July 10, 2026
In a briefing with journalists on July 8, European Union Ambassador to Armenia Vasilis Maragos said that the European Union plans to build three border checkpoints in Armenia, and the first precondition for the implementation of these plans will be demining the territories.
In this context, he presented the modern demining machine donated by the EU to Armenia.
To the question whether the vehicle will serve only the security of the border population or also infrastructure projects, the ambassador answered that it will be important in both directions.
“Communication projects require clearing the areas through which they have to pass. As you know, we have already committed to building three border checkpoints and are currently working on the details of that project. However, demining will be the first necessary step so that these important construction works can move forward,” said Maragos, without elaborating on which areas the construction of border checkpoints is planned.
Colonel of the RA Armed Forces Reserve, military expert Hayk Nahapetyan in other words, if the EU ambassador did not give additional details about those border checkpoints, it means that he is checking public opinion with that statement.
“Naturally, if the word “demining” is used, it means that the checkpoints will be on the border with Azerbaijan. Opening of the border with Azerbaijan, border guards, border guard troops and services. And what is the meaning of those checkpoints in this case, so that the citizens of Azerbaijan come to Armenia through those checkpoints and the citizens of Armenia go to Azerbaijan?
Now they are trying to check whether our people have an inner conviction that nothing bad will happen to us after this opening, or whether the dose of hostility is so high that they will oppose and say, “Don’t open any border crossing”. 168.amHayk Nahapetyan said in a conversation with
According to Hayk Nahapetyan, if there is a general background of indifference, then they will understand that it is time to open these checkpoints. In his opinion, the purpose of opening these checkpoints is, of course, not the development of tourism, nor economic activity. The reaction of the public is simply being checked and the people are being prepared that Azerbaijanis can still come to Armenia.
“The public is being psychologically prepared that Azerbaijanis can come and go to Armenia. Today, the representatives of the observation mission, which is the same EU structure, are given the status of implementing a diplomatic mission, therefore now is the time for Nikol Pashinyan to fulfill his promises. As Aliyev said, Azerbaijanis will not come to Armenia by tanks, they will come by car and through these checkpoints,” added Hayk Nahapetyan.
The expert is sure that it was decided in the EU that such a statement should be made in Armenia at such a time that public opinion is weak and does not have a significant impact on the process.
In this context, Hayk Nahapetyan also recalled the conferences held by some Armenians and Azerbaijanis in Armenia and Azerbaijan.
“Azerbaijan has committed many crimes against Armenians, there is no remorse for it, and there is no real demand from the Armenian government.
I think Nikol Pashinyan accepted the demand to open those checkpoints on October 6, 2022 in Prague, when he recognized Artsakh as a part of Azerbaijan,” emphasized Hayk Nahapetyan.
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