Armenian Foreign Minister asserts lack of external manipulation in reference to the "Trump Route" plan
In a significant turn of events, the Armenian foreign minister has hailed the initialling of a peace agreement at the White House as a "historic event." This agreement, which is expected to bring an end to the long-standing conflict between the two nations, marks the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
One of the key outcomes of this agreement is the reopening of the Trump Route, a planned road linking mainland Azerbaijan with its exclave Nakhchivan. Interestingly, this project will be undertaken by an Armenian-US consortium, as both countries have agreed to its revival. The operation of infrastructure under this US partnership will be carried out within the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and jurisdiction of the countries involved.
The US has expressed its support for Armenia's "Crossroads of Peace" project, emphasizing Armenia's role as a regional transport hub. In fact, the US President has signed an order to set up a working group to implement the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" programme. High-level discussions on this matter are expected to take place in Yerevan in the near future.
The Washington declaration, which contains seven points, also includes the initialling of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the affirmation of the inviolability of international borders, and the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group and related structures. The declaration further emphasizes the importance of reopening transport links between the two countries for domestic, bilateral, and international traffic, while stressing respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction of states.
The declaration implies that if roads are opened for Azerbaijan, they are opened for Armenia as well, following the principle of reciprocity. As a result, Armenia will gain access to Azerbaijan's railway infrastructure. The US intends to be the main investor in the Trump Route, but Armenia is also ready to work with third parties, including other investors.
The US memorandum on the "Crossroads of Peace" project highlights the need to ensure Armenia's infrastructure and border security, including with the participation of private investors. Furthermore, there is an agreement with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to step up joint work on implementing the components of the strategic partnership.
It's important to note that besides Armenia and the United States, Russia and potentially Iran are involved in matters related to the Trump Route. However, the Washington declaration does not envisage any third-party control over the road, and Russia’s influence is diminished as the US potentially gains control over the transport route through Armenia, while Iran has rejected Azerbaijan's demand for a corridor through Armenia.
The Armenian foreign minister described his visit to Washington as important for advancing the Armenia-US strategic partnership agenda. He is convinced that once the peace treaty is published, all speculation will stop. The initialling and the subsequent public statements have shown that peace, in the sense of no escalation on the border, has already been established. A stage of institutionalizing peace is now beginning.
In conclusion, the peace agreement and the reopening of the Trump Route mark a significant step towards peace and economic cooperation between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The involvement of the US and potential investment in the region could bring about a new era of prosperity for both countries.
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