Expert on regional matters: Azerbaijan vehicles will travel more than 350km in Armenia territory

NEWS.am
Armenia – Aug 22 2022

The National Security Service (NSS) of the Republic of Armenia (RA) has already put into circulation the document prepared on the basis of the instructions by PM Nikol Pashinyan, and which plans to open three checkpoints with Azerbaijan for the movement of vehicles. TV journalist, expert on regional matters Nairi Hokhikyan wrote about this on Facebook and, also, publicized a map attached to this post.

"As we learn from the announcement of the NSS, there will be checkpoints in Sotk-Karvachar (near Vardenis) of Gegharkunik Province, Karahunj (near Goris) of Syunik Province, and Yeraskh of Ararat Province.

Since Azerbaijan regularly insists on the need for a land connection with Nakhichevan, we realize that the most important checkpoint for it is in Yeraskh, near which, on the hill, there are Azerbaijani strongholds for a long time already.

The other two checkpoints, Sotk and Karahunj, will connect the north and south of Azerbaijan with the Sadarak settlement of Nakhichevan.

Since the safety of the Azerbaijanis must be specially ensured, I assume that their convoys will be accompanied by military personnel—probably Russians, or even Armenian policemen. The sad experience of Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh))] shows that during the hours when Azerbaijani convoys pass through Armenian roads, they are closed for Armenians.

It turns out that Azerbaijani vehicles will travel more than 350km in the territory of Armenia in a convoy and armed escort—blocking local and international roads, prohibiting the free movement of RA residents.

This is the reality that awaits us if Nikol Pashinyan's arrangement and instruction is fulfilled," Hokhikyan added, in particular.