Pashinyan Praises Trump, Warns Aliyev Over ‘Corridor’ Rhetoric

In a pointed address at the 80th UN General Assembly, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan publicly criticized Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for his aggressive rhetoric, marking a significant break in tone since the initialing of a peace treaty between the two nations. Pashinyan accused his counterpart of making hostile statements and pursuing projects that could threaten Armenia’s territorial integrity, casting a shadow over recent progress.

A substantial portion of Pashinyan’s speech was dedicated to the peace process, with the Prime Minister announcing for the first time that peace has been established between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He highlighted key achievements, including the demarcation of the state border and the initialing of a peace agreement. In a notable tribute, he credited former U.S. President Donald Trump, stating, “President Donald Trump’s dedication, consistency, and principle made possible what seemed impossible.” Pashinyan also announced the construction of the “Trump Road for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP) in Armenia, an infrastructure project open to other countries with Armenian and U.S. approval.

Despite the declaration of peace, Pashinyan strongly objected to Aliyev’s continued use of the term “Zangezur corridor.” He emphasized that this phrase is absent from all negotiated documents and is perceived in Armenia as a direct territorial claim. “I think it would make sense for my Azerbaijani colleague to clarify what he means by using this expression,” Pashinyan stated, adding that the terminology is associated with a narrative of conflict. He also condemned Aliyev’s references to Armenia’s “capitulation” as an aggressive and detached description of reality.

While affirming that such rhetoric would not derail the celebration of peace, Pashinyan urged Aliyev to focus on the swift and precise implementation of their agreements. “Peace is not a vacation, but work, daily work,” he remarked, stressing that maintaining a peaceful agenda is far more difficult than a conflict-oriented one. He underscored that resolving the status of missing persons and individuals detained as a result of the long-standing conflict remains a critical part of this daily effort.

The Prime Minister’s speech was delivered on the anniversary of the start of the Second Karabakh War. Just two days prior, President Aliyev had addressed the international community, highlighting his country’s victorious military campaign that restored its territorial integrity after 30 years. However, like Pashinyan, Aliyev had also stated that the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict was a thing of the past.

Pashinyan’s address immediately drew sharp criticism from Armenia’s domestic opposition. Ishkhan Saghatelyan, a deputy from the “Armenia” faction, condemned the Prime Minister’s language, stating, “He avoided using the word ‘prisoner.’ Instead, he spoke of ‘persons in detention’… With this word game, Pashinyan softens reality and serves the interests of Azerbaijan.” Similarly, Eduard Sharmazanov of the Republican Party blasted Pashinyan’s celebratory tone, asking, “What makes you so happy, Nikol—the surrender and loss of Artsakh, thousands of dead, or the occupation of Armenian territory?”

Political analyst Arshaluys Mghdesyan suggested the clash in rhetoric stems from fundamentally different interpretations of the peace agreement. For Baku, it is another step in its victory march, from which it intends to extract further advantages. For Yerevan, it is an opportunity to turn the page. “Pashinyan expected the sides would look forward, not back,” Mghdesyan noted. “But Aliyev believes Azerbaijan’s victory opened new opportunities to build on its success.”

Conversely, Farhad Mammadov, Director of the South Caucasus Research Center, viewed the rhetorical friction as minor and likely to fade over time. He argued that both leaders demonstrated a peacemaking mindset. However, he asserted that Azerbaijan will not abandon the “Zangezur corridor” term, as it represents a vital strategic project to connect Baku with Turkey. “When the Armenian government agrees on the parameters of TRIPP with the U.S., this topic will cease to be so painful for Yerevan,” the expert concluded.