The discussion regarding the Armenian side’s alleged consent to the American proposal for unblocking transport communications has raised concerns in the expert community. Many perceive it as a potential threat to the country’s sovereignty, warning of the possible risks of such a move. During today’s press conference, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan provided additional details on the discussed options, including proposals received from the United States.
Based on the details presented by the Prime Minister, it is evident that the approach to the issue has undergone a transformation over time. In 2022, the Armenian side proposed, on the basis of reciprocity, transferring border and customs control functions to a third party to minimize direct contact between representatives of the two countries. Later, at the suggestion of Europeans, the discussion shifted to engaging a private security company to ensure the route’s safety. Now, according to Pashinyan, the conversation has moved to a purely economic plane: it involves creating an investment mechanism to attract funds for the management and development of infrastructure. This is the essence of the American proposal.
In the context of transport routes, when it comes to transferring management to a third party, it refers to the creation of an investment mechanism through which funds will be attracted for infrastructure management and development.
According to Pashinyan, discussions are underway to establish a company that will focus on attracting investments, as the “Crossroads of Peace” project requires significant investment potential, while certain factors necessitate the consolidation of these investments. By his definition, the “Crossroads of Peace” project encompasses not only roads and railways but also pipelines—oil pipelines, gas pipelines, power transmission lines, telecommunications cables, and more.
“This is an entire economic system that needs to be created and managed. This is exactly what we are talking about, and in our understanding, this system should and can remain under the ownership of the Republic of Armenia. The discussion here is about managing this system, constructing communications, and attracting investments for this purpose. This could also involve long-term land leases. According to Armenian legislation, what I am referring to is called the right to development. Under this logic, investments made within the framework of the granted right, after the expiration of the land lease agreement, remain or become the property of Armenia,” the Prime Minister noted.
The Prime Minister assured that customs and border control functions will be carried out exclusively by the Armenian side, in full accordance with Armenia’s sovereignty and jurisdiction. Although the implementation mechanism is still being developed, the preliminary concept involves the use of contactless procedures. As Pashinyan noted, modern technologies exist globally that allow for minimizing or completely eliminating physical contact, for example, through biometric identification. He emphasized that he is not asserting that these solutions will be applied in this specific situation but considers it important to highlight the existence of such technological possibilities. However, the Prime Minister did not rule out that’ll in certain cases—for instance, when an automatic alarm or alert system is triggered—direct human interaction may be necessary, and these scenarios still require further elaboration.
Responding to journalists’ questions about the principle of reciprocity—specifically, whether the same company would manage operations on the Azerbaijani side—Pashinyan once again emphasized the functionality of the proposed structure. He noted that “on the Azerbaijani side, the relevant railway infrastructure already exists, and the company being created will focus on attracting investments, which is one of its main tasks. This involves organizing the involvement of economic entities, as well as the construction and operation of the railway and gas pipeline.”
Thus, Pashinyan made it clear that the company’s activities will not extend to the Azerbaijani section of the route, including in terms of providing so-called “internal security,” which he had also mentioned earlier.
According to the Prime Minister, various options are being discussed with Azerbaijan on this issue, but the American option is currently the “main subject of discussion.”