“We know that the authorities of Armenia spoke about their readiness to open regional communications based on the principle of sovereignty and jurisdiction within the framework of equality and reciprocity. Azerbaijan did not reject such an approach. This topic was previously discussed in detail in the format of a trilateral working group under the chairmanship of deputy prime ministers. Unfortunately, this work is now stalled due to the position of our Armenian colleagues,” Zakharova said.
She noted that logically and economically optimal would be the control over the Zangezur corridor by Russian border guards. She also commented on the “Crossroads of Peace” project proposed by the Armenian authorities.
“Russian border guards are already located in the south of the Syunik region, where they protect the border between Armenia and Iran. Regarding the ‘Crossroads of Peace’ – we do not consider it an alternative to the Meghri or any other route. Rather, it’s a broader look at the future of regional and sub-regional communications,” she stated.
Zakharova pointed out the reluctance of external players to facilitate this process.
“As for external players, their reluctance to facilitate the unblocking of communications in the South Caucasus is explained solely by political expediency – they are not interested in increasing the interconnectedness of Armenia and Azerbaijan with each other. They aim to tear the region apart, presenting their interests there without considering the interests of others,” she said.
