ArmInfo. The issue of the return of Armenian prisoners of war from Azerbaijani captivity should not be associated with the issue of unblocking transport communications in the region. Hovik Aghazaryan, a MP from the ruling "My Step" faction, said this on January 27 at the discussions on the implementation of the 9th point of the trilateral statement signed by the leaders of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan.
According to him, today among the public, especially in the opposition field, there are fears caused by the lack of progress in negotiations on the return of prisoners of war, and, at the same time, the imposition of an initiative to unblock transport communications. The MP expressed confidence that the issue of the prisoners of war will be resolved within the next month. He recalled that within the framework of the trilateral statement, a working group was formed under the leadership of the co-chairs from each side, the first meeting of which will be held today. As Hovik Aghazaryan noted, it is important to understand the responsibility of the parties, proportional solution of all problems and prospects in this issue. He expressed confidence that during the work of the working group all these issues will be resolved.
In turn, head of the "Apaven" transport and logistics company Gagik Aghajanyan agreed that the two issues are not interconnected, but consultations on the issue of unblocking transport communications should definitely be held. During these consultations, the parties should be informed that neither the modernization of the roads, nor the construction can be carried out until the 8th paragraph of the statement on the return of prisoners of war is implemented. "There can be no economic cooperation as long as there is such a painful issue as the return of prisoners of war and the bodies of the dead on the agenda," Gagik Aghajanyan said.
He noted that at first glance, it seems that the unblocking of transport communications meets the interests of the parties. But in each specific case, studies are needed to determine the feasibility of their renewal and exploitation, their role and significance for the Armenian economy. According to Aghajanyan, one cannot approach the issue from a theoretical point of view about the necessity or importance of roads. He recalled that the road cannot pass along Khudaferin, if it passes, it must be laid to the north. And for this reason, the statements of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev about the possibility of building 166 km of the road for $ 450 million are ridiculous. The Kars-Akhalkalaki road with a length of 135 km also cost $ 450 million, but over $ 1 billion was spent. This road was supposed to be built in 2 years, but actually built in 11 years.
He also stated that if non-Armenian carriers are involved in the operation of the railway from Meghri, it will be against Armenia's national interests. Until 1988 - the beginning of the Krabakh movement, Armenia possessed the most extensive railway system, being a crossroads between four states. But in 30 years there have been major changes. Soon the Astara-Rasht railway will be put into operation, and the Kars- Akhalkalaki road will be built, and the only road that has not bypassed Armenia is the south one, and if this corridor is given away, the country may be left with nothing at all. Moreover, Turkey has already announced its intention to build the Kars-Igdir-Sharuzh road, and having transferred 45 km of the road as a corridor, that Armenia will benefit from this, the head of the company asks.