Armenia Does Not Oppose the Delegation of the Syunik Road Under Certain Principles, Says Deputy Foreign Minister

Armenia does not oppose the delegation of the Syunik road provided that certain principles are upheld. This was stated by Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan in an interview with 'Azatutyun'.

Question: The Deputy Prime Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, Mher Grigoryan and Shahin Mustafayev, are also participating in the ongoing negotiations in Abu Dhabi. Does this mean that the issue of unblocking will also be central to the discussions?

Mnatsakan Safaryan: During negotiations, the entire agenda is typically discussed, including the expected outcomes and how the agenda will be shaped. We will have to wait until after the meeting for clarity.

Question: Will the proposals from the American side become part of the negotiations?

Safaryan: Various proposals have been presented, and we have made statements about them. Whether they will be adopted depends on how well they align with Armenia’s interests and whether they are deemed appropriate.

Question: What factors determine whether these proposals will be accepted or not?

Safaryan: As I mentioned, it is about how much they align with Armenia's interests and the level of agreement that the parties can reach on them. Both sides need to find the provisions satisfactory, but it is difficult to say at this time.

Question: Does Armenia still find it acceptable for the functions related to unblocking to be delegated to any international organization?

Safaryan: Yes.

Question: So, it could be that a third party, upon mutual agreement from the parties, controls that road based on the principle of reciprocity?

Safaryan: I reiterate, if it fully complies with the principles we have declared, it could be implemented.

Question: Will that international organization carry out the oversight?

Safaryan: I point out that this depends on whether the principles are maintained.

Question: Could other organizations carry out supervision?

Safaryan: Oversight is not the correct term because it does not apply in this case. I reiterate, the process must occur under Armenia's sovereignty, jurisdiction, and territorial integrity. If it aligns with these principles, then yes, it can be executed. This is a matter for discussion, and reciprocity must be assured.

Question: When did Yerevan receive the American proposals regarding unblocking?

Safaryan: I find it difficult to specify an exact timeline, it was some time ago, but there have been other proposals as well.

Question: From which sides?

Safaryan: I cannot specify that now, but several such proposals are subjects of discussion. Again, I emphasize, if they align with Armenia’s interests regarding unblocking, they can be considered.

Question: Have these offers been discussed in other formats besides today’s meeting, considering that face-to-face interactions seem limited?

Safaryan: Today is a very good opportunity to address those. I do not know if they will be discussed because the agenda could be different under those circumstances. There may be an opportunity for references.

Question: What is the specific agenda?

Safaryan: I would prefer not to discuss that.

Question: What are Armenia's expectations from today's negotiations?

Safaryan: Naturally, and I have repeatedly mentioned this, we have expressed the political will to reach an agreement on the signing of the accord, which is already agreed upon. The continuation of negotiations is aimed at signing the agreement.

Question: Does the Armenian side hope that Azerbaijan will backtrack on its preconditions?

Safaryan: That is a matter for negotiation, and it is premature to make any comments on that. The essence of negotiations lies in this very aspect.

Question: Mr. Safaryan, is it possible for some documents or statements to be signed today?

Safaryan: I cannot preemptively say what references will be made during the negotiations before they happen.