Mirzoyan: Armenia is concerned about elements of extraterritorial control in Azerbaijan’s approach to unblocking communications in region
YEREVAN, April 15. /ARKA/. Armenia is concerned that certain aspects of Azerbaijan’s approach to unblocking regional infrastructure may suggest elements of extraterritorial control, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said in an interview with Turkish television channel NTV.
“The logic of such a ‘corridor,’ which implies certain limitations on sovereignty, is unacceptable to us,” he emphasized.
The minister noted that Armenia had proposed to Azerbaijan the opening of bilateral railway infrastructure meaning that both countries would be able to fully utilize each other’s railway networks.
“For the section connecting mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic via the shortest route, we suggested using modern mechanisms. For instance, we proposed the use of electronic scanning systems to minimize physical inspections. We also proposed implementing electronic customs declarations to speed up the flow of goods. Furthermore, we suggested using insurance and reinsurance mechanisms to ensure secure transit,” he explained.
Mirzoyan said that the Armenian side initially understood Azerbaijan’s response to be positive, but now there appears to be some ambiguity.
“Why? It's hard to say, as we see no clear or rational reason for rejecting this proposal. We are ready to start implementing this initiative immediately, beginning with the first phase — cargo transportation by rail. If this phase is successful, it can be followed by passenger transport and other forms of transit,” he added.
The Foreign Minister expressed confidence that the unblocking of regional communications would lead to the full restoration of regional connectivity, including the resumption of railway links between Armenia and Turkey.
“We are genuinely interested in this issue. From our perspective, this project could fundamentally reshape the regional logistics landscape. I see no negative consequences for any of the parties involved,” Mirzoyan said.
On the so-called "Zangezur Corridor" project
Azerbaijan and Turkey have been promoting the so-called “Zangezur Corridor” a proposed transportation route connecting Nakhchivan to mainland Azerbaijan through Armenia’s Syunik region, which borders Iran. The project includes plans to construct both a highway and a railway.
Rumors have circulated in the media regarding the possible extraterritorial status of this "corridor." However, Armenian authorities have consistently rejected any negotiations based on the concept of a "corridor logic" and insist that full respect for the sovereignty and jurisdiction of Armenia as the transit country must be upheld.
