Srbuhi Galyan previously announced that the new Constitution is expected by March 2026. The reference to the 1990 Declaration remains a central issue in the reform process. Azerbaijan has publicly demanded its removal as a condition for a peace treaty. PM Nikol Pashinyan has voiced support for deleting the reference but denies any link to Baku’s position, recently stating that Armenia’s current Constitution is as unpopular with citizens as former regimes were.
