Armenian National Security Service Suggests Traveling via Tatev, But Alternatives Are Impractical; Iranian Driver Reports

Dozens of trucks have accumulated near the Goris exit, and they are not being allowed to proceed towards Kapan. The Armenian National Security Service has temporarily closed the Goris-Kapan road for Iranian trucks, as reported by Sputnik Armenia.

The majority of drivers do not have the funds to pay the Azerbaijanis, who are demanding between $100-300 at the Azerbaijani checkpoint located not far from Vorotan. Many drivers have indicated that they did not pay the Azerbaijanis while heading towards Goris, but were warned that they would have to pay double on their return trip.

According to drivers, the police and the National Security Service are suggesting an alternative route. However, the vehicles are large and unable to navigate the narrow roads. Several vehicles have already been involved in accidents while attempting to take this route.

“The Azerbaijanis stopped me and asked for $260 for going and coming back. I didn’t have dollars, so I offered to pay in drams, but they said, ‘What is the dram? Give us dollars or manats.’ One person was told to pay $50, depending on what cargo they were transporting. The Armenian police tell us not to take that road and to go via Tatev, but that road is also in very bad condition, and several vehicles have already sustained damage,” said Nadir, an Iranian driver, in an interview with Sputnik Armenia.

It appears drivers are being prevented from going towards Kapan to avoid problems arising from financial constraints. A filming crew from the outlet noted that trucks arriving from Kapan had paid around $130.