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JAMnews
7 hours ago
- Politics
- JAMnews
‘No third-party control' – Armenian foreign minister on the 'Trump Route' programme
Armenian foreign minister on the Washington declaration 'The operation of infrastructure – including that to be built in Armenia under the US partnership – will take place within the territorial integrity, sovereignty and jurisdiction of the countries involved, and will ensure mutual benefit. Whatever the technical solutions, still to be discussed, they cannot go beyond these principles,' Armenian foreign minister Ararat Mirzoyan said, speaking about the 'Trump Route' programme. The Trump Route (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity – TRIPP) is a planned road linking mainland Azerbaijan with its exclave Nakhchivan. Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to reopen it with the participation of an Armenian–US consortium. Mirzoyan stressed that the Washington declaration does not envisage any third-party control over the road. He was responding to the Armenian parliamentary opposition and some experts who use the term 'corridor', amid claims that Armenia had supposedly agreed to grant Azerbaijan an extraterritorial road. 'With the persistence of a mule, some 'independent experts' or 'dependent party figures' keep spreading terms that have always been unacceptable to Yerevan and are absent from the Washington declaration,' he said. In an interview with Armenpress, Mirzoyan said such interpretations were 'either a product of their imagination or an attempt to mislead people'. Details – what the declaration says, and Mirzoyan's comments. The provisions of the declaration on the 'reciprocity' of benefits in reopening transport links The Washington declaration, signed on 8 August following the Trump–Pashinyan–Aliyev meeting, contains seven points. It covers: the initialling of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan the affirmation of the inviolability of international borders the inadmissibility of using force to seize territory the rejection of any acts of retaliation now or in the future the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group and related structures On the 'Trump Route' programme, the declaration states: 'Armenia will work with the United States and mutually agreed third parties to define the framework for implementing the programme on Armenian territory.' After the signing, Armenia's prime minister told reporters that the US intends to be the main investor in the Trump Route, but that Armenia is also ready to work with third parties, including other investors. Pashinyan thanked the US president for showing flexibility on the issue. 'Our goal is for this project to bring involvement, and to attract other partners wherever possible, rather than creating tension or confrontation. No one should think that the Trump Route project is aimed against them, because it truly is not,' he said. The declaration says the sides confirmed the importance of reopening transport links between the two countries for domestic, bilateral and international traffic, while stressing respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and jurisdiction of states: 'These efforts will include unimpeded communications between the main part of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through the territory of the Republic of Armenia, with mutual benefits for Armenia from international and domestic communications.' At the press conference following the Washington meeting, journalists asked the prime minister whether this reference to mutual benefits also meant unimpeded communications for Armenia. '[The document] sets out one benefit, and says that Armenia should have the same benefit. Reciprocity means that if roads are opened for Azerbaijan, they are opened for Armenia too. If they are not opened for Azerbaijan, they are not opened for Armenia either. Although that option is no longer on the table now,' he replied. Armenia gains access to Azerbaijan's railway infrastructure Armenia's foreign minister said that with the agreement on reopening transport links, a 'very important and decisive' stage had been completed – talks on the general principles for operating the infrastructure. 'But this is only one stage. Now we face huge work to clarify and agree on more specific conditions and technical solutions,' he said. Ararat Mirzoyan stressed that, under the Washington declaration, a major development was taking place – Armenia's transport links are being reopened. 'This is what Armenia has been striving for over the past 35 years. From now on, Armenia gains access to, and can use, Azerbaijan's railway infrastructure for international trade. […] The agreements in the Washington declaration clearly carry even more weight thanks to the participation of the US side and the US president's signature as a witness.' Yerevan to begin talks on Trump Route details Foreign minister Ararat Mirzoyan said the US president had signed an order to set up a working group to implement the 'Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity' programme. 'In the near future, we expect high-level discussions in Yerevan on this issue. We should use this important moment to leave future generations a more connected South Caucasus,' he said. He described his visit to Washington as important also for advancing the Armenia–US strategic partnership agenda. Following bilateral talks, the two sides signed three memorandums: Memorandum on Armenia's 'Crossroads of Peace' regional reopening project: The US expressed support for the 'Crossroads of Peace' project, emphasising Armenia's role as a regional transport hub. It highlighted the need to ensure Armenia's infrastructure and border security, including with the participation of private investors. Memorandum on artificial intelligence and semiconductor innovation: Aimed at deepening cooperation in high-tech, with a focus on developing a semiconductor ecosystem and applying artificial intelligence. Memorandum on energy security: Intended to support Armenia's energy resilience and modernisation of its energy system, encourage private investment, and develop civilian nuclear power. According to Mirzoyan, there is an agreement with US secretary of state Marco Rubio to step up joint work on implementing the components of the strategic partnership. Initialling of peace treaty a 'historic event' The Armenian foreign minister called the initialling of the peace agreement at the White House a 'historic event.' 'It has become a major milestone in the process of resolving Armenian–Azerbaijani relations. The initialling and the subsequent public statements showed that peace – in the sense of no escalation on the border – has already been established. In essence, a stage of institutionalising peace is now beginning,' he said. Mirzoyan also addressed the text of the peace treaty itself, saying he was convinced that once it is published, 'with a rational approach, all speculation will stop from that moment.' Armenian foreign minister on the Washington declaration
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
US has told Armenia it is ready to manage transport corridor with Azerbaijan, Armenpress reports
(Reuters) -Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the U.S. had offered to manage a potential transport corridor that would link the bulk of Azerbaijan to an Azerbaijani exclave via Armenian territory, the Armenpress news agency reported on Wednesday. The potential corridor, which Baku is keen to secure, would run roughly 32 km (20 miles) through Armenia's southern Syunik province, linking the majority of Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan, an Azerbaijani exclave that borders Baku's ally Turkey. Azerbaijan does not want the corridor to be controlled solely by Armenia due to concerns that Yerevan could revoke access too easily. Asked at a news conference if Armenia had received a specific proposal from Washington regarding the proposed corridor, Pashinyan said: "Yes, we have received proposals from the United States," Armenpress, a state news agency, reported. The transit link is one of several stumbling blocks to a peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia, neighbours in the South Caucasus region who have fought a series of wars since the late 1980s and remain arch rivals. The countries said in March they had finalised a draft peace deal, but the timeline for signing it remains uncertain. Pashinyan's comments came days after the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, said that Washington has proposed taking over the planned transit corridor. "They're arguing over 32 kilometres of road, but this is no joke. It's been going on for a decade – 32 kilometres of road," Barrack told reporters in New York last Friday, according to a State Department readout. "So what happens is America comes in and says, 'Okay, we'll take it over. Give us the 32 kilometres of road on a hundred-year lease, and you can all share it." Solve the daily Crossword
The Star
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
US has told Armenia it is ready to manage transport corridor with Azerbaijan, Armenpress reports
FILE PHOTO: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan waves as he arrives to attend the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit at the Grand Palais in Paris, France, February 11, 2025. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo (Reuters) -Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the U.S. had offered to manage a potential transport corridor that would link the bulk of Azerbaijan to an Azerbaijani exclave via Armenian territory, the Armenpress news agency reported on Wednesday. The potential corridor, which Baku is keen to secure, would run roughly 32 km (20 miles) through Armenia's southern Syunik province, linking the majority of Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan, an Azerbaijani exclave that borders Baku's ally Turkey. Azerbaijan does not want the corridor to be controlled solely by Armenia due to concerns that Yerevan could revoke access too easily. Asked at a news conference if Armenia had received a specific proposal from Washington regarding the proposed corridor, Pashinyan said: "Yes, we have received proposals from the United States," Armenpress, a state news agency, reported. The transit link is one of several stumbling blocks to a peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia, neighbours in the South Caucasus region who have fought a series of wars since the late 1980s and remain arch rivals. The countries said in March they had finalised a draft peace deal, but the timeline for signing it remains uncertain. Pashinyan's comments came days after the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, said that Washington has proposed taking over the planned transit corridor. "They're arguing over 32 kilometres of road, but this is no joke. It's been going on for a decade – 32 kilometres of road," Barrack told reporters in New York last Friday, according to a State Department readout. "So what happens is America comes in and says, 'Okay, we'll take it over. Give us the 32 kilometres of road on a hundred-year lease, and you can all share it." (Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Lucy PapachristouEditing by Andrew Osborn)
Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
US has told Armenia it is ready to manage transport corridor with Azerbaijan, Armenpress reports
FILE PHOTO: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan waves as he arrives to attend the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit at the Grand Palais in Paris, France, February 11, 2025. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the U.S. had offered to manage a potential transport corridor that would link the bulk of Azerbaijan to an Azerbaijani exclave via Armenian territory, the Armenpress news agency reported on Wednesday. The potential corridor, which Baku is keen to secure, would run roughly 32 km (20 miles) through Armenia's southern Syunik province, linking the majority of Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan, an Azerbaijani exclave that borders Baku's ally Turkey. Azerbaijan does not want the corridor to be controlled solely by Armenia due to concerns that Yerevan could revoke access too easily. Asked at a news conference if Armenia had received a specific proposal from Washington regarding the proposed corridor, Pashinyan said: "Yes, we have received proposals from the United States," Armenpress, a state news agency, reported. The transit link is one of several stumbling blocks to a peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia, neighbours in the South Caucasus region who have fought a series of wars since the late 1980s and remain arch rivals. The countries said in March they had finalised a draft peace deal, but the timeline for signing it remains uncertain. Pashinyan's comments came days after the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, said that Washington has proposed taking over the planned transit corridor. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Over 600 Telegram groups in Singapore selling, advertising vapes removed by HSA Singapore 2 weeks' jail for man caught smuggling over 1,800 vapes and pods into Singapore Singapore Jail for man who fatally hit his daughter, 2, while driving van without licence Singapore Primary 1 registration: 38 primary schools to conduct ballot in Phase 2A Singapore ComfortDelGro to introduce new taxi cancellation, waiting fee policy Singapore Here comes the sun: Less rain, more warm days in second half of July Singapore Instead of overcomplicating COE system, Govt has ensured affordable transport for all: SM Lee to Jamus Lim Singapore Baby died after mum took abortion pills and gave birth in toilet; coroner records an open verdict "They're arguing over 32 kilometres of road, but this is no joke. It's been going on for a decade – 32 kilometres of road," Barrack told reporters in New York last Friday, according to a State Department readout. "So what happens is America comes in and says, 'Okay, we'll take it over. Give us the 32 kilometres of road on a hundred-year lease, and you can all share it." REUTERS
OC Media
15-07-2025
- Politics
- OC Media
Armenia denies reports US could ‘take over' road connecting Azerbaijan to exclave
Sign in or or Become a member to unlock the audio version of this article Join the voices Aliyev wants to silence. For over eight years, OC Media has worked with fearless journalists from Azerbaijan — some of whom now face decades behind bars — to bring you the stories the regime is afraid will get out. Help us fuel Aliyev's fears — become an OC Media member today Become a member Armenia has denied discussing outsourcing control of a proposed road connecting Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan through Armenian territory, following what appears to have been an off-hand remark by the US Ambassador to Turkey suggesting that the US could 'take over' the controversial proposal. Ambassador Tom Barrack made the comments in a vague tone, perhaps as a hypothetical example for a potential solution to an issue that remains a key roadblock in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 'So what happens is America comes in and says: 'Okay, we'll take it over. Give us the 32 kilometres of road on a hundred-year lease, and you can all share it' ', Barrack said in a press briefing on 12 July. Barrack also suggested that Armenia and Azerbaijan had been arguing over '32 kilometres of road' for a decade. The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan erupted in 1988 over the Nagorno-Karabakh region; Azerbaijan's demands for a road through Armenia began following their victory in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020. On Monday evening, as the ambassador's statement began to be widely circulated, the Armenian side dismissed his claims. In a comment to Armenian state news agency Armenpress, Nazeli Baghdasaryan, the spokesperson of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, reiterated that Armenia was discussing the issue of unblocking regional infrastructure 'exclusively within the framework of its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction'. 'We cannot consider any other logic', Baghdasaryan said. Advertisement She also claimed that under Armenian legislation, leasing of land existed only for agricultural purposes and 'therefore, the option mentioned by the US Ambassador is not possible'. Baghdasaryan also insisted that Armenia 'has not discussed, and is not discussing, the outsourcing of control over its sovereign territory to any third party'. OC Media has contacted the US Embassy in Turkey for clarification regarding Barrack's statement, but has yet to receive an answer. Previous rumours of a US proposal As the controversy online was underway, US President Donald Trump claimed that his administration had 'solved' the Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict. During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House, Trump suggested that it 'looks like that's going to come to a conclusion — a successful conclusion'. Reports of a US proposal to assist in opening a road between mainland Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan have emerged since early July. There were reports this was among the topics discussed during Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's bilateral talks in Abu Dhabi earlier in July. The proposal was first reported by analyst Olesya Vartanyan in an article for the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Centre. Following Vartanyan's article, the Armenian Foreign Ministry did not deny that the US had suggested participating in the unblocking of regional transit links between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armenian journalist Tatul Hakobyan also reported that Washington had proposed taking control of the route and then transferring control to an 'American-Armenian organisation'. He said the offer had been confirmed by Pashinyan and that it had received 'preliminary consent'. The issue reportedly was discussed during the bilateral talks between the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders on 10 July. Following the meeting, Azerbaijani pro-government media outlet APA reported that the meeting was held in a 'very constructive atmosphere', and that the two countries discussed the proposed road. Armenia and Azerbaijan concluded talks on the text of the peace treaty on 13 March, appearing to have come to an agreement. However, the treaty has remained unsigned as Azerbaijan continues to push for preconditions, including the opening of the road.
