FM says procedures for Armenians crossing Azerbaijan under TRIPP need clarification

Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan said that it remains to be clarified whether Armenian citizens traveling through Azerbaijani territory will be subject to the same procedures envisaged for those traveling through Armenia under TRIPP.

Speaking to reporters after the parliamentary Committee on Foreign Relations approved the ratification of the Armenia-U.S. Framework Agreement on TRIPP, Mirzoyan was asked whether Armenian citizens crossing Azerbaijani territory would also benefit from a “front office-back office” service model.

“That is an interesting question you raise. I think this issue probably still needs to be clarified,” Mirzoyan replied.

He also noted that mechanisms for the advance declaration of goods could be applied there as well.

The minister also addressed sensitive issues inherited from the past and the psychological factors affecting people. In his assessment, alongside progress in establishing peace, bilateral trade and transit, changes are also taking place in this area.

Mirzoyan said that, in his impression, these processes are developing faster than the paperwork, and some concerns the parties may have had two to two and a half years ago are no longer perceived with the same intensity.

Referring to the Armenia-U.S. agreement on TRIPP, the minister explained that it could not establish obligations for Azerbaijan, which is not a signatory to the document.

“An Armenia-United States agreement could not contain anything that would impose an obligation on Azerbaijan when Azerbaijan is not signing it,” he said.

Mirzoyan also reiterated that decisions on border and customs matters under TRIPP will remain within the authority of Armenia’s competent services. He said that the possible involvement of a private operator in the “front office” would not preclude Armenian customs officers and border guards from intervening when necessary.

The minister also distinguished between the service function involving direct interaction with citizens and a company’s potential internal security unit, emphasizing that these are separate functions.