Guarantees one of key components of Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process  - FM

ArmInfo.  Guarantees are a key component of Armenia's peace negotiations with Azerbaijan. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated this during  discussions at a conference organized by the Orbeli Analytical  Center, entitled "Peace Quiz: A Conversation with the Armenian  Foreign Minister."

"The issue of guarantees requires a clear, substantive analysis. It  is my deep conviction that in our process, these are not guarantees  from a third party or various peacekeepers or forces. The agreements  reached are beneficial to both Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as  other countries in the region. Mutual benefit is the guarantee that  will strengthen peace between our countries," Mirzoyan asserted.

Regarding the implementation of the Washington agreements regarding  the Trump TRIPPP route, the minister agreed that the project is  attracting significant political attention. He refrained from  comparing the project to water resource management or an airport,  acknowledging its political significance and its role as a guarantor  and instrument of peace. He added that negotiations are currently  underway with the American side regarding the project's  implementation.

"In my view, it should be an Armenian-American company that will  build and handle day-to-day management. This does not imply American  control over the infrastructure. All issues regarding sovereignty and  authority have been resolved and reflected in signed and published  documents. This is only a management issue," Mirzoyan emphasized,  adding that Moscow and Tehran have not officially expressed any  concerns about the project. On the contrary, he stated, Iran and  Russia are interested in the project, especially since Russia  operates another railway company in the country (South Caucasus  Railway - ed.).  At the same time, he stated that everything agreed  upon by the parties has been made public, and the implementation of  any projects will be carried out in accordance with the Washington  agreements. When asked by an Azerbaijani journalist when the  infrastructure in Armenia would be opened, given the fact that the  Kars-Nakhichevan section and the infrastructure in Azerbaijan are  scheduled to open by 2028, Mirzoyan was unable to answer.

According to him, Yerevan is discussing technical issues with the  American side, from documentation to the installation of electronic  scanners. The Armenian Foreign Minister reiterated Armenia's interest  in the project's prompt implementation. The Armenian diplomat also  touched on Baku's lifting of the blockade on transit to Armenia,  calling it an important step. "For its part, Armenia is ready to  ensure transit from Turkey to Azerbaijan. In this context, the  opening of the Kars-Gyumri road is no less important for us, as it  will ensure the transit of goods from Europe to the East," the  Armenian minister concluded.