In the tripartite statement dated November 10, 2020, Armenia undertook to guarantee the safety of transport links between the western regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in order to organize the unhindered movement of citizens, vehicles and cargo in both directions.
Publika.az It is reported that Hikmet Hajiyev, assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan – Head of the Department of Foreign Policy of the Presidential Administration, said this in an interview with the German newspaper “Berliner Zeitung”.
He noted that Azerbaijan is interested in establishing necessary relations with Nakhchivan, but Armenia has been obstructing this process for three years despite its commitment.
“Therefore, Azerbaijan has already reached an agreement with Iran on an alternative route through its territory. We do not intend to wait for the Armenian side to be ready to fulfill its obligations and use every opportunity to diversify our communication routes,” he said.
H. Hajiyev stressed that Azerbaijan expects goods to be released from customs and border control only when they are transported from the main part of Azerbaijan to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
He noted that when goods are transported from Azerbaijan to a third country, the applicable customs and border control will be ensured by Armenia.
“What is important is whether Armenia is really interested in this project. Once there is a good desire, the technical issues can be found through creative thinking. No need to invent the bicycle. The route through Armenia is Yerevan’s responsibility and they must follow it. In other words, “Pacta sunt servanda” (Agreements must be fulfilled), H. Hajiyev said.
The presidential assistant said that international experience and humanitarian principles require Armenia to stop blocking Nakhchivan from the main part of Azerbaijan.
“For now, we do not see any effort from Armenia. On the contrary, Armenia, being the initiator of the “Crossroads of Peace” project, is trying to evade its obligations arising from the tripartite Declaration and falsely present itself as a party that actively supports the opening of the regional blockade. However, in reality, it is Armenia that still hinders the opening of communication in the region,” H. Hajiyev added.
