Russia says trilateral format most optimal for Caucasus unblocking

PanARMENIAN.Net - The most optimal format for negotiations on unblocking transport communications in South Caucasus is the trilateral working group co-chaired by the Deputy Prime Ministers of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, told a briefing Thursday, October 28.

Zakharova made the remarks in response to a question about disagreements between Armenia and Azerbaijan concerning the so-called "Zangezur Corridor".

The Azerbaijani side has on multiple occasions raised the question about a "corridor" through the southern Armenian province of Syunik that would connect Nakhijevan to the rest of Azerbaijan. The Armenian side, however, has repeatedly denied being involved in negotiations for the provision of a corridor to Azerbaijan, stressing that they have only agreed to unblock transport communications in the region.

Zakharova reminded that eight meetings of the Deputy Prime Ministers have already taken place in the trilateral format, and that all parties highly appreciate the activity of the working group.

"We think the correct thing to do is to adhere to statements and steps that contribute to the implementation of trilateral agreements on unblocking all economic and transport links in the Transcaucasus," the diplomat said.

The Deputy PMs of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan first meet in person on January 30 in Moscow to discuss new transport communications that would link Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan. New rail and road routes in the South Caucasus are expected to connect the Azerbaijani Autonomous Republic of Nakhichevan with the rest of the country, for which a road will be built through the territory of Armenia. There will also be road and rail routes through the territory of Azerbaijan to connect Armenia to Russia.