Aliyev's Statement is a Hidden Territorial Demand Against the Republic of Armenia – Nazeli Baghdasaryan

The spokesperson for the Prime Minister, Nazeli Baghdasaryan, commented on the recent statements made by the President of Azerbaijan in an interview with Armenpress.

“The Republic of Armenia has never discussed, is not discussing, and will not discuss the nomenclature mentioned by the President of Azerbaijan and the logic stemming from it. The Republic of Armenia is discussing the 'Peace Crossroads' project with both Azerbaijan and other international partners. The Republic of Armenia also expects the unblocking of transport communication between the Syunik province of the Republic of Armenia and the remaining parts of the Republic of Armenia through the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as from third countries and to third countries.

In turn, the Republic of Armenia is ready to ensure transport communication between the western regions of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, as well as from Azerbaijan to third countries and from third countries to Azerbaijan. All of this should occur in full respect of the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and jurisdiction of both countries on the basis of mutual recognition.

On July 10 of this year, in Abu Dhabi and at any point before or after that, the Republic of Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss any other option. The President of Azerbaijan's statement that Azerbaijani citizens should not encounter Armenian border guards is outside the logic of the discussions that have taken place. It is, in fact, a hidden territorial demand against the Republic of Armenia, which cannot be accepted and contradicts the spirit and letter of the agreements reached until now.

As Prime Minister Pashinyan stated in his press conference on July 16, those entering the territory of Armenia, including transit cargo and citizens, must pass mandatory customs and border controls based on internationally accepted standards. The Republic of Armenia cannot be unaware of who entered its territory, whether they exited after entering, or not,” said Baghdasaryan.

The Prime Minister's spokesperson also added, “Regarding security, the Republic of Armenia itself ensures the safety of roads, cargo, vehicles, and passengers passing through its territory. Additional security mechanisms have been planned for the routes provided for in the 'Peace Crossroads' project, including the creation of a special unit within the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia for this purpose.

The Republic of Armenia is ready to ensure transit security for both cargo and vehicles, as well as pipelines, cables, and of course, for passengers. As for the necessary investments to unblock transport communications in both countries, each country decides its own preferred investment schemes. Prime Minister Pashinyan clearly stated at the press conference on July 16 that no investment scheme can extend beyond the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and jurisdiction of the Republic of Armenia.

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