Using the Akna-Askeran Route is Unacceptable: Ruben Vardanyan

“We are talking about the preservation of the status quo of Artsakh, which is a red line. We need to have a free corridor connecting us with Armenia and the world, and this red line has been violated. When Azerbaijan set up a checkpoint on April 23, we declared that it was a red line, and it is unacceptable. The same goes for the current situation when we understand that the checkpoint and the Lachin corridor are not functioning and they are trying to use the Akna-Askeran route; this is a continuation of the red line. We have stated that it is unacceptable, and we continue to say that this route is unacceptable because it is an internal road. We should have a connection with Armenia without any restrictions,” said former Minister of State Ruben Vardanyan while answering questions from citizens online today.

Vardanyan noted that the stance on this issue has not changed, and until Araik Harutyunyan's resignation, they had already made a statement emphasizing that a clear decision must be taken by the authorities and communicated to the people. “Our position has not changed. This is a red line that has been crossed. Ultimately, all these changes concerning passports, currency, and infrastructural propositions that Azerbaijan is trying to offer are red lines for us, and we will strive to fight against them,” Vardanyan added.