Armenia has proposed Azerbaijan to ensure rail communication between the latter’s western regions and Nakhijevan Autonomous Republic, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a press conference today.
“We propose to ensure railway freight communication from the western regions of Azerbaijan to the Autonomous Republic of Nakhijevan and vise versa through the territory of Armenia, more specifically through Meghri,” PM Pashinyan said.
He noted that the other railway between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Tavush region has been heavily damaged due to landslide and the renovation will require huge investments.
“We have also proposed a railway connection from Yeraskh through the territory of Nakhijevan to Meghri and vice versa,” the Prime Minister said, adding that Armenia should use these connections through the territory of Azerbaijan for international trade or cargo transportation, and Azerbaijan should use the territory of Armenia for international trade or cargo transportation.
According to the Prime Minister, it will be possible to think about passenger transportation when the tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan ease.
“We have made this proposal and are expecting a positive response from Azerbaijan. I don’t really understand why they should reject it. We have found a solution that solves the issues posed by both sides,” PM Pashinyan said.
He emphasized that the proposal fully complies with the Crossroads of Peace project and meets the expectations that Azerbaijan has been raising during negotiations.
“We are not against unhindered communication, but unhindered does not mean bypassing the jurisdiction of the Republic of Armenia. The modern world seeks to ensure unhindered communication in all directions, and we are ready for these solutions,” Pashinyan concluded.
