Armenian opposition forces announced the formation of a nationwide unity initiative on November 4, issuing a joint declaration rejecting Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s constitutional demands and calling on other political forces, public figures, and civic leaders to join.

The declaration followed a meeting at the residence of “Strong Armenia” leader Samvel Karapetyan, who was detained earlier that day. The gathering was led by Narek Karapetyan and Aram Vardevanyan.

Despite differences on several political issues, the signatories agreed to unite their efforts around four priorities:

– Rejection of Aliyev’s attempts to impose constitutional conditions on Armenia

– Peace without unilateral concessions or territorial losses

– Protection of Armenian national identity and the Armenian Apostolic Church

– Restoration of democratic freedoms and rights

The signatories committed to combining their efforts to build public unity around national priorities and address the challenges facing Armenia and Armenian statehood.

“We have many disagreements, but on several issues, we can reach a consensus. We must consolidate on the points that will be important for our struggle,” Narek Karapetyan said during a live broadcast of the meeting.

The political forces identified as participating in the gathering include:

– “Country to Live” party

– “Prosperous Armenia” party

– “Democratic Alternative” party

– “Armenian National Congress”

– “Freedom” party

– “Armenian Revolutionary Federation”

– “Hayakve” initiative

– “Armenia” alliance

– “Republican Party of Armenia”

– “I Am Armenia” initiative

– “Heritage” party

– “New Era” party

– “Strong Armenia” party

The announcement comes hours after National Security Service officers detained Samvel Karapetyan during a large-scale operation involving searches at 65 locations.

Karapetyan had already been under house arrest in separate criminal proceedings stemming from his June 2025 arrest after publicly defending the Armenian Apostolic Church amid Pashinyan’s government’s campaign against its leadership.