Ten Years Later, We Could Face New Problems from Azerbaijan: Karapetyan on TRIPP

We need balance in this region, and Trump’s TRIPP project represents that balance, which could bring long-term peace to our region. The only thing we need to work on is elevating the role of the United States from merely a witness to a peace guarantor. This will bring peace to the entire logistics chain and this crossroads, which will become the safest crossroads in this unstable region.

This was stated by Narek Karapetyan, a member of the political council of the "Strong Armenia" party, in an interview with American businessman and blogger Mario Nawfal.

“TRIPP is not a corridor; it is a road within the sovereign territory of Armenia. Azerbaijan wanted it to become a 'corridor,' meaning an area that would be outside the sovereign control of Armenia. Many times, the President of Azerbaijan has claimed that they will take control of this road by force. It is Armenian territory. Even they say it is Armenian territory, but we will take control of it. This is because it is economically important for Azerbaijan.

Trump began negotiations, and the situation has led to better conditions than in previous negotiation phases. We can say that this is a great opportunity for Armenia. But we need guarantees—more guarantees for peace. He was able to ensure that Azerbaijan would not use force over this road issue. And it is stipulated that this is Armenian territory. That means this is good for Armenia and also good for the region. They can use this road, but it is an economic project.

This can bring peace, but again, we need guarantees. Because, for example, ten years from now, we may again face new problems from Azerbaijan when they say they want other territories as well. This is one of the shortest routes from China to Europe,” said Narek Karapetyan, a member of the political council of the "Strong Armenia" party.