We have made a very specific proposal to Azerbaijan. It is not even a proposal, it is a solution to the issue, which, in our assessment and obviously, takes into account both the positions of Armenia and the positions of Azerbaijan. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated this during his press conference Friday and referring to the topic of opening the regional communication routes.
“We formulate, express positions, package these positions, etc., but at an X moment we have not only expressed our positions, but also proposed a solution that solves both the issues noted by Azerbaijan and said by us. We hereby propose that from western Azerbaijan that is, from the western regions of Azerbaijan there should be a railway freight communication to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and in the opposite direction. But on the same principle there should be communication from Yeraskh to Meghri and in the opposite direction through the territory of Nakhijevan. Also, Armenia through the territory of Azerbaijan for international trade, and Azerbaijan through the territory of Armenia for international trade or cargo transportation.
One of the important nuances of this proposal is that, taking into account also the atmosphere, the tension in relations, at this phase we will start cargo transportation for some time, and then, when the atmosphere will be more appropriate, we will think also about passenger transportation.
Now, frankly speaking, we are waiting for a positive response from Azerbaijan. To be very honest, and also knowing Azerbaijan's positions which were expressed during the negotiations, I don't really understand why they should reject it because we have found a solution that fulfills the tasks posed by the two of us," the Armenian PM said.
Pashinyan emphasized that this proposal fully complies with the principles voiced within the framework of the Crossroads of Peace project introduced by the Armenian government, but also meets the expectations that Azerbaijan raises during the negotiations.
"We are not against unhindered communication. But ‘unhindered’ does not mean bypassing the jurisdiction of the Republic of Armenia," Pashinyan added.
