Territorial integrity cannot be an obstacle: Pashinyan on unblocking regional transport routes

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that in the context of unblocking the region’s communication routes, the legislation, jurisdiction, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of countries cannot be considered obstacles.

The PM said during a press conference on January 31, addressing Azerbaijan’s claim that Armenia should provide Azerbaijan with an unhindered route to Nakhchivan.

“They say (ed. Azerbaijan) that they want to pass unhindered, and we say, yes, pass, but the country’s jurisdiction, sovereignty, and territorial integrity cannot be considered an obstacle,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

According to Pashinyan, in connection with this issue, Azerbaijan has stated that if Armenia does not provide a road, Baku will use Iranian territory. Yerevan is absolutely not opposed to and cannot oppose transport cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran.

“We also say that we are ready to offer this passage under the same conditions that Iran offers,” the Prime Minister noted.

Pashinyan further mentioned that Armenia, on the contrary, wants to use these roads and is interested in doing so.

“Considering that Armenia also wishes to use these roads, we are ready for certain simplifications,” the Prime Minister stated, emphasizing that to avoid any misinterpretations related to this issue, one can review  the Crossroads of Peace project, which outlines these simplifications.

The Prime Minister added that Armenia aims to have multiple border crossings through its territory, as it is advantageous for the state and for regional stability.