Russian Deputy PM reveals details on Armenia-Azerbaijan unblocking talks

 11:34,

YEREVAN, JUNE 19, ARMENPRESS. A ‘comprehensive’ draft document has been developed as a result of the meetings of the Armenia-Azerbaijan-Russia trilateral, deputy prime ministerial meetings on unblocking, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk told TASS news agency.

The drafted document proposes to start the unblocking of regional transport connections with the re-launch of the Yeraskh-Julfa-Meghri-Horadiz railway , and based on respect for the sovereignty of the parties it stipulates the main approaches regarding the procedure of border crossing between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“None of the parties is questioning the reality that individual parts of this road will appear under the jurisdiction of the country on whose territory they are located, therefore regarding the road Azerbaijani legislation will be used in Azerbaijan and Armenian legislation will be used in Armenia. These are seemingly obvious things, but given the relations that have formed between the two states and peoples this must be stipulated,” Overchuk said.

Everyone understands that there is no alternative to peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the best way to achieve peace is to open the opportunity for peaceful partnership for the people, to build a common road for passenger and cargo transport.

“The biggest problem is trust. That’s precisely why the negotiations are proceeding slowly. After all, regular people, Azerbaijanis and Armenians and citizens of other countries will use the road. How will they interact while crossing the border, how will their safety be ensured while traveling on the territory of the other state. This is the main question today that we want to give an answer to, to be sure that nothing bad will happen to these people in the territory of another country. And of course, we are all affected by what’s happening on the border. It would be far easier to find solutions if the shooting stopped,” Overchuk said.

The Russian Deputy PM said that Armenia and Azerbaijan are taking pauses in between the talks to involve experts to analyze each and every proposal.

The draft document has been “nearly entirely” agreed upon at the deputy prime ministerial level, Overchuk said, noting that the main issue – how regular Armenians and Azerbaijanis will interact while crossing the border – still requires work. “This is a highly important part that thus far doesn’t give the answer as to when unblocking will happen.”