If real progress is made on the TRIPP project, the delimitation process for the southern border must take place before its implementation can begin. This was stated by conflictologist Arsen Kharatyan.
The expert explained that maximum clarity is needed regarding where the road starts and ends. “It is essential to clearly define the delimited territory in Syunik, specifying the points where Armenian and Azerbaijani customs officers and other security representatives are stationed,” emphasized conflictologist Arsen Kharatyan.
Speaking about the parameters of the future road, Kharatyan noted that there is still no clarity regarding its modality—whether it will be a railway or road connection, or if pipelines will run through it. “We have not yet seen the details of the agreements reached on August 8 in Washington,” he said.
The conflictologist added that a visit from an American delegation is expected in September to work out the details and new agreements between the governments of Armenia and the USA. At that point, he said, it will become clearer what role the American side will play: “Will a registered Armenian-American company in Armenia handle logistics? What will be the official U.S. presence? Who and what will be allowed to transport via the road? For now, there are no answers to these questions.”
According to Kharatyan, the lack of specificity and transparency is currently fueling rumors and speculation—ranging from the possibility of a foreign company controlling the road to scenarios involving gas pipelines. “Therefore, these issues should be approached with maximum caution,” he concluded.