Replacing the Akna Road with the Berdzor Corridor Would Mean the End for Artsakh, Babayan

The situation is overall stable, although we see attempts, particularly in the information sphere, to present it in a way that suggests a civil war has begun in Artsakh. However, such things do not exist yet. This was stated by the advisor to the President of Artsakh, David Babayan, in an interview with 24News while addressing the recent developments in Artsakh.

“It is very important that we do everything possible to ensure that the situation does not destabilize since the enemy will benefit the most from it,” Babayan emphasized.

In the media interview, Babayan also addressed the circulating rumors that the authorities in Artsakh may soon announce that they are not particularly opposed to importing food through the Akna Road. “You see, the issue is that we should never equate the Akna Road with the Berdzor Corridor, let alone replace one with the other, because that would be catastrophic. Whether this road will be operational or not is entirely another question, but the replacement would mean the end for Artsakh,” Babayan pointed out.

When asked whether it would be acceptable for cargo sent from Armenia or Azerbaijan to cross, Babayan noted: “If the Berdzor Corridor is not operational and everything has to go through Aghdam, the Berdzor Corridor is already almost occupied by Azerbaijan. The moment the Berdzor Corridor is replaced by the Akna Road, there will be no corridor left; we must understand this well. Now, if Azerbaijan wants to show goodwill and activate the Akna Road, then so be it, but the problem is that this cannot be at the expense of the Berdzor Corridor. The Berdzor Corridor has a special status. Regarding the question of whether they will accept cargo sent from Azerbaijan, I am not aware of such matters; those are technical issues.”