ArmInfo. The route alternative to the Lachin corridor will be much safer, President of the Republic of Artsakh (NKR) Arayik Harutyunyan assures.
During a question-and-answer session in the NKR parliament, Harutyunyan stressed that Stepanakert also participated in the discussions on choosing a new route. The choice was made taking into account some security issues that the President of Artsakh chose not to raise.
"As for the new route connecting Artsakh with Armenia, we received several proposals from both Azerbaijan and Russia. All proposals were rejected. The current route, or rather the proposed one, was discussed several times in the Security Council, with the participation of all political forces present in parliament. We have chosen what we think is the best option. There are secrets that I don't want to reveal here. Why did we choose this option? Based on our considerations for future security.
After the road is ready, we will have the opportunity to express our opinion on whether the quality of the road meets the standards that we need and whether it will be safe. I think it will be much safer given the many security issues." Harutyunyan assured, promising to reveal details related to security behind closed doors.
Answering the MP's question about deramenization of these territories, Harutyunyan noted that the issue of the deportation of Armenians from Aghavno was not discussed. "Paragraph 6 of the statement dated November 9, 2020, states that we have to leave the city of Berdzor. As for Aghavno, the government of the Republic of Artsakh continues negotiations," the President of Artsakh said.
At the same time, he noted that no one told the residents of Berdzor to leave their homes. However, according to him, the residents of Berdzor and Sus received appropriate compensation within the framework of social programs.
"Despite everything, we must leave Berdzor. I consider it unlikely that our compatriots will be able to live in Berdzor in the future. But we will continue our struggle in Aghavno," the NKR President said, adding that the issue of the bypass road was discussed many times with various circles , and never left the agenda. It should be noted that at present Azerbaijan is actively building an alternative road that will connect Artsakh with Armenia, bypassing Berdzor and Aghavno. During an online press conference on June 27, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that the tripartite statement of November 9, 2020 provides for a change in the route of the Lachin corridor with the consent of the parties. According to him, in case of a change in the route, the territories that are not included in the borders of the former NKAO will come under the control of Azerbaijan. The prime minister stated that the Armenian government would resolve the issue of providing housing for the residents of the city of Berdzor, and the authorities of Artsakh would resolve a similar issue for the residents of the village of Aghavno.