Rubinyan: TRIPP project will benefit countries in the region, Central Asia, and Europe
YEREVAN, January 19. /ARКА/. Ruben Rubinyan, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, announced that the TRIPP project is being executed as part of Armenian-American collaboration and does not include the involvement of third countries.
"The implementation of the Armenian-American TRIPP project will undoubtedly benefit Azerbaijan, Turkey, Georgia, Iran, Russia, Central Asian nations, and European countries," Rubinyan remarked during a press briefing on Monday.
When asked about the potential involvement of third parties in the TRIPP project, particularly Russia and Turkey, he clarified that such discussions are not currently taking place. He mentioned that a document outlining the principles for forming the TRIPP company was recently released, confirming that the project is being carried out under Armenian-American cooperation and does not foresee the participation of other nations.
The Deputy Speaker further indicated that the launch of the project and the reopening of regional communications will enable Armenia to establish rail connections with Iran and Russia, and Russia with Turkey, and beyond.
In response to public worries regarding a potential "corridor" through Armenian territory, Rubinyan stressed that "the published document on the TRIPP framework indicates that there will be no corridor."
He reminded that over the last five years, the primary concerns revolved around three key issues: whether security would be ensured by a third party, whether there would be passport and customs procedures, and whether Armenian border guards would be present.
"The document explicitly states that security will be managed by the appropriate Armenian authorities, and that passport and customs procedures are planned, along with the physical presence of Armenian border guards and representatives from other authorized agencies at checkpoints and customs control," Rubinyan asserted.
He stated that all operations will occur within the boundaries of Armenia's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and jurisdiction, and that sovereign functions cannot be delegatedto other parties.
About TRIPP Development Company
On January 13, in Washington, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a joint statement outlining the framework for the TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) project.
This document establishes the mechanism for launching the project, which seeks to develop multimodal transit connectivity through Armenia, including linking the mainland of Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Region and incorporating it into the Trans-Caspian Trade Route.
To facilitate the project, plans are in place to create the TRIPP Development Company, where Armenia aims to offer the US a 74% share, while retaining 26%. The company is anticipated to have the rights to execute the project for a duration of 49 years. Mirzoyan noted that the US investment will be monetary, whereas Armenia's contribution will involve provision of development rights.-0-
