Pashinyan Accuses Azerbaijan of Stalling Regional Communication Openings
YEREVAN—Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has issued a statement accusing Azerbaijan of deliberately obstructing the opening of regional transportation and economic communication routes. In a recently published article, Pashinyan addressed Azerbaijan’s repeated claims that Armenia is not fulfilling its obligations to open communication lines, arguing that it is Azerbaijan’s stance that is preventing progress, despite Armenia’s readiness and numerous proposals.
Azerbaijan’s Accusations and Armenia’s Position
Pashinyan begins by addressing what he describes as Azerbaijan’s frequent exploitation and escalation of the issue of regional communications. He counters Azerbaijan’s assertion that Armenia is failing to meet its commitments by clarifying that Armenia has no unilateral obligations. According to Pashinyan, the commitment to open transport and economic links is bilateral, requiring both Armenia and Azerbaijan to take reciprocal steps. He emphasizes that currently, no Azerbaijani transport or economic communications are open through Armenia – no roads, railways, pipelines, or communication lines. In stark contrast, Pashinyan states that all roads in Armenia are open for Azerbaijan’s use, highlighting the asymmetry in the current situation.
Armenia’s Proactive Steps and Azerbaijani Rejection
Highlighting Armenia’s commitment to opening communications, Pashinyan points to concrete steps taken by his government. As early as 2022, the Armenian government circulated a draft decision to open three border crossing points on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. This initiative aimed to facilitate the entry of Azerbaijani trucks and passenger vehicles into Armenia, offering transit routes to Nakhichevan and Turkey. Pashinyan states that these decisions have not been implemented solely due to Azerbaijan’s rejectionist stance. He notes that the Armenian government could unilaterally adopt these measures within one to two weeks, demonstrating Yerevan’s willingness to move forward. While acknowledging the need for infrastructure development, particularly for Nakhichevan access, Pashinyan insists that basic physical infrastructure is already in place for immediate transit, for example via the Lachin-Kornidzor corridor and the Kornidzor checkpoint.
Security Concerns and Proposed Solutions
Pashinyan addresses potential security concerns that might deter Azerbaijani drivers and cargo transporters from using Armenian roads. He reassures that Armenia is committed to ensuring the safety of cargo transport. To alleviate psychological barriers, Pashinyan suggests that Turkish trucks, which have a long history of transit through Armenia, or vehicles from other countries could be used for Azerbaijani cargo. Crucially, Pashinyan firmly rejects any notion of Armenia outsourcing its sovereign responsibility for security within its territory to any other country, including for international or Azerbaijani transit. He states unequivocally that Armenia has never agreed to, or even hinted at, delegating security provision to another nation, reaffirming Armenia’s commitment to guaranteeing transit safety under its own sovereignty.
Transit to Nakhichevan and Creative Proposals
Addressing the specific issue of transit between western Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan through Armenian territory, Pashinyan clarifies that Armenia has never posed an obstacle. He emphasizes Armenia’s consistent creativity and flexibility in seeking solutions. In 2022, to address Azerbaijani concerns, Armenia proposed a reciprocal arrangement to delegate the front functions of passport and customs control at the border to an international specialized organization. This proposal, aimed at building trust and transparency, was also rejected by Azerbaijan. Undeterred, Armenia presented a further proposal to initiate the opening of communications with railway cargo transport along routes such as Zangilan-Meghri-Ordubad and Yeraskh-Ordubad-Meghri. Pashinyan emphasizes that this railway-based approach is designed to respect the sovereignty, jurisdiction, and territorial integrity of all parties, while still meeting Azerbaijan’s need for reliable transit to Nakhichevan.
Azerbaijan’s Rejection and Alternative Routes
Pashinyan expresses bewilderment at Azerbaijan’s continued rejection of these constructive proposals. He voices concern that Azerbaijan might be using the communication issue as a pretext for escalation. He notes Azerbaijan’s stated intention to secure a route to Nakhichevan via Iran if Armenia does not provide a path. Pashinyan states Armenia’s neutrality towards this option, recognizing it as a matter for Iran and Azerbaijan to decide. However, he pointedly notes Armenia’s readiness to offer transit on the same legal terms as Iran, questioning whether Azerbaijan perceives the Iranian route as somehow “unimpeded” while rejecting Armenia’s offers. He reiterates Armenia’s willingness to consider simplified transit procedures and automated mechanisms based on reciprocity, further underscoring Yerevan’s flexibility and commitment to finding a mutually acceptable solution.
Conclusion: Agreement Hinges on Azerbaijan’s Consent
In conclusion, Prime Minister Pashinyan asserts that the opening of all regional economic and transportation communications, including routes to Nakhichevan, is fully prepared and requires only Azerbaijan’s agreement to become reality. He reiterates Armenia’s readiness to implement the proposed solutions, emphasizing that the ball is now in Azerbaijan’s court. Pashinyan’s article underscores Armenia’s proactive and flexible approach to regional connectivity, while placing the responsibility for the current impasse squarely on Azerbaijan’s unwillingness to reciprocate and engage constructively. The statement signals Armenia’s continued commitment to peaceful regional integration, pending a shift in Azerbaijan’s stance.
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