Deputy PM rules out third countries' involvement in Armenia's security matters

Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan has asserted that third countries would not ensure security in Armenia.

This statement comes in a recent briefing in parliament amidst ongoing discussions regarding regional communications and security arrangements, Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media.

According to Armenian media reports, Grigoryan addressed questions regarding the significant disagreements hindering the work of the trilateral working group co-chaired by the deputy prime ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia.

He stated that customs and border control functions must be carried out fully and sovereignly by the Armenian side.

“Only after this will Armenia be prepared to continue discussions, and it desires to do so,” Grigoryan emphasised.

As for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's remarks on the possible role of Federal Security Service (FSB) representatives, who may only be granted a monitoring function along the roads in Syunik, Grigoryan indicated that the context of such arrangements would determine their appropriateness. 

Notably, the Trilateral Commission was formed in early 2021 during a meeting in Moscow attended by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.

They agreed to establish a working group at the deputy prime minister level, aimed at enhancing transport and economic connections in the region.

A key issue concerning regional communications remains the establishment of a link between mainland Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan via Armenian territory.

By Aghakazim Guliyev