Today, on April 14, the next freight train departed from Azerbaijan to Armenia. Thus, 22 wagons (1298 tons) of diesel fuel were sent from Baku to Yerevan. According to the information, at the same time, another cargo shipment from Russia to Armenia was carried out via transit through Azerbaijani territory. It is reported that a fertilizer shipment consisting of 4 wagons, with a total weight of 240 tons, will be sent from Bileceri station towards Boyuk Kesik.
Since the restoration of relations, a total of 6312 tons of diesel fuel, 979 tons of AI-92 gasoline, and 2955 tons of AI-95 gasoline have been transported from Azerbaijan to Armenia, as well as 23.9 thousand tons of grain, over 1100 tons of fertilizer, and 68 tons of buckwheat products from Russia to Armenia via transit through Azerbaijan. If we add grain transported from Kazakhstan to this, it can be said that Armenia benefits sufficiently from the transit opened by Azerbaijan and from our country's peacekeeping position. It is no coincidence that Nikol Pashinyan, who continuously thanks Azerbaijan, talks about the great benefits of these relations for Armenia and uses this factor in election propaganda. The arguments of a decrease in fuel prices and a blow to monopoly serve the current Armenian government well.
Pashinyan, even without a "cadastral document" for Armenia, unfolds the country’s map from his collar, travels to various regions, meets with voters, and frankly states that peace and cooperation with Azerbaijan promise a normal future for Armenians. These days, Pashinyan confidently said, "We are stepping into a new phase of economic development, which is related to the peace process established between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We expect important events soon related to the start of the TRIPP project (Zangezur corridor - ed.)" He noted that Armenia has lifted the blockade. "Cargo transportation to Armenia through Azerbaijan has been possible, but it was done via Georgia. After TRIPP is implemented, this will be realized directly between Azerbaijan and Armenia," Pashinyan once again emphasized the importance of the Zangezur corridor project for his country.
Indeed, at such a time, Russia-aligned forces and revanchists are again trying to stir up trouble. It is no coincidence that Armenian experts also issue warnings about this. For example, political expert Samvel Meliksetyan said that Russia started to blackmail Armenia ahead of the parliamentary elections to be held on June 7. Meliksetyan spoke about the "Trump route" and claimed that before the implementation of the "Trump route" program (or the Zangezur corridor), it is necessary to open roads. Quote: "Events in Iran have shown that Azerbaijan also needs to establish more stable relations with Nakhchivan. The practical phase of the 'Trump route' may occur in 2030-31, so it would be wrong to wait for 2030-31 and close other communications."
Given the military operations against Iran, there is no serious basis to conclude that tensions may arise along the Zangezur corridor route. First of all, Azerbaijan once again confirmed through concrete actions, humanitarian aid to Iran, its non-participation in any anti-Iran coalition, and the restoration of our embassy’s activities that it is not involved in any negative plan against Iran. The Iranian leadership has repeatedly expressed its gratitude to Azerbaijan for this principled, just, and courageous position and independent policy. After all this, it would not be logical for Iran to create obstacles to the Zangezur corridor, which is a very important project for the region. If
there is any talk of a step involving the US, then Iran should have long ago inspected the contingent of the American embassy in Yerevan and asked why, almost half the personnel of the Russian military base in Gyumri, about the same number of “diplomats” are gathered here. But if none of this has happened, then there should be no obstacles to the construction of the Armenian part of the Zangezur corridor, which has become an "indispensable" route for Azerbaijan. Moreover, Iran's consulate general is located right "at the ear" of this corridor in Gafan, and it can be observed that there is no concern here. On the other hand, in accordance with the agreement reached between Azerbaijan and Iran, the Agband-Kalala bridge has been built, and if the war had not started, the opening of this bridge over the Aras river would have taken place. Surely, following the subsiding of the Hormuz tension, steps will be taken forward in the direction of the Aras corridor because it is an important issue for Azerbaijan in terms of facilitating relations with the Nakhchivan region. Iran will also gain from this.
It is worth recalling: no objections have come from the US or others to the construction of the Aras corridor, and it would be absurd if they did. If the Aras corridor is considered the logical outcome of the agreement between Azerbaijan and Iran, then the attitude towards the Zangezur corridor should be the same; otherwise, it is cruelty. Admittedly, the Kremlin would have preferred the project to be implemented with its participation, but this matter should have been agreed with Armenia in due time. However, it ignored the non-implementation of the last article of the November 10, 2020 declaration, resulting in the US stepping forward and reaching an agreement in Washington. Therefore, there are no serious grounds—and cannot be—to claim any obstacle to the Zangezur corridor.
Azerbaijan and Armenia are pleased with the normalization of relations, and Turkey's political will is evident. On the other hand, the Zangezur corridor is a very important issue for the Organization of Turkic States. It is no coincidence that recently high-level official visits were made from Kazakhstan to Baku and Yerevan. Armenia will be relieved from the Yukhari Lars oppression, will avoid the costs of traveling via Georgia, and a 42 km distance will be covered to exit the blockade. What is wrong with that? Even revanchists cannot oppose the Zangezur corridor; otherwise, during the pre-election period, it would be the greatest misfortune for the Armenian people!
President Ilham Aliyev reiterated his statement when receiving the participants of the meeting of prime ministers – vice presidents of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States: "90% of the road and 70% of the railway of the Zangezur corridor have been completed. I hope that this project will be fully implemented in the near future."
The Turkish side is carrying out the construction of the 224 km section. Armenia must build and put the 42 km section into use without hesitation; there is no other option!
After all this, anyone claiming the right to block the road is tantamount to suicide. Whereas once a “stone thrown from the bush” would hit the heel, now at most it may hit the rails of the trains passing through the Zangezur corridor...
Elshad PASHASOY