ArmInfo.Armenia is holding discussions on a new route between Armenia and Artsakh with its Russian partners, Armenia's Premier Nikol Pashinyan stated at an online news conference.
A new road that would be an alternative to the Lachin corridor is under construction. Under the trilateral agreement of November 9, 2020, during three years, with the parties consent, the corridor route is to be changed. As a result, the territories beyond the boundaries of the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region will become part of Azerbaijan. The route will be changed to ensure more reliable highway service between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.
"We are solving the Berdzor residents' problems by means of government decisions. Of course, the population must be provided with housing. As regards Ahavno, the Artsakh government can resolve the villagers' problems," the premier said. The route will be changed after Russian troops establish control over the new route. The corridor must be under Russian peacekeepers' full control, Mr Pashinyan said.
Speaking of Armenian POWs, the premier said that official Baku is trying to discredit Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh by not handing the POW over. 90% of the confirmed captives were taken captive after the Russian peacekeepers' were deployed in their responsibility zone, and the Armenian side has repeatedly stated the fact during meetings with its Russian partners. One of the examples is Khtsaberd, when a large group of Armenian servicemen was taken captive after the November 9 agreement was signed. Khtsaberd must de jure be under Russian peacekeepers' control, but some changes have taken place. The locations have several times been revised based on maps. Armenia, Russia and thee international community must take measures for all the prisoners to be returned. Two groups are now in Azerbaijan: one group officially confirmed by Baku, 38 people; the second group, people reported captive, but Azerbaijan has not confirmed it. The Armenian side considers them missing by force. The issue of captives is being raised at all the working meetings, and international trials are taking place. "We are going to be consistent to have all of them return," Mr Pashinyan said.