Armenian PM clarifies delimitation principle with Azerbaijan

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan elucidated the essence of the delimitation process with Azerbaijan in Tavush (Tovuzgala - ed.), emphasizing its adherence to the legally binding Soviet maps from 1976.

Caliber.Az reports citing Armenian media that Pashinyan made these remarks during a government session on May 16. He highlighted that these maps underwent verification in 1979 through a process known as the "duty process."

Pashinyan underscored Armenia's commitment to the delimitation process based on the logic established in the Soviet maps, as deviating from this logic would potentially lead to perpetual escalation.

"Our priority was to ensure that no new border is established between our countries, but rather a replication of the border delineated by the Almaty Declaration. We now have references to the maps, and these are the last USSR maps that hold legal validity," he said.

Regarding specific areas, Pashinyan noted that while there are no issues along the sections of Voskepar - Baganis and Berkaber villages, challenges persist near Kirants village (part of the road through the village and several houses pass under the control of Azerbaijan - ed.). However, he expressed optimism about reaching compromise solutions through discussions.

Pashinyan elaborated on the "duty process," explaining that it involved a continuous effort to reconcile borders among the former USSR republics per legislation. The clarified borders received legal validation from the authorized geodesy and cartography body of the USSR. Periodically, this body gathered border decisions from the republics, which held legal weight within their respective territories. All pertinent information from the republics was compiled by the geodesy and cartography body, which underwent further verification. Subsequently, a cartographic basis was established to delineate the border lines between the republics. The borders between the Armenian SSR and the Azerbaijan SSR were officially confirmed in 1979 through this process.