Armenian FM dismisses concerns over intrastate rail connectivity under TRIPP

Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan has dismissed opposition concerns over whether Armenia’s intrastate rail connectivity through Nakhchivan will be guaranteed under TRIPP, saying he cannot envision a situation in which rail communication operates between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan while Armenia is unable to ensure its own intrastate connectivity through Nakhchivan.

Mirzoyan made the remarks during a meeting of the parliamentary Committee on Foreign Relations, responding to questions from opposition Armenia Alliance faction MP Artur Khachatryan.

Khachatryan asked whether there is a legally binding document for Azerbaijan that would ensure Armenia’s intrastate connectivity under conditions equivalent to those envisaged by TRIPP. He also asked what would happen if Azerbaijan later restricted the passage of Armenian cargo.

Mirzoyan stressed that the Armenian cargo transportation already taking place through Azerbaijani territory should not be presented as the full benefit Armenia expects from TRIPP. According to him, this demonstrates that the process of opening communications has already begun, while subsequent arrangements also concern Armenia’s intrastate connectivity.

The minister asked the MP whether he could envision a train traveling from Azerbaijani territory through Meghri to Nakhchivan, while an Armenian train would be unable to re-enter Armenia from Nakhchivan through Yeraskh.

“It cannot be that the railway operates for them but does not operate for us. That cannot be the case, it’s clear, isn’t it?” Mirzoyan said.

Addressing the nature of the project, the minister emphasized that he does not consider it an ordinary road construction project.

“Yes, this is a transport project, but one with enormous geopolitical significance,” he said.

Mirzoyan said the project is simultaneously linked to Armenia’s unblocking, the expansion of economic opportunities, and the consolidation of peace. He also highlighted the interest of third countries, explaining that countries using communications through Armenia’s territory would have an interest in maintaining peace and stability there.