What Issues Do We Have? The Lachin Corridor, Which Will Ensure the Only Connection Between Artsakh and Armenia. Takhouhi Tovmasyan

My Step Alliance MP Takhouhi Tovmasyan wrote on her Facebook page: "There are many uncertainties in the statement of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the President of the Russian Federation. According to one of the points of the trilateral statement, the Republic of Armenia returns the Lachin region to the Republic of Azerbaijan by December 1, 2020. But today we have problems already; I am receiving various alerts.

What issues do we have? The Lachin corridor (5 km wide), which will ensure the only connection between Artsakh and Armenia, bypassing the city of Shushi, remains under the control of the Russian peacekeeping forces. December 1 is approaching, and clarifications must be provided as soon as possible to avoid situations like yesterday's incident in Sotk. People are demolishing their houses; the situation is uncertain, and at the same time, there is no clear information about which settlements should be vacated. Some are being demanded to leave immediately without being given time.

The joint statement of the three country leaders mentions the section of the Lachin corridor that remains under the control of the Russian peacekeeping forces. But we do not have relevant details. If Lachin is surrendered, what will happen to the city of Berdzor? Are the settlements within this 5 km wide section or not? Will the residents remain there or not? Will we carry out combat duty in that area, or will only the Russian peacekeeping forces maintain control? Will the peacekeepers perform border functions, or just checkpoint duty, and at what intervals will they be stopping?

Will our vehicles intersect with Azerbaijani vehicles in that 5 km wide section of the Lachin corridor? According to the trilateral statement, a project for the construction of a new route along the Lachin corridor must be established over the next three years to ensure the connection between Artsakh and Armenia, after which the Russian peacekeeping forces will be redeployed to protect that route. The Republic of Azerbaijan guarantees the safety of the movement of citizens, transport, and cargo in both directions along the Lachin corridor.

Who will construct this road, and with what financial resources? When will the construction work begin? Will we carry out combat duty in this corridor at some point? I expect a prompt response and actions from the competent authorities to avoid new issues."