A Landmark Step: First-Ever Demarcated State Border Between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Four Villages

The Information and Public Relations Department of the Prime Minister's Office has responded to written inquiries from Armenpress.

Question: After today's meeting of the border delimitation commissions of Armenia and Azerbaijan, a joint press release was issued stating that preliminary agreements have been reached regarding the border crossing in sections between the villages of Baghanis in Armenia, Baghanis-Ayrum in Azerbaijan, Voskepar in Armenia, Ashaghı Askipara in Azerbaijan, Kiran in Armenia, Khayremly in Azerbaijan, and Berkaber in Armenia, Kyzyl Hacili in Azerbaijan. What does this mean?

Answer: The statement indicates that the two commissions have reproduced the borders that existed between these villages during the Soviet era on the map. The next step is to clarify and represent these borders on the ground, marking an unprecedented event: for the first time, a demarcated state border will exist between our countries in the area of four villages.

Question: On what maps of which year is this process being based?

Answer: The cartographic basis of the process consists of the latest topographic maps from the Soviet period, which have legal substantiation and were created by relevant authoritative bodies. Importantly, according to the statement released by the commissions, the borders existing at the time of the collapse of the Soviet Union are being restored. That is, the borders that de jure existed between Soviet Armenia and Soviet Azerbaijan. It is also essential to note that the commissions have agreed that the entire process of delimitation between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be based on the principles outlined in the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration, which are recorded as the fundamental principles of the delimitation process. This principle will also have to be recorded in the Regulations of the Delimitation Process, which will be coordinated between the parties in the upcoming months and will undergo the necessary internal agreements, including the parliamentary approval process.

Question: Today's statement also mentions the issue of enclaves/exclaves. What does this mean?

Answer: The commissions have agreed that after the approval of the Regulations, they will agree on the sequence of delimitation of the remaining sections of the Armenia-Azerbaijan state border (i.e., which sections of the border will be reproduced next), and in this context, they will also address the issue of enclaves/exclaves. You know that the Republic of Armenia cannot disregard this issue, because Artsvashen is part of our sovereign territory. We plan to legally substantiate the existence of the Artsvashen exclave/enclave during the delimitation process, and the Armenian government has such substantiations, after which the delimitation process will actually take place around Artsvashen. However, what political solution the issue will receive after this memorandum is another question. In the delimitation process, we must first legally substantiate the existence of enclaves/exclaves.

Question: After delimitation, will armed forces withdraw from the area of these four villages to make way for border guard troops? What is the timeframe for this?

Answer: This will take place in a short but reasonable time frame, without artificial delays.

Question: As a result of this process, will any villages in Armenia be deprived of access routes?

Answer: No. A few hundred meters of road design changes will be made in the area of Kiran, which is not a complicated task and will be completed within a few months. However, this is not the only road to Kiran; the Kiran-Acharkut-Ijevan road will also be repaired or perhaps reconstructed. It should be noted that Kiran has alternative routes, and there are practically no significant issues.

Question: Will Voskepar not face road issues?

Answer: No. At this stage, sections that have the potential to create such issues are not being delimited.

Question: As a result of this delimitation process, Azerbaijan will come very close to the villages of Kiran and Voskepar. How will the security of these villages be ensured?

Answer: First, let’s emphasize that Azerbaijan is already very close to these villages, and they are currently in direct line of sight. Yes, as a result of this process, the Azerbaijani border service will be getting closer to the villages of Kiran and Voskepar, but they will be separated from our villages by a demarcated state border. This is a key factor, and let’s not forget that the border will be protected by the border guards of the Republic of Armenia. However, there are many details concerning security assurance that will also be discussed and detailed in the upcoming period.

Question: By this described process, Azerbaijan receives four villages. What does Armenia gain?

Answer: For accuracy, it should be noted that Azerbaijan is receiving two and a half villages because the territory of Kyzyl Hacılı village has already been under Azerbaijan's control, along with a significant part of Ashaghı Askipara village. Meanwhile, the Republic of Armenia gains the reduction of security risks associated with delimitation. With today’s development, for the first time, we have a demarcated border with Azerbaijan, which can be considered a significant event. The Republic of Armenia also gains a practical platform and the opportunity to organize the delimitation process in a civilized and legitimate manner while providing the necessary security, socio-economic, and legal guarantees for the population.