VIDEO: Azerbaijan Says You Should Not Organize Traffic, Pashinyan

Representatives of several countries are making public statements regarding the trilateral declaration of November 9, and it is evident from these statements that they have not read the declaration. This was noted by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a Q&A session in the National Assembly.

"So much has been discussed about point 9 of the November 9 declaration. Let us read what it says: 'All regional economic and transport links will be unblocked.' This means that point 9 is not only about establishing a connection between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan. First and foremost, it is not just about that; it is merely one of the details of the topic. It is about the opening of all transport links, for example, Armenia-Iran, Armenia-Russia railways, including the routes through Meghri and Ijevan-Ghazakh. Opening a roadway from Armenia to Iran via Nakhchivan, through Armenia, Azerbaijan to Russia, Kazakhstan, etc.

Has Armenia closed the railway to Iran? It means nothing to work. If it is open, say so, we have cargo to transport there," he stated.

Pashinyan continued reading the next sentence of point 9: "Armenia guarantees the security of the transport communication between Azerbaijan's western regions and Nakhchivan, ensuring the unhindered movement of citizens, vehicles, and cargo in both directions." Did you listen carefully? The guarantor is the Republic of Armenia, and all those who say that any guarantee for the security of a third country is reserved should show where this is written. Furthermore, the organizer of this traffic is the Republic of Armenia. Both the guarantor and the organizer are the Republic of Armenia. There is no mention that someone from somewhere should come, guarantee, provide security, and organize. Everything is done by the Republic of Armenia, and this leads to our perceptions about sovereignty and authority.

Pashinyan also read the next sentence of the November 9 declaration: "Control over transport communication is exercised by the bodies of the border service of the Russian FSB." Where is it written that these border service bodies of the FSB should be present on the ground? There is no such thing written. Even if the presence of the Russian border guards in Armenia is contemplated, that presence is a contractual issue, a matter for Armenia's decision. Today they have decided to be there; tomorrow they may decide not to be there.

Next, it is written, 'With the parties' agreement, the construction of new transport communications connecting Nakhchivan with Azerbaijan's western regions will be ensured.' We agree; let’s proceed, who is stopping? Azerbaijan disagrees because they say, 'No, you should not ensure security.' We have signed that Armenia must ensure it. Nowhere is it written that Armenia's sovereignty is limited in any way regarding any of its territories.

In light of the crisis situation back then, we said that we are even ready to consider mirror principles of delegation, but that is our decision as a goodwill gesture. Even today, when they say they want to go to Nakhchivan, we say, 'Well, go ahead.' Today, an airplane is flying from Armenia’s airspace to Nakhchivan. Why should we tell Azerbaijan, 'We are not letting you go to Nakhchivan through our territory'? What is the point of saying such a thing? What is its meaning?

Officials from certain countries make statements that to me are clearly indicative that they have not read this document, or they have not read it for a long time," announced the Prime Minister of Armenia. He informed that the government is circulating a draft decision that should resolve these issues, but it is not being accepted due to Azerbaijan: "Because they say they will not make use of these roads. If they will not use them, why should we incur unnecessary costs?"