Politics

According to the Deputy, Armenia is open to outsourcing the Syunik road if the principles are maintained. "Azatutyun"

If the principles are maintained, Armenia is not against the delegation of the Syunik road, Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan stated in an interview with "Azatutyun".

"Azatutyun"—The deputy prime ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, Mher Grigoryan and Shahin Mustafayev, are also participating in the negotiations in Abu Dhabi. Does this mean that the topic of lifting the blockade will also be at the core of the talks?

Mnatsakan Safaryan: During the negotiations, the entire complex of the negotiation agenda is usually discussed. What will be the result, what agenda will be formed? We should wait after the meeting.

"Azatutyun"—Will the proposals of the American side become a subject of negotiations?

Safaryan- Various proposals have been presented, and we have made statements about them. Depending on how much they align with Armenia's interests and how expedient they may be considered, they may occur or not.

"Azatutyun"—And "it may happen, it may not, what does it depend on?

Safaryan- I said, that is, how much it will correspond to Armenia's interests and how much the parties will agree on it, so that both parties are satisfied with their provisions; however, it is now difficult to say.

"Azatutyun"—Is it still acceptable for Armenia to outsource the functions related to lifting the blockade to an international organization?

Safaryan-  Yes.

"Azatutyun" - That is, can any third-party company, if the parties agree that it be on the principle of reciprocity, control that road?

Safaryan-   If it fully corresponds to the principles declared by us, it can be implemented.

"Azatutyun"- Will that international company carry out the control?

Safaryan - I note that if the principles are maintained.

"Azatutyun" - Can another organization carry out the control?

Safaryan-  Control is the wrong word, as it is not applicable in this case. Let me repeat: this process must be carried out under the sovereignty, jurisdiction, and territorial integrity of Armenia. If it complies with these principles, yes, it can be carried out. This is a matter for discussion; reciprocity must be ensured.

"Azatutyun" - And when did Yerevan receive the American proposals on lifting the blockade?

Safaryan: I find it challenging to specify a specific date, some time ago, but there have been other proposals.

Azatutyun" - From which parties?

Safaryan - I can't say now, but several such proposals are under discussion, and I want to point out again that if they correspond to Armenia's interests within the framework of lifting the blockade, they can be considered.

"Azatutyun" - And have those proposals that Yerevan and Baku received from different sides been discussed in any other format besides today's meeting, since there are no face-to-face contacts?

Safaryan - Today is a very good opportunity to touch on them. I don't know if there will be a touch on them or not, because the agenda of the negotiations in that particular case may be different. There may be a touch on them.

"Azatutyun"—And "what is the specific agenda?

Safaryan - I wouldn't want to talk about that.

"Azatutyun"—What is Armenia's expectation from today's negotiations?

Safaryan - Naturally, this has been mentioned many times. We have declared our political will to reach an agreement with Armenia, and the deal has already been mutually agreed upon. The continuation of the negotiations aims to finalize the signing of the contract.

"Azatutyun"—Does the Armenian side hope that Azerbaijan will step back from its preconditions?

Safaryan - This is a subject of negotiations, and it is premature to make any comments on it; the essence of the negotiations lies in this.

"Azatutyun"— Mr. Safaryan, is it possible that some document or statement will be signed today?

Safaryan- Before the negotiations, I cannot say in advance what will be discussed during the negotiations.