The term Zangezur Corridor is associated with the narrative of the conflict

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan criticized Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev from the UN rostrum for "using the term Zangezur Corridor." Pashinyan noted that the Azerbaijani President, with whom the Washington Declaration was agreed, has repeatedly mentioned the so-called "Zangezur Corridor," including from the UN rostrum. However, as the Armenian Prime Minister points out, this expression is not found in any document, including the documents agreed in Washington.

“My Azerbaijani colleague should clarify what he means by this phrase, because in the Armenian reality it is perceived as a territorial claim against Armenia and is associated with the conflict narrative. In the documents of August 8, we agreed on a clear content and narrative, and it is impossible to cast doubt on the commitment to these agreements in any way - by the narratives I mentioned and/or by other narratives expressed from this rostrum. Such narratives do not increase people's faith in peace; they do not stem from an atmosphere of peace and agreements reached at the highest level.

From various rostrums, the President of Azerbaijan speaks of the alleged capitulation of Armenia. Honestly, I do not understand why, with such a huge positive content, which was achieved through joint efforts, we need to introduce aggressive subtexts that are not related to objective reality.

Doesn't peace bring enough joy? For example, for me brings. I am also pleased with the fact that the Republic of Armenia is a democratic state that is developing at an impressive pace - it is independent, sovereign and is building its own future today.

This is a state that does not spread hatred towards its neighbors or anyone else. I would like to draw the attention of the international community to the fact that the so-called “Zangezur Corridor” and similar narratives do not stem from the agreements reached,” Pashinyan noted, emphasizing that the use of the aforementioned term is irritating, has a negative impact and is perceived as a territorial claim against a sovereign country, despite the agreements reached and announced.

“But this certainly cannot deviate us from the practice of implementing the agreements, even by a millimeter. Thus, within the framework of the TRIPP [Trump’s Route for International Prosperity and Peace] “route project announced in Washington on August 8, the Railways, highways, pipelines and power lines that will connect the East with the West. As a result of this agreement, the North will also be connected to the South.

The geographical enumeration alone is enough to conclude that this is an accurate reflection of the “Crossroads of Peace” project, which I had the opportunity to present from this rostrum. The TRIPP route infrastructure project arises from the “Crossroads of Peace” program, on the development of which we signed a bilateral memorandum with President Trump on August 8 in Washington.

I consider it necessary to note that, in accordance with the Washington Declaration, the opening of communications between Armenia and Azerbaijan for interstate, bilateral and international transportation will be carried out on the basis of respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and jurisdiction of the states.

These agreements are a good opportunity for the Republic of Armenia to introduce the latest technologies for border, customs and other control, not only on the TRIPP route, but also at other border crossings that meet the most modern standards.

The opening of the Armenian-Turkish border is important for the infrastructure project of the TRIPP route: it means the opening of existing railways, highways, the prospect of developing pipelines, power lines and cables.

I am pleased to note that in recent years an unprecedented positive dialogue has been established between Armenia and Turkey. My meetings with President Erdogan are regular, against the backdrop of an ever-growing level of trust.

"This is an achievement that I highly appreciate and I am confident that in the near future, it will bring positive results, namely the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey and the full opening of the interstate border," Nikol Pashinyan said.

europetime.eu