TRIPP is Not the Same as the Zangezur Corridor, Says Ruben Rubinyan

“TRIPP is not the ‘Zangezur Corridor,’” said Ruben Rubinyan, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, during a conversation with journalists. This statement was in response to comments made by Ali Akbar Velayati, an advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who remarked that “this project does not differ in any way from the ‘Zangezur Corridor’ and Iran is categorically against it, just as it opposed the ‘Zangezur Corridor.’”

“TRIPP is a business project that will operate under the full sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction of the Republic of Armenia and on the basis of equality,” stated Rubinyan.

He also noted that they are constantly in touch with their Iranian counterparts, taking into account their sensitivities and interests on the matter. “The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly stated that their red lines are taken into consideration and opportunities are created for them. I believe these statements are valid,” he added.

Rubinyan emphasized that the official position of any country is expressed through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in this case, they are considering the announcements made by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He further highlighted that the interests of Armenia and Iran largely coincide. “It is also Armenia’s red line that there will be no extraterritorial corridor through Armenia,” concluded the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.