Armenia never agreed to the involvement of third countries in ensuring the security of communications - PM

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 8, ARMENPRESS. The issue of unblocking all transport and economic connections is another important aspect of establishing stability in the South Caucasus. In this regard, we offer concrete solutions, which are reflected in the 'Crossroads of Peace' project developed by us, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the narrow-format meeting of the CIS Heads of State Council.

“The essence of this project is as follows: Armenia is ready to ensure the passage of vehicles, cargo, passengers, pipelines, cables through its territory: from Georgia to Iran and vice versa, from Turkey to Azerbaijan and vice versa, etc. We are ready to ensure the passage of vehicles, cargo, passengers, pipelines, cables between the main part of Azerbaijan and the Autonomous Republic of Nakhichevan.

Responding to our proposals, Azerbaijan emphasizes that if Armenia does not want to open regional communications, Azerbaijan will use the opportunities provided by the Islamic Republic of Iran to connect with Nakhichevan. Of course, we do not object, because this is a matter of relations between the two sovereign countries. But I want to emphasize once again that Armenia wants the opening of regional channels and that we are ready to provide transport communications through our territory on the same terms as provided by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Moreover, we are ready to make certain simplifications in border control procedures within the framework of respect for the principles of reciprocity, equality, sovereignty and jurisdiction of the parties,” the Prime Minister said.

In this context,  Pashinyan emphasized that the Republic of Armenia is ready to fully ensure the safety of passage of goods, vehicles and people through its territory. 

“This is our desire, our commitment, and we guarantee it. By the way, all statements that Armenia has somehow agreed that third countries will ensure the security of communication in its sovereign territory, or that this is stipulated by some document, are simply not true. Ensuring security in its territory is the sovereign obligation of any country. That's our job, and we guarantee to do it,'' said Pashinyan.