Working groups to be launched soon for regional unblocking process, says Armenian official

Working groups will be set up soon to implement the Washington accords signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan regarding the unblocking of transport links, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia, Davit Khudatyan, said at a press conference on Thursday. 

He reaffirmed that the roads passing through Armenian territory will be administered by Armenia under its jurisdiction and sovereignty. 

He said the working groups will be created “in the shortest possible timeframes” but refused to specify. 

Asked about Armenia’s benefits from the accords, Khudatyan said Armenia will gain unblocked roads with preservation of territorial integrity, sovereignty and jurisdiction.

“First of all, the initialing of the peace agreement brings us several steps closer to peace, which I believe is an anticipated, joyous and important event for any citizen of Armenia,” Khudatyan said.

He said the unblocking is a bilateral process and the roads passing through Azerbaijan will be opened for Armenia.

Additional comments will be provided in terms of technical issues.

He expressed confidence that the Azeri occupation of sovereign Armenian territory will end as a result of the delimitation process.

“The completed delimitation process in Kirants and the logic behind the delimitation, as well as the previously implemented delimitation, inspire confidence that the process will continue and the issues will be resolved as a result,” the minister said.

He expressed confidence that the Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan will be released as a result of the peace process.