Pashinyan: Armenia is ready to open the road with Azerbaijan through simplified procedures

The Republic of Armenia is ready to make certain simplifications in border control procedures regarding the opening of borders with Azerbaijan, within the framework of respect for the principles of reciprocity, equality, sovereignty and jurisdiction of the sides, Nikol Pashinyan said during the CIS Heads of State summit in Moscow.

“Responding to our proposals, Azerbaijan emphasizes that if Armenia does not want to open regional communication links, Azerbaijan will use the opportunities provided by the Islamic Republic of Iran to connect with Nakhijevan. Of course, we do not object, as this is a matter of sovereign relations between the two countries. But I would like to note once again that Armenia wants to open regional channels and that we are ready to provide transport communications through our territory on the same terms as provided by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Moreover, we are ready to make certain simplifications in border control procedures within the framework of respect for the principles of reciprocity, equality, sovereignty and jurisdiction of the sides,” he said.

Pashinyan added that “the Republic of Armenia is ready to fully ensure the safety of traffic of goods, vehicles and people through its territory.”

“This is our wish, our obligation, and we guarantee it. By the way, all statements that Armenia has somehow agreed that third-party countries will ensure the security of communication in its sovereign territory, or that this is stipulated by some document, are simply not true. Ensuring security in its territory is the sovereign obligation of any country. This is our job, and we will do it,” Pashinyan said.